Abstract <p>The American–Antarctic Ridge is located between the Bouvet Triple Junction and South Sandwich subduction zone. It is dissected by well-pronounced transform faults. The common length of transform faults exceeds the common length of spreading segments. This structure developed as a result of the spreading direction change during reshaping of the subduction zone ca. 20 Ma. Based on physical modeling, we have reconstructed the conditions and structural transformations during formation of the modern structural pattern of the American–Antarctic Ridge. In the experiment, oblique spreading segments through local ridge axis jumps became orthogonal. In that time, transverse discontinuities increased in length owing to reduction of oblique spreading segments and merging of several pre-existing transverse discontinuities. Perhaps similar transformations could be observed during the modern structure formation of the American–Antarctic Ridge. In the western part, oblique to suborthogonal spreading segment transition has finished, while in the eastern part, the structural pattern includes as oblique as suborthogonal spreading segments. This structural pattern may be controlled by the influence of the thermal anomalies of the Shona and Bouvet mantle plumes. Thus, at the moment in the eastern part, spreading and transform structures continue to be reshaped, while the structural pattern of the western part is stable.</p>