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
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| Index Map | Axial Volcano | Gorda Ridge | Cleft Segment | Taney Seamounts |
| Guide, Gumdrop, Pioneer Seamounts | Mendocino Fracture Zone | President Jackson Seamount | Davidson Seamount | Vance Seamounts |