Thesis: Ph. D., Joint Program in Marine Geology and Geophysics (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences; and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution), 2014. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references. / Here I use a simple numerical model of reef profile evolution to show that the present-day morphology of carbonate islands has developed largely in response to late Pleistocene sea level oscillations in addition to variable vertical motion and reef accretion rates. In particular, large amplitude 'ice-house' sea-level variability resulted in long lagoonal depositional hiatuses, producing the morphology characteristic of modern-day barrier reefs. Reactivation of carbonate factories, transport of coarse reef material and rapid infilling of shallow water accommodation space since deglaciation makes these unique sites for reconstructing Holocene climate. Integration of new tropical cyclone reconstructions from both back-barrier reef (central Pacific) and carbonate bank (the Bahamas) settings with existing storm archives suggests a coordinated pattern of cyclone activity across storm basins since the late Holocene. Seesawing of intense tropical cyclone activity between the western Pacific (-0- 1000 yrs BP) and North Atlantic/Central Pacific (~1000 ~2500 yrs BP) appears closely tied with hydrographic patterns in the tropical Pacific and El Niflo-like variability. Decoupling of North Atlantic (inactive) and South Pacific (active) tropical cyclone patterns during the mid-Holocene suggests precession driven changes in storm season insolation may constrain ocean-atmosphere thermal gradients and therefore cyclone potential intensity on orbital timescales. / by Michael Toomey. / Ph. D.

Thesis (Ph. D. in Geophysics)--Joint Program in Marine Geology and Geophysics (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences; and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution), 2013. / Page 176 blank. Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references. / In this thesis we present results from inversion of data using dense arrays of collocated seismic and magnetotelluric stations located in the Cascadia subduction zone region of central Washington. In the migrated seismic section, we clearly image the top of the slab and oceanic Moho, as well as a velocity increase corresponding to the eclogitization of the hydrated upper crust. A deeper velocity increase is interpreted as the eclogitization of metastable gabbros, assisted by fluids released from the dehydration of upper mantle chlorite. A low velocity feature interpreted as a fluid/melt phase is present above this transition. The serpentinized wedge and continental Moho are also imaged. The magnetotelluric image further constrains the fluid/melt features, showing a rising conductive feature that forms a column up to a conductor indicative of a magma chamber feeding Mt. Rainier. This feature also explains the disruption of the continental Moho found in the migrated image. Exploration of the assumption of smoothness implicit in the standard MT inversion provides tools that enable us to generate a more accurate MT model. This final MT model clearly demonstrates the link between slab derived fluids/melting and the Mt. Rainier magma chamber. / by R. Shane McGary. / Ph.D.in Geophysics

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Joint Program in Marine Geology and Geophysics (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences; and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution), 2009. / Includes bibliographical references. / To explore the ability of melting mafic lithologies to produce alkaline ocean-island basalts (OIB), an experimental study was carried out measuring clinopyroxene (Cpx)melt and garnet (Gt)-melt partition coefficients during silica-poor garnet pyroxenite melting for a suite of trace elements, including U and Th, at 2.5GPa and 1420-1450°C. Partition coefficients range from 0.0083+0.0006 to 0.020+0.002 for Th and 0.0094+0.0006 to 0.024+0.002 for U in Cpx, and are 0.0032+0.0004 for Th and 0.013+0.002 for U in Gt. Forward-melting calculations using these experimental results to model time-dependent uranium-series isotopes do not support the presence of a fixed quantity of garnet pyroxenite in the source of OIB. To use U-series isotopes to further constrain mantle heterogeneity and the timing and nature of melting and melt transport processes, U-Th-Pa-Ra disequilibria, radiogenic isotopes, and trace-element compositions were measured for the slow-spreading Arctic mid-ocean ridges (MOR). A focused case study of 33 young (<10ka) MOR basalts (MORB) from the shallow endmember of the global ridge system, the Kolbeinsey Ridge (67°05'-70°26'N) found that unaltered Kolbeinsey MORB have universally high (230Th/238U) (1.165-1.296) and relatively uniform (230Th/232Th) (1.196-1.324), ENd (8.4310.49), 87Sr/86Sr (0.70274-0.70301), EHf(16.59-19.56), and Pb isotopes (e.g. 208Pb/206Pb 2.043-2.095). This suggests a homogeneous mantle source and a long peridotite melting column produces the thick Kolbeinsey crust. Trace element ratios suggest a young, depleted mantle source. Data from the slow- to ultraslow Mohns and Knipovich Ridges north of Kolbeinsey form a sloped array, and (230Th/232Th) correlates systematically with radiogenic isotopic variations. / (cont.) These data are readily reproduced by models for heterogeneous mantle melting. MORB from 85oE on the global ultraslow-spreading endmember Gakkel Ridge are homogeneously depleted with low (230Th/238U) and high (226Ra/230Th) that lie along a global negative correlation. Arctic data support a global mantle temperature control on mean (230Th/238U). / by Lynne J. Elkins. / Ph.D.

