The main stages of the development of the Atlantic Ocean morphostructure in the light of the global plate tectonics

Abstract

The paleomorphostructural schemes of the Atlantic Ocean are compiled and its development during Meso-Cenozoic is described based on the materials of the geologic-geophysical studies. The three stages are distinguished: a) the ocean opening (Late Yurastsic-Early Cretaceous), b) main morphostructures formation (Late Cretaceous-Early Paleogene), c) the neotectonic stage (Late Paleogene-recent time). The lateral and vertical tectonic movements, fractures and faults, volcanism and sedimentation controlled the formation of the ocean bottom morphostructure.