The Asymmetric Distribution of Heat Flow along Mid-Oceanic Ridges

Abstract

Observations of heat flow along nine geotraverses across mid-oceanic ridges in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans are analyzed statistically. It is found that there is significant heat flow distribution asymmetry: opposite sides of the axis of the ridges differ in the average heat flow. Geotraverses in the Southern Hemisphere of the Earth exhibit higher average heat flow on the western flanks of the mid-oceanic ridges, while geotraverses in the Northern Hemisphere are characterized by higher average heat flow along the eastern flanks. Various tectonic factors are taken into account when explaining this phenomenon; however, it is suggested that the Coriolis force must be considered the main factor responsible for this asymmetry, causing redistribution of magmatic material in the asthenospheric reservoir.