摘要：

The use of multibeam echo-sounders and various side-looking sonar systems has greatly increased our knowledge and understanding of mid-ocean ridge (MOR) processes. Since the last IUGG review on mid-ocean ridge research [Macdonald, 1983], the extensive use of swath- mapping tools such as Sea Beam, Deep-Tow, SeaMARC I and II, the application of multichannel seismic reflection techniques to the detection of axial magma chambers and the use of satellite data in the study of oceanic lithosphere have rejuvenated marine tectonics and have generated and stimulated a large number of important contributions. This review will focus on what we feel were the major developments in marine tectonics with an emphasis on mid-ocean ridges in the last four years. Certain topics such as marine seismicity and satellite studies are only briefly mentionned for reference and will be covered in greater detail in other reviews. Because of the exponential growth in the number of publications related to MORs during 1982–1986, only a few references pertinent to each of the major research topics will be quoted in the text as examples but the reader will find an extensive bibliography at the end of the text. References published prior to 1982 were added only where appropriate.

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