Control of rheological stratification on rifting geometry: a symmetric model resolving the upper plate paradox |
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Authors: | Thorsten J Nagel W Roger Buck |
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Institution: | 1.Geologisches Institut,Universit?t Bonn,Bonn,Germany;2.LDEO,Palisades,USA |
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Abstract: | Numerical experiments reproduce the fundamental architecture of magma-poor rifted margins such as the Iberian or Alpine margins
if the lithosphere has a weak mid-crustal channel on top of strong lower crust and a horizontal thermal weakness in the rift
center. During model extension, the upper crust undergoes distributed collapse into the rift center where the thermally weakened
portion of the model tears. Among the features reproduced by the modeling, we observe: (1) an array of tilted upper-crustal
blocks resting directly on exhumed mantle at the distal margin, (2) consistently oceanward-dipping normal faults, (3) a mid-crustal
high strain zone at the base of the crustal blocks (S-reflector), (4) new ocean floor up against a low angle normal fault
at the tip of the continent, (5) shear zones consistent with continentward-dipping reflectors in the mantle lithosphere, (6)
the mismatch frequently observed between stretching values inferred from surface extension and bulk crustal thinning at distal
margins (upper plate paradox). Rifting in the experiment is symmetric at a lithospheric scale and the above features develop
on both sides of the rift center. We discuss three controversial points in more detail: (1) weak versus strong lower crust,
(2) the deformation pattern in the mantle, and (3) the significance of detachment faults during continental breakup. We argue
that the transition from wide rifting towards narrow rifting with a pronounced polarity towards the rift center is associated
with the advective growth of a thermal perturbation in the mantle lithosphere. |
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Keywords: | Continental rifting S-reflector Detachment fault Parallel-dipping faults Numerical modelling |
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