Geodynamical evolution of the transition zone of the Amundsen Sea (West Antarctica, the Southern Ocean)

The paper is based on the results of geoscience investigations conducted within the continental margin of the Amundsen Sea during the expeditions of the German research vessel “Polarstern”. The analysis and interpretation of the new data together with the geological and geophysical information available from the earlier studies of this region showed that the transition zone of the Amundsen Sea was formed as an Atlantic-type passive margin since the end of the Late Cretaceous to the present time. The tectonic-magmatic evolution of the continental margin has been significantly affected by the mantle-plume activity that led to the destruction of the continental and oceanic basement and to the formation of the Marie Byrd Seamount Province.