Universita di Padova, Italy

Downhole geophysical logs and high-resolution electrical images (FMS) from DSDP ODP Hole 504B are analysed in combination with core data to obtain an integrated description of oceanic faults met in the hole. About 34 500 fractures were mapped from FMS images over 1672 m of basement. The fracture distribution from FMS confirms the presence of a main fault zone between 800 and 1100 mbsf (metres below sea floor), elsewhere detected from seismic data as well as magnetic, acoustic, and electrical resistivity measurements. The fracture density profile reveals the presence of two other highly fractured zones, (1) between 400 and 575 mbsf and (2) close to the bottom of Hole 504B (1700 to 2100 mbsf). Consequently, we infer that Site 504 was submitted first to an extensional stress regime near the ridge axis, with circulation of high-temperature fluids and pervasive alteration of the basalts. This initial phase is associated with the main fault met in Hole 504B. Similar but less developed deformation was generated off-axis, with lower-temperature parageneses, such as that cored between 400 and 575 mbsf. The present compressional to strike-slip stress regime is expressed in subhorizontal fracturing detected in discrete zones, such as within the main fault zone and the lower fracture zone (1700 to 2100 mbsf) in Hole 504B.