Morpho-tectonic analysis of the Azores Volcanic Plateau from a new bathymetric compilation of the area

The existing studies of the Azores triple junction, although based on speci fic geological or geophysical data, largely rely upon morphological conside rations. However, there is no systematic bathymetric coverage of this area, and the quality of the available bathymetric charts does not allow consist ent morpho-structural analysis. In this work we present a new bathymetric grid elaborated with all the avai lable data sources in an area comprised between 24 degrees W to 32 degrees W and 36 degrees N to 41 degrees N. The basic data set corresponds to the m erge of NGDC data with new swath profiles. This new map, included as an App endix, combined with other results from seismology and neotectonics, is the basis for the study of the morpho-structural pattern of the Azores area, t he present day stress field and its implications on the current view of the Azores geodynamics. As a major result, we conclude that the Azores region is controlled by two sets of conjugated faults with 120 degrees and 150 degrees strikes that est ablish the framework for the onset of volcanism, expressing as linear volca nic ridges or as point source volcanism. This interaction develops what can be considered as the morphological signature of the Azores Spreading axis segmentation. We argue that the Azores domain, presently in a broad transte nsional regime, is acting simultaneously as a ultra slow spreading centre a nd as a transfer zone between the MAR and the dextral Gloria Fault, as it a ccommodates the differential shear movement between the Eurasian and Africa n plates.