Mechanism of progressive broad deformation from oceanic transform valley to off-transform faulting and rifting

Oceanic transform faults (TFs) are commonly viewed as single, narrow strike-slip seismic faults that offset two mid-ocean ridge segments. However, broad zones of complex deformation are ubiquitous at TFs. Here, we propose a new conceptual model for the progressive deformation within broad zones at oceanic TFs through detailed morphological, seismic, and stress analyses. We argue that, under across-transform extension due to a change in plate motion, plate deformation occurs first along high-angle transtensional faults (TTFs) within the transform valleys. Off-transform normal faults (ONFs) form when across-transform deviatoric extensional stresses exceed the yield strength of the adjacent oceanic lithosphere. With further extension, these normal faults can develop into off-transform rift zones (ORZs), some of which can further develop into transform plate boundaries. We illustrate that such progressive complex deformation is an inherent feature of oceanic TFs. The new conceptual model provides a unifying theory to explain the observed broad deformation at global transform systems.

•

Systematic progression of complex deformation near transform faults is revealed

•

Progressive complex broad deformation is an inherent feature of oceanic transform faults

•

TTFs on transform wall and off-transform rifting formed in response to plate rotation

•

Off-transform rift zones can develop into new transform plate boundaries

Extensional tectonics and two-stage crustal accretion at oceanic transform faults

Oceanic transform faults are seismically and tectonically active plate boundaries¹ that leave scars-known as fracture zones-on oceanic plates that can cross entire ocean basins². Current descriptions of plate tectonics assume transform faults to be conservative two-dimensional strike-slip boundaries^1,3, at which lithosphere is neither created nor destroyed and along which the lithosphere cools and deepens as a function of the age of the plate⁴. However, a recent compilation of high-resolution multibeam bathymetric data from 41 oceanic transform faults and their associated fracture zones that covers all possible spreading rates shows that this assumption is incorrect. Here we show that the seafloor along transform faults is systemically deeper (by up to 1.6 kilometres) than their associated fracture zones, in contrast to expectations based on plate-cooling arguments. Accretion at intersections between oceanic ridges and transform faults seems to be strongly asymmetric: the outside corners of the intersections show shallower relief and more extensive magmatism, whereas the inside corners have deep nodal basins and seem to be magmatically starved. Three-dimensional viscoplastic numerical models show that plastic-shear failure within the deformation zone around the transform fault results in the plate boundary experiencing increasingly oblique shear at increasing depths below the seafloor. This results in extension around the inside corner, which thins the crust and lithosphere at the transform fault and is linked to deepening of the seafloor along the transform fault. Bathymetric data suggest that the thinned transform-fault crust is augmented by a second stage of magmatism as the transform fault intersects the opposing ridge axis. This makes accretion at transform-fault systems a two-stage process, fundamentally different from accretion elsewhere along mid-ocean ridges.