Recent tectonics of Eratosthenes Seamount: an example of seamount deformation during incipient continental collision

The Eratosthenes Seamount is a continental fragment undergoing collision wi th Cyprus along the African-Eurasian plate boundary. High-resolution seismi c and deep-tow sonar data revealed that extensional deformation is occurrin g over most of the seamount, whereas compressional deformation was observed within the trench basin to the north and also in the asymmetric basin sout h of the seamount. This recent tectonic activity has triggered the developm ent of slumps, turbidites and fluid escape structures. Although the 'stairc ase' bathymetry is similar to that of subducting oceanic seamounts, the dis tribution and characteristics of structures which develop during collision- subduction are very different.