Thesis: Ph. D., Joint Program in Marine Geology and Geophysics (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences; and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution), February, 2021 / Cataloged from the official PDF of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (pages 175-198). / Subduction zones host the greatest earthquakes on earth and pose great threat to human society. The largest slip in megathrust earthquakes often occurs in the 10-50 km depth range, yet seismic imaging of the material properties in this region has proven difficult. This thesis focuses on developing methods to utilize high frequency (2-12 Hz) seismic waves scattered from the megathrust plate interface to constrain its fine-scale velocity structures and to investigate the relationship between velocity structures and megathrust slip behaviors. Chapter 2 investigates the locking condition of the subducted Gorda plate by simulating afterslip that would be expected as a result of the stress changes from offshore strike-slip earthquakes. Chapter 3 develops array analysis methods to identify P-to-S and S-to-P seismic converted phases that convert at the subducted Gorda plate interface from local earthquakes and uses them to constrain the geometry and material properties of the plate boundary fault of the subducted Gorda plate between 5-20 km depth. Chapters 4 and 5 use a dense nodal array and numerical modeling methods to study the seismic guided waves that propagate along the thin low velocity layer at the boundary of the subducted Gorda plate. Taken together, our results indicate that material properties of the subduction plateboundary fault is highly heterogeneous and the plate-boundary fault is potentially contained in a low velocity layer with significant porosity and fluid content at seismogenic depths. / by Jianhua Gong. / Ph. D. / Ph.D. Joint Program in Marine Geology and Geophysics (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences; and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

Although the leading-order motion of waves is periodic - in other words backwards and forwards - many types of waves including those driven by gravity induce a mean flow as a higher-order effect. It is the induced mean flow of three types of gravity waves that this thesis examines: surface (part I), internal (part II) and interfacial gravity waves (part III). In particular, this thesis examines wave groups. Because they transport energy, momentum and other tracers, wave-induced mean flows have important consequences for climate, environment, air traffic, fisheries, offshore oil and other industries. In this thesis perturbation methods are used to develop a simplified understanding of the physics of the induced mean flow for each of these three types of gravity wave groups. Leading-order estimates of different transport quantities are developed. For surface gravity wave groups (part I), the induced mean flow consists of two compo- nents: the Stokes drift dominant near the surface and the Eulerian return flow acting in the opposite direction and dominant at depth. By considering subsequent orders in a separation of scales expansion and by comparing to the Fourier-space solutions of Longuet-Higgins and Stewart (1962), this thesis shows that the effects of frequency dis- persion can be ignored for deep-water waves with realistic bandwidths. An approximate depth scale is developed and validated above which the Stokes drift is dominant and below which the return flow wins: the transition depth. Results are extended to include the effects of finite depth and directional spreading. Internal gravity wave groups (part II) do not display Stokes drift, but a quantity analogous to Stokes transport for surface gravity waves can still be developed, termed the “divergent- flux induced flow” herein. The divergent-flux induced flow it itself a divergent flow and induces a response. In a three-dimensional geometry, the divergent-flux induced flow and the return flow form a balanced circulation in the horizontal plane with the former transporting fluid through the centre of the group and the latter acting in the opposite direction around the group. In a two-dimensional geometry, stratification inhibits a balanced circulation and a second type of waves are generated that travel far ahead and in the lee of the wave group. The results in the seminal work of Bretherton (1969b) are thus validated, explicit expressions for the response and return flow are developed and compared to numerical simulations in the two-dimensional case. Finally, for interfacial wave groups (part III) the induced mean flow is shown to behave analogously to the surface wave problem of part I. Exploring both pure interfacial waves in a channel with a closed lid and interacting surface and interfacial waves, expressions for the Stokes drift and return flow are found for different configurations with the mean set-up or set-down of the interface playing an important role.

