Rift propagation in rotational versus orthogonal extension: Insights from 4D analogue models

Zwaan, Frank; Schreurs, Guido; Rosenau, Matthias (2020). Rift propagation in rotational versus orthogonal extension: Insights from 4D analogue models. Journal of structural geology, 135, p. 103946. Elsevier 10.1016/j.jsg.2019.103946

	Text Zwaan_etal_2020_JSG.pdf - Published Version Restricted to registered users only Available under License Publisher holds Copyright. Download (7MB) | Request a copy
Preview	Text Zwaan_etal_2020_JSG_postprint.pdf - Accepted Version Available under License Creative Commons: Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works (CC-BY-NC-ND). Download (4MB) | Preview

In rift settings, extension rates often vary along strike, due to rotation about a vertical axis or Euler pole, yet tectonic modelers traditionally apply constant along-strike deformation rates. Here we compare rift development and propagation under traditional orthogonal extension versus rotational extension conditions.

The set-ups involve brittle-viscous layering and localize deformation through structural weaknesses (seeds). Our models provide first-order insights into the differences in rift development between both boundary conditions: orthogonal extension produces a rift basin with constant synchronous along-strike features, whereas rotational extension induces along-strike structural gradients, diachronous rift development causing rift propagation and the development of V-shaped basins. We observe important viscous flow associated with differential pressure gradients in rotational extension. We also describe the important effects of strain partitioning between rift axis and model boundaries, the quantifying of which is crucial to avoid incorrect model interpretations.

Although our model results are first-order only, they are in good agreement with various natural examples and previous modeling studies and highlight the importance of considering the third dimension when studying tectonic systems.

Interest & Impact

Downloads

299 since deposited on 25 Mar 2020
59 in the past 12 months

Citations

5 Citations in Web of Science ®
6 Citations in Scopus

Search

in Google Scholar™

Services

Actions (login required)

Edit item

Actions (login required)

Edit item