South Pacific Ridge

the mid-oceanic ridge in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean. Measuring about 5,000 km in length, the South Pacific Ridge differs from the other mid-oceanic ridges by its great width (up to 1,500 m), less rugged topography, and less marked rift zone. It rises 2,500–3,000 m above the surrounding sea floor. Zones of transverse faults play a large part in its morphology and structure; the grabens (canyons) associated with them dissect the ridge into distinct segments and permit cold bottom water from the south to penetrate into the basins to the north of the ridge.