Geologic Evolution of Atlantic Continental Rises

Although continental rises account for approximately ten percent of the earth's surface, they have been relatively insulated from geological explorations. This up-to-date volume chronicles the geological development of continental rises at several different locations along the margins of the Atlantic Ocean. The authors, internationally distinguished experts from both research and industry backgrounds, present regional syntheses and interpretations of both the surface and subsurface stratigraphic and depositional histories of Atlantic continental rises. Geologic Evolution of Atlantic Continental Rises emphasizes and examplifies features and processes characteristic to modern continental rises by offering data obtained from sea-floor imaging, high-resolution seismic profiling and shallow coring. After reviewing established models of Atlantic rise evolution, this book compares them with the latest documented and undocumented observations and interpretations, including new perspectives which challenge accepted models. Featuring foldout sedimentary isochron maps that show sequential evolution of the sediment-rich Atlantic margin, this volume also includes new techniques for detecting and dating tectonic episodes that affect continental rise deposition. Direct applications to global oceans appeal to an international audience.