Tectonic evolution and drilling proposal of the subduction system of the Caroline Ridge − An oceanic plateau in the Western Pacific

The formation and evolution of oceanic plateaus have been the focus of marine geology in recent years. The Caroline Plateau, also known as Caroline Ridge, near the Yap Trench in the western Pacific, is unique in tectonic evolution. It experienced from hotspot volcanism, subduction, collision, to rifting, and provided a key case for the study of oceanic plateaus. At present, the understanding of the evolutionary process of the Caroline Plateau is not completely clear. Future research shall focus on: (1) determining the age of the normal oceanic crust in the northern Caroline Plateau, and revealing the location and shape of the Caroline-Pacific plate boundary; (2) establishing stratigraphic time frame based on seismic stratigraphy in combination with drilling, and identifying the occurrence time and influence scope of regional events;(3) revealing the rifting stage and the possibility of oceanic crust formation in the Sorol Trough; (4) clarifying the nature and age of the crust in the bending-related fault zone in the incoming Caroline Plateau front. In recent years, geological and geophysical features of the Caroline plate are highly focused in China, and it is expected to carry out an ocean drilling program. On the basis of previous works, we proposed ocean drilling sites in the Caroline sea.