Abstract:
The Yap-Caroline area is located at the junction of multiple plates (Philippine Sea Plate, Pacific Plate, and Caroline Plate) with complex seabed topography. Using the multi-beam sounding data collected in this area, this study established a high-resolution seabed topographic map. Based on the topographic characteristics, the study area was sub-divided into the following three units, the Yap back-arc basin geomorphic system, the Yap subduction zone geomorphic system and the Caroline ridge geomorphic system. According to the geomorphological classification standard of the plate tectonics, this study classified four classes of geomorphological units. Based on detailed geomorphologic analysis, we found that the ridge-trough landforms in the Parece Vela Basin have different orientations, and slopes on both sides of the Yap Trench have different morphologic features. The linear arrangement patterns of seamounts and deep-sea depressions can be identified in the Solor Trough. The results showed that the tectonic activities, such as the collision of the Yap Trench and the Caroline Ridge, subduction erosion, and trough spreading, play significant roles in shaping the landforms of the study area.