An Investigation of Deformational Processes in the Forearc Accretionary Complex of the Lesser Antilles Subduction Zone

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An accretionary prism is formed in an island arc by the accumulation of sediments scraped off from the downgoing plate where two plates converge. Structurally, such prisms are very complex and their evolution is not fully understood. In a previously NSF funded research project, Dr. Ladd and his coworkers successfully surveyed and imaged the Barbados accretionary wedge by using modern and sophisticated seismic methods utilizing two ships. In this award, Dr. Ladd and his colleagues will continue seismic interpretation of this excellent data set and will perform detailed analysis to obtain more information about seismic velocities in the accretionary prism. The seismic velocities will provide information on density and porosity of the prism which, in turn, will reveal lithologies of the sediments composing the prism and the direction of the fluid flow within the accreted prism. These are some of the fundamental questions in the evolution of an accretionary prism and answering these questions will help us in understanding the plate tectonic processes. The project will be supported at $100,018 for 12 months in FY87.