Evolution of Continental Rift Systems in the Light of Plate Tectonics

Initiation of a Proto-transform Fault Prior to Seafloor Spreading

10.26686/wgtn.13089095 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Finnigan Illsley-Kemp ◽

JM Bull ◽

D Keir ◽

T Gerya ◽

C Pagli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plate Tectonics ◽

Seafloor Spreading ◽

Continental Rift ◽

Formation Mechanisms ◽

Transform Fault ◽

Transform Faults ◽

Local Seismicity ◽

Ocean Ridges ◽

Rifted Margins ◽

Direct Observations

©2018. The Authors. Transform faults are a fundamental tenet of plate tectonics, connecting offset extensional segments of mid-ocean ridges in ocean basins worldwide. The current consensus is that oceanic transform faults initiate after the onset of seafloor spreading. However, this inference has been difficult to test given the lack of direct observations of transform fault formation. Here we integrate evidence from surface faults, geodetic measurements, local seismicity, and numerical modeling of the subaerial Afar continental rift and show that a proto-transform fault is initiating during the final stages of continental breakup. This is the first direct observation of proto-transform fault initiation in a continental rift and sheds unprecedented light on their formation mechanisms. We demonstrate that they can initiate during late-stage continental rifting, earlier in the rifting cycle than previously thought. Future studies of volcanic rifted margins cannot assume that oceanic transform faults initiated after the onset of seafloor spreading.

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Initiation of a Proto-transform Fault Prior to Seafloor Spreading

10.26686/wgtn.13089095.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Finnigan Illsley-Kemp ◽

JM Bull ◽

D Keir ◽

T Gerya ◽

C Pagli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plate Tectonics ◽

Seafloor Spreading ◽

Continental Rift ◽

Formation Mechanisms ◽

Transform Fault ◽

Transform Faults ◽

Local Seismicity ◽

Ocean Ridges ◽

Rifted Margins ◽

Direct Observations

©2018. The Authors. Transform faults are a fundamental tenet of plate tectonics, connecting offset extensional segments of mid-ocean ridges in ocean basins worldwide. The current consensus is that oceanic transform faults initiate after the onset of seafloor spreading. However, this inference has been difficult to test given the lack of direct observations of transform fault formation. Here we integrate evidence from surface faults, geodetic measurements, local seismicity, and numerical modeling of the subaerial Afar continental rift and show that a proto-transform fault is initiating during the final stages of continental breakup. This is the first direct observation of proto-transform fault initiation in a continental rift and sheds unprecedented light on their formation mechanisms. We demonstrate that they can initiate during late-stage continental rifting, earlier in the rifting cycle than previously thought. Future studies of volcanic rifted margins cannot assume that oceanic transform faults initiated after the onset of seafloor spreading.

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The Continental Drift Controversy: Evolution into Plate Tectonics

10.1017/cbo9781139095938 ◽

2012 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Henry R. Frankel

Keyword(s):

Plate Tectonics ◽

Continental Drift

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Evidence found for plate tectonics on Europa

AccessScience ◽

10.1036/1097-8542.br0916141 ◽

2015 ◽

Keyword(s):

Plate Tectonics

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PLANETARY SELF-ORGANIZATION

THE LIFE OF THE EARTH ◽

10.29003/m1481.0514-7468.2020_42_3/271-282 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 42 (3) ◽

pp. 271-282

Author(s):

OLEG IVANOV

Keyword(s):

Dynamical System ◽

Heat Source ◽

Mantle Convection ◽

Plate Tectonics ◽

Rotation Speed ◽

Self Organization ◽

Heat Sources ◽

Kinematic Parameters ◽

The Earth ◽

New Type

The general characteristics of planetary systems are described. Well-known heat sources of evolution are considered. A new type of heat source, variations of kinematic parameters in a dynamical system, is proposed. The inconsistency of the perovskite-post-perovskite heat model is proved. Calculations of inertia moments relative to the D boundary on the Earth are given. The 9 times difference allows us to claim that the sliding of the upper layers at the Earth's rotation speed variations emit heat by viscous friction.This heat is the basis of mantle convection and lithospheric plate tectonics.

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