Summary Seismic surveys carried out in the Madeira Abyssal Plain have revealed patterns of faulting in abyssal-plain sediments. Shallow faults are concentrated within linear bands which run parallel to the trend of underlying basement topography. The faults are believed to be caused by differential compaction over the basement topography. The reverse throw of many faults is thought to be a result of sediment dewatering. A recent model has invoked preferential dewatering along faults. An alternative mechanism is proposed in which faults act as seals. Overpressurized pore fluids are a feature of both models.
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