Minerals and geochemistry at DSDP Hole 62-466

Alkali-basalt clasts in Upper Cretaceous sediments from Site 466 on southern Hess Rise suggest that parts of Hess Rise were constructed by off-ridge volcanic activity. Apparently, tectonic adjustments at Hess Rise occurred during the Late Cretaceous (Campanian-Maastrichtian), when parts of the original volcanic pedestal were uplifted and provided source rocks for the clasts. Synchronous volcanism may have occurred. Causes for the Late Cretaceous tectonic adjustments (and volcanism?) are not known, but they may be related to intraplate movement along the Mendocino Fracture Zone.