A Comparative Analysis of the Structure of the Tectonosphere of the Conrad and Afanasy Nikitin Rises (Indian Ocean) Using Geophysical Data

Abstract

Abstract—2D density modeling was performed for profiles crossing seamounts of the Conrad Rise (Lena, Ob’ and Marion Dufresne), which is located in the southwestern part of the Indian Ocean and the Afanasy Nikitin Rise, which is located in the central part of the Indian Ocean. According to widespread belief, the Marion Dufresne Seamount and the Afanasy Nikitin Rise were formed by a hotspot 83–73 Ma ago. The 2D density modeling revealed a similar structure of the crust and lithosphere within those formations, thus confirming that they were formed 83–73 Ma ago as a result of the action of the same hotspot. The results we obtained also confirmed that the Lena and Ob’ seamounts of the Conrad Rise were formed later due to the resumed activity of the hotspot under the Antarctic Plate.