journal article
Open Access
Jul 02, 2021
Complex rift patterns, a result of interacting crustal and mantle weaknesses, or multiphase rifting? Insights from analogue models
Abstract
Abstract. During lithospheric extension, localization of
deformation often occurs along structural weaknesses inherited from previous
tectonic phases. Such weaknesses may occur in both the crust and mantle, but
the combined effects of these weaknesses on rift evolution remain poorly
understood. Here we present a series of 3D brittle–viscous analogue models
to test the interaction between differently oriented weaknesses located in
the brittle upper crust and/or upper mantle. We find that crustal weaknesses
usually express first at the surface, with the formation of grabens parallel
to their orientation; then, structures parallel to the mantle weakness
overprint them and often become dominant. Furthermore, the direction of
extension exerts minimal control on rift trends when inherited weaknesses
are present, which implies that present-day rift orientations are not always
indicative of past extension directions. We also suggest that multiphase
extension is not required to explain different structural orientations in
natural rift systems. The degree of coupling between the mantle and upper
crust affects the relative influence of the crustal and mantle weaknesses:
low coupling enhances the influence of crustal weaknesses, whereas high
coupling enhances the influence of mantle weaknesses. Such coupling may vary
over time due to progressive thinning of the lower crustal layer, as well as
due to variations in extension velocity. These findings provide a strong
incentive to reassess the tectonic history of various natural examples.
deformation often occurs along structural weaknesses inherited from previous
tectonic phases. Such weaknesses may occur in both the crust and mantle, but
the combined effects of these weaknesses on rift evolution remain poorly
understood. Here we present a series of 3D brittle–viscous analogue models
to test the interaction between differently oriented weaknesses located in
the brittle upper crust and/or upper mantle. We find that crustal weaknesses
usually express first at the surface, with the formation of grabens parallel
to their orientation; then, structures parallel to the mantle weakness
overprint them and often become dominant. Furthermore, the direction of
extension exerts minimal control on rift trends when inherited weaknesses
are present, which implies that present-day rift orientations are not always
indicative of past extension directions. We also suggest that multiphase
extension is not required to explain different structural orientations in
natural rift systems. The degree of coupling between the mantle and upper
crust affects the relative influence of the crustal and mantle weaknesses:
low coupling enhances the influence of crustal weaknesses, whereas high
coupling enhances the influence of mantle weaknesses. Such coupling may vary
over time due to progressive thinning of the lower crustal layer, as well as
due to variations in extension velocity. These findings provide a strong
incentive to reassess the tectonic history of various natural examples.
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Showing 50 of 97 references
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Metrics
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Details
- Published
- Jul 02, 2021
- Vol/Issue
- 12(7)
- Pages
- 1473-1495
- License
- View
Funding
Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung
Award: 178731
Cite This Article
Frank Zwaan, Pauline Chenin, Duncan Erratt, et al. (2021). Complex rift patterns, a result of interacting crustal and mantle weaknesses, or multiphase rifting? Insights from analogue models. Solid Earth, 12(7), 1473-1495. https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1473-2021
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