Carlsberg Ridge

Carlsberg Ridge, submarine ridge of the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. The ridge extends from the triple junction of the African, Indian, and Australian tectonic plates at 2°07′ N 66°30′ E (where it connects to the Mid-Indian Ridge) northwest to the Gulf of Aden. The ridge separates the Arabian Sea to the northeast from the Somali Basin to the southwest. Whereas some studies describe the Carlsberg Ridge as a distinct feature, others consider it to be the northern portion of the Mid-Indian Ridge (see also oceanic ridge).

The mean depth of the Carlsberg Ridge is between some 6,000 and 12,000 feet (1,800 and 3,600 meters) below the sea surface, and it rises to a mean elevation of about 7,000 feet (2,100 meters) above the seafloor. The ridge turns westward around the island of Socotra and eventually connects with the East African Rift System by way of the Gulf of Aden. The Carlsberg Ridge coincides with the belt of seismic activity in the Indian Ocean (see also plate tectonics).