Mapping Program
Mendocino Fracture Zone

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The eastern part of the Mendocino Ridge, where it impinges on the continental margin, is called the Gorda Escarpment. Our survey imaged the escarpment from 125° W to 125° 40’ W and shows two distinct morphologies. The eastern part (to about 125° 20’ W) is smooth and has low backscatter, suggesting a lack of rock outcrops. Along the eastern part, small canyons commonly cut the lower slopes but do not reach the break-in-slope of the escarpment. The western part is bathymetrically rough and has high backscatter, indicating rock outcrops. The survey continues west as Transits 2B and 2A, which image only part of the Mendocino Ridge.

Mendocino Fracture Zone perspective view from the east

Large image

MBARI provides these data "as is", with no warranty, express or implied, of the data quality or consistency. Data are provided without support and without obligation on the part of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute to assist in its use, correction, modification, or enhancement.

Mendocino Fracture Zone data—20 meter grid cell size
(geographic coordinates)

Grid Sun Illuminated Image Acoustic Reflectivity Image
at 1/2 grid cell size
grids\MendocinoA.asc.gz
grids\MendocinoA.asc.gz
geoTIFFS\sunshade\MendocinoA.tif
geoTIFFS\sunshade\MendocinoA.tif
geoTIFFS\backscatter\MendocinoA.tif
geoTIFFS\backscatter\MendocinoA.tif.gz
Index Map Axial Volcano Gorda Ridge Cleft Segment Taney Seamounts
Guide, Gumdrop, Pioneer Seamounts Mendocino Fracture Zone President Jackson Seamount Davidson Seamount Vance Seamounts

Last updated:Oct. 02, 2013