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Abstract Oceanic transform faults play an essential role in plate tectonics. Yet to date, there is no unifying explanation for the global trend in broad-scale transform fault topography, ranging from deep valleys to shallow topographic highs. Using three-dimensional numerical models, we find that spreading-rate dependent magmatism within the transform domain exerts a first-order control on the observed spectrum of transform fault depths. Low-rate magmatism results in deep transform valleys caused by transform-parallel tectonic stretching; intermediate-rate magmatism fully accommodates far-field stretching, but strike-slip motion induces across-transform tension, producing transform strength dependent shallow valleys; high-rate magmatism produces elevated transform zones due to local compression. Our models also address the observation that fracture zones are consistently shallower than their adjacent transform fault zones. These results suggest that plate motion change is not a necessary condition for reproducing oceanic transform topography and that oceanic transform faults are not simple conservative strike-slip plate boundaries. 

Abstract Oceanic detachment faults represent an end-member form of seafloor creation, associated with relatively weak magmatism at slow-spreading mid-ocean ridges. We use 3-D numerical models to investigate the underlying mechanisms for why detachment faults predominantly form on the transform side (inside corner) of a ridge-transform intersection as opposed to the fracture zone side (outside corner). One hypothesis for this behavior is that the slipping, and hence weaker, transform fault allows for the detachment fault to form on the inside corner, and a stronger fracture zone prevents the detachment fault from forming on the outside corner. However, the results of our numerical models, which simulate different frictional strengths in the transform and fracture zone, do not support the first hypothesis. Instead, the model results, combined with evidence from rock physics experiments, suggest that shear-stress on transform fault generates excess lithospheric tension that promotes detachment faulting on the inside corner.