Non-axial breaching of a rift valley: Evidence from the Lord Howe Rise and the southeastern Australian margin

Details Non-axial breaching of a rift valley: Evidence from the Lord Howe Rise and the southeastern Australian margin Non-axial breaching of a rift valley: Evidence from the Lord Howe Rise and the southeastern Australian margin

Apr 1978

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1978e%26psl..39..226j&link_type=abstract

Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Volume 39, Issue 2, p. 226-234.

Physics

9

Scientific paper

Present models of continental breakup envisage the formation of a rift valley which undergoes a protracted period of tectonism and eventual seafloor spreading in the axial part of the rift valley. This results in evidence of pre-breakup tectonism on most Atlantic-type margins in the form of normal blockfaults beneath the continental slope. The southeastern margin of the Australian continent has an unusually steep continental slope and shows little evidence of tectonism associated with the rift valley stage of development. The margin was formed by separation of the Lord Howe Rise and Australia during a phase of seafloor spreading in the Tasman Sea which lasted from about 80 to 60 m.y. B.P. Marine geophysical data over the central Lord Howe Rise indicate a contrast between the western and eastern part of of this structure. The western part shows faulted, rough basement topography, disturbed overlying sediments, and a relatively quiet magnetic field. The eastern part shows a smooth basement surface, undisturbed overlying sediments, and a high-amplitude, high-frequency magnetic field. It is suggested that the whole of the pre-breakup rift valley remained attached to the Lord Howe Rise. This explains the absence of rift valley structures within the eastern continental margin of Australia and implies non-axial breaching along the western boundary fault of a pre-Tasman Sea rift valley.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Non-axial breaching of a rift valley: Evidence from the Lord Howe Rise and the southeastern Australian margin does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Non-axial breaching of a rift valley: Evidence from the Lord Howe Rise and the southeastern Australian margin, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Non-axial breaching of a rift valley: Evidence from the Lord Howe Rise and the southeastern Australian margin will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1379661