The largest earthquakes on Earth take place on the megathrusts of subduction zones, but the slip behavior of megathrusts is variable. This thesis considers why by conducting local, regional and global studies of the interrelationships between the structure and seismogenic behavior of subduction zones. New marine geophysical data collected from the collision zone between the Louisville Ridge seamount chain with the Tonga-Kermadec trench constrain overthrusting and subducting plate structure. Mo'unga seamount is identified beneath the outer-forearc, which calibrates the association of residual bathymetric anomalies and subducting relief, implies an E-W geometry for the subducted ridge and suggests the 200 km wide Louisville seismic gap is modulated by the sediment filled flexural moat. Spectral averaging is then applied along the Tonga-Kermadec margin and along strike variations in overthrusting plate structure are verified by wide-angle seismic transects. The remnant Tonga-Ridge occupies the inner fore-arc and residual free-air gravity anomalies constrain its latitudinal extent (north of 30.5&deg;S), width (110&pm;20 km) and strike (~005&deg; south of 25&deg;S). Plate tectonic reconstructions suggest the Lau Ridge is unmodified by subduction related erosion, &lt;200 km of the Tonga Ridge has been eroded, and neither ridge ever occupied the southern Kermadec arc. Crustal thickness variations are thus inherited, reflecting the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Tonga-Kermadec-Hikurangi margin. Spectral averaging is finally applied to all subduction zones on Earth. Part one develops a global catalogue of subducting relief, which is compared with seismological and geodetic inferences of fault-slip behavior. Most seamounts are aseismic, relatively undeformed and observations are not consistent with mechanical models proposing full-decapitation. Aseismic ridges are also associated with megathrust complexity, but are of a larger wavelength and contrasting mode of isostatic compensation. Part two shows almost all intra-margin along-strike transitions in seismogenic behavior are related to pre-existing crustal structure. A paired forearc anomaly is interpreted consisting of a trench-parallel ridge landward of the deep-sea-terrace basin. The ridge crest correlates with the down-dip limit of coseismic slip and strong interplate coupling, the up- dip limit of tremor epicentres, and is interpreted as defining the boundary between the velocity-weakening and seismogenic portion of the subduction interface and the down-dip frictional transition zone. Paired anomalies may be attributed to unrecovered interseismic elastic strain, the preferential subduction erosion of the outer-forearc and/or underplating beneath the inner forearc.

