A Back-arc Basin is a geological formation that occurs on the ocean floor.

This marine
formation is most commonly identified along subduction zones, which occur where one
tectonic plate moves beneath another, and island arcs, which are a kind of archipelago made
up primarily of volcanos. A back-arc basin typically runs over a long distance, measuring
over 600 miles in length. Additionally, this geological feature is characterized as very narrow,
a detail thought to be caused by the lack of mantle convection near the ridge. Back-arc basins
emit basalt rocks that are unique to other mid-ocean ridge basalts in that they contain high
levels of magmatic water. In fact, these formations are well known for their hydrothermal
activity. Where deep-sea vents emerge through these basins, a large number of biodiverse
species and marine communities can often be found.

How Is A Back-Arc Basin Formed?

Most researchers believe that back-arc basins are formed by a geological movement known
as trench rollback. During this process, the subduction zone moves in the opposite direction
of the tectonic plate that typically moves underneath another. This backward movement
causes the tectonic plate located on the top of the subduction zone to stretch, creating a trench
formation.

As this trench is formed, the crust stretches and becomes thin. This stretching movement is
referred to as being under extension. This extension characteristic is one of the principal
features found in back-arc basins. The now-thinned crust allows magma to escape to the
surface of the ocean floor. The exposed magma creates pressure along the tectonic plate that
is located at the top of the subduction zone. As this pressure increases, it may cause
volcanoes above to erupt. All of this activity results in the sea floor spreading apart, which
affects the shape and appearance of the land formations located above.

In other words, a line of volcanoes that are exposed and protrude above the surface of the
ocean slowly change as the back-arc basin forms. As the backward movement thins out the
crust and causes the ocean floor to separate, the volcanoes begin to separate. Eventually, the
volcano is completely split in half, forming two separate volcanoes.

Where Can Back-Arc Basins Be Found?

Most of the back-arc basins that have been identified are located in the western region of the
Pacific Ocean along convergent plate boundaries. Other back-arc basins have been found in
the following areas: Manus, Sea of Japan, South Scotia, Marianas, Sea of Okhotsk,
Tyrrhenian Sea, North Fiji, and Tonga-Kermadec. Additionally, the Black Sea is home to two
individuals back-arc basins. Researchers have also identified a number of extinct or no longer
forming back-arc basins. Some of these fossilized basins include the: Kurile Basin, East Sea
of Korea, and Parece Vela Shikoku Basin.

Difference Between Back-Arc Basins And Mid-Ocean Ridges

As previously mentioned, back-arc basins may emit water-heavy basalt rocks, whereas other
mid-ocean ridges emit dryer basalt rocks. In addition to this difference, back-arc basins are
unique in that the rate of spreading occurs at a different rate throughout the area of the basin.
This uneven spreading is known as asymmetry. Other mid-ocean ridges, however, experience
symmetrical spreading. No scientific consensus has been reached to explain this
phenomenon. Several theories put forth a number of possible explanations, like mantle wedge
effects, hydration gradients, and the change from rifting behavior to spreading behavior.

The Mariana Trough Back-Arc Basin

The Mariana Trough is one of the most well-known back-arc basins in the world. This
geologic formation is located in the western region of the Pacific Ocean, where it is
surrounded by the inactive West Mariana Ridge and the still-active Mariana volcanic arc to
the east. At its northern end, the West Mariana Ridge and the Mariana arc come together. At
its southern end lies the Challenger Deep, which is the deepest spot on the ocean floor that is
known to researchers. It extends between 35,755 and 35,814 feet deep. The entire Mariana
Trough stretches over a distance of around 807.78 miles, roughly the same distance as from
London in England to Rome in Italy. Its widest point is found at around the middle of this
basin and measures just over 149 miles.

The asymmetric seafloor spreading experienced in the Mariana Trough can be seen by
comparing its western edge to its central area. For example, in the central region of this
formation, the speed of spreading is estimated at between 2 and 3 times greater than that
found in the western edge. The varying development of this back-arc basin has lead to its
classification of 3 distinct areas: the southern platform, the northern rifting apex, and the
central spreading basin.

The southern platform of the Mariana Trough is not as deep as the other 2 regions. In fact, its
most profound point is only around 1.86 miles deep. Some much deeper and narrower
troughs separate this region from the area of active volcanoes. The northern rifting apex is a
prime example of the earliest stages of rifting development due to its close proximity to
active volcanoes. Finally, the central spreading basin represents this geological development
at its peak maturity.