New Data on the Structure of the Laptev Sea Flank of the Gakkel Ridge (Arctic Ocean)

Abstract

The article provides new data on the structure of the Laptev Sea flank of the Gakkel Ridge. The intensive supply of clastic material from the Laptev Sea shelf leads to the development of a thick alluvial fan at the continental rise, which determines the structure of the bottom topography. In the northwestern direction, the influence of the fan decreases and tectonics becomes the main relief-forming factor. The bathymetric survey traced the asymmetrical rift valley of the Gakkel Ridge, the western flank of which is complicated by terraces. The presence of fault structures, bottom subsidence, extensive sediment supply, and the widespread development of subaqueous slump processes indicate the high neotectonic activity of the Laptev Sea flank of the Gakkel Ridge. For the first time in this region, numerous carbonate rocks have been discovered, the authigenic cement of which is represented by magnesian calcite or aragonite with an admixture of terrigenous material. The palynological and micropaleontological analysis of the carbonate rocks indicates the Quaternary formation of authigenic carbonate cement. An important role in the formation of authigenic carbonates was played by diagenetic solutions coming from the sedimentary cover together with methane and oxidation products of gases and organic matter. The authigenic carbonates were precipitated mainly in an isotopic equilibrium with bottom water at a temperature of about 0°C. The negative correlation between ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and δ¹³C indicates the presence of at least two different sources of carbonate-forming solutions.