Mid-ocean ridge unfaulting revealed by magmatic intrusions - Nature

Tectonic extension at mid-ocean ridges can be partially reversed by tectonic shortening of the ridge flanks, as evidenced by reverse-faulting earthquakes. This process can reduce abyssal hill amplitudes significantly soon after formation at the ridge axis.

Magma-filled fractures causing extensional seismicity along mid-ocean ridges can trigger reverse-faulting earthquakes by providing compressive stress. This 'unfaulting' mechanism affects the fabric of the global ocean floor.

Using mechanical models, the study highlights that lithosphere unbending at mid-ocean ridges leads to shallow compression of the ridge flanks up to the brittle failure point, contributing to the occurrence of reverse-faulting earthquakes.

Read at Nature