Rapid Formation of Ontong Java Plateau by Aptian Mantle Plume Volcanism

• DOI: 10.1126/science.254.5030.399
• Publication Date: 2006-10-05T22:10:16Z
• Authors: J. A. Tarduno; W. V. Sliter; L. Kroenke; M. Leckie; H. Mayer; J. J. Mahoney; R. Musgrave; M. Storey; E. L. Winterer
• Keywords: Flood basalt; Mantle plume; Hotspot (geology); Aptian

The timing of flood basalt volcanism associated with formation the Ontong Java Plateau (OJP) is estimated from paleomagnetic and paleontologic data. Much OJP formed rapidly in less than 3 million years during early Aptian, at beginning Cretaceous Normal Polarity Superchron. Crustal emplacement rates are inferred to have been several times those Deccan Traps. These estimates consistent an origin by impingement base oceanic lithosphere head a large mantle plume. Formation may led rise sea level that induced global anoxia. Carbon dioxide emissions likely contributed mid-Cretaceous greenhouse climate but did not provoke major biologic extinctions.