Evolution of bottom topography in oceans of the Atlantic type: a mathematical model

Abstract

The ocean floor spreading and the subsidence of cooling oceanic plate, the transport and settling down of terrigenous sediments, the transport along the continental slope, consolidation and isostatic subsidence of sedimentary layers are considered. Profiles of the ocean floor and the structure of sedimentary mantle at the successive moments of geological time are obtained by means of mathematical modelling. The role of progressive motions proved to be leading in the evolution of the largest forms of the ocean bottom relief. There are three types of motions, namely vertical (subsidence) at mid-oceanic ridges, horizontal (moving apart) at continental terraces and diagonal motions (down and apart from the ridge axis) within abyssal plains. Progressive motions combine with expansion of landforms.