The Tectonosphere and Formation of the Mozambique Ridge: Density and Physical Modeling

Abstract

The tectonosphere and formation conditions of the Mozambique Ridge are considered. The Mozambique Ridge is located in the southwestern part of the Indian Ocean between the Natal and the Mozambique Mesozoic basins. The formation of the ridge is still debatable issue. The anomalous structure of the crust of the Mozambique Ridge can be explained either by underplating (thickening of the oceanic crust from below due to magmatism) or by stretching and thinning of the continental crust. Based on gravity and magnetic field anomalies, seismotomography and other geological and geophysical data, density modeling along four profiles was carried out. Physical modeling determined the formation conditions of the Mozambique Ridge, which was formed due to the splitting of the African–Antarctic continent, the presence of structural heterogeneities in the lithosphere of the African continent, and the influence of the Karoo plume.