Deformation in continents is not restricted to narrow bands but is spread over great distances within their interiors. A number of lines of evidence, including the distribution of earthquakes, reveal that the strength of different continental regions varies markedly. While it is relatively easy to qualitatively map out these variations, little progress has been made in quantifying the range of strength in the continents and identifying the physical mechanisms that control these variations. I investigate crustal deformation associated with the earthquake cycle, inflation of magma chambers beneath volcanoes, and changes in surface loads. Results of these models has important implications for our understanding of large-scale continental deformation and mountain building, in addition to both seismic and volcanic hazard assessment. Novel analytic solutions for simple shear with depth-dependent linear and non-linear viscoelastic rheologies are derived, in addition to analytical solutions for imposed harmonic tractions and displacements on an elastic layer over a Maxwell viscoelastic half space.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Joint Program in Marine Geology and Geophysics (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences; and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution), 2013. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 77-85). / Accurate predictions of Caribbean coral reef responses to global climate change are currently limited by a lack of knowledge of the dominant environmental controls on coral growth. Corals exhibit significant responses to environmental variability occurring on multi-annual to decadal timescales, which are significantly longer than the duration of typical laboratory and field-based experiments. Skeletal growth records, which provide annually-resolved histories spanning several centuries, enable links to be established between coral growth and both long term trends and low-frequency oscillations in environmental conditions. We used 3-D CT scan and imaging techniques to quantify the growth of 3 massive corals (Siderastrea siderea) from the US Virgin Islands (USVI) over the period 1950-2009 and compared these growth rates to other records collected from the USVI, Puerto Rico, the Yucatan, Belize and the Bahamas. While coral growth rates were inversely correlated to sea surface temperature (SST) in the Western Caribbean basin (Yucatan, Belize, Bahamas), we found no significant relationship between SST and coral growth in the Eastern basin (USVI, Puerto Rico). Instead, we found a significant inverse relationship between coral growth in the Western Caribbean and changes in the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and a significant positive relationship between coral growth in the Eastern Caribbean Region and shifts in the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Using data from the Simple Ocean Data Assimilation (SODA) we compared the wind field anomalies during periods of positive coral growth in both regions with the wind field anomalies during phases of these climactic modes that are conducive to coral growth. We find that both the AMO and the PDO play a significant role in shifting the mean wind patters in these Caribbean regions, with the PDO primarily affecting wind patters in the Eastern Basin and the AMO affecting wind patterns in the Western basin. We suggest that the altered wind patterns associated with these modes may induce upwelling favorable conditions in their respective regions of influence, increasing the availability of nutrients for coral growth. / by Sara A. Bosshart. / Ph.D.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Joint Program in Marine Geology and Geophysics (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences; and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution), 2012. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references. / Determining timescales of the formation and preservation of carbonate alteration products in mantle peridotite is important in order to better understand the role of this potentially important sink in the global carbon cycle and also to evaluate the feasibility of using artificially-enhanced, in situ formation of carbonates in peridotite to mitigate the buildup of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions in the atmosphere. Timescales of natural carbonation of peridotite were investigated in the mantle layer of the Samail Ophiolite, Sultanate of Oman. Rates of ongoing, low-temperature CO₂ uptake were estimated through ¹⁴C and ²³⁰Th dating of carbonate alteration products. Approximately 1-3 x 10⁶ kg CO₂/yr is sequestered in Ca-rich surface travertines and approximately 10⁷ kg CO₂/yr is sequestered in Mg-rich carbonate veins. Rates of CO₂ removal were estimated through calculation of maximum erosion rates from cosmogenic 3He measurements in partially-serpentinized peridotite bedrock associated with carbonate alteration products. Maximum erosion rates for serpentinized peridotite bedrock are ~5 to 180 m/Myr (average: ~40 m/Myr), which removes at most 10⁵-10⁶ kg CO₂/yr through erosion of Mg-rich carbonate veins. / by Evelyn Martinique Mervine. / Ph.D.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Joint Program in Marine Geology and Geophysics (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences; and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution), 2007. / This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 167-196). / This thesis presents three studies which apply geophysical tools to the task of better understanding mantle melting phenomena at the upper and lower boundaries of the mantle. The first study uses seafloor bathymetry and small variations in the gravitational acceleration over the Hawaii-Emperor seamount chain to constrain the changes in the igneous production of the hot spot melting in the mantle which has created these structures over the past 80 My. The second study uses multichannel seismic reflection data to constrain the location and depth of axial magma chambers at the Endeavour Segment of the Juan de Fuca spreading ridge, and then correlates these magma chamber locations with features of the hydrothermal heat extraction system in the upper crust such as microseismicity caused by thermal cracking and high temperature hydrothermal vent systems observed on the seafloor. The third study uses two-dimensional global pseudospectral seismic wave propagation modeling to characterize the sensitivity of the SPdKS seismic phase to two-dimensional, finite-width ultra-low velocity zones (ULVZs) at the core-mantle boundary. Together these three studies highlight the dynamic complexities of melting in the mantle while offering new tools to understand that complexity. / by Emily Mary Van Ark. / Ph.D.