Interaction between lithospheric stretching and asthenospheric secondary convection: application to Suez rift evolution

Conference · Thu May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986 · Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5165879

Moretti, I; Chenet, P Y

Modeling of geodynamic rifting processes by lithospheric stretching does not adequately account for some rift features, such as the abrupt uplift of the rift shoulders. Using a thermomechanical model dealing with a non-Newtonian crust and mantle rheology, I. Moretti and C. Froidevaux suggested that the numerous continental rifts evolved from upward propagation of an asthenospheric thermal anomaly; an extensive regional stress would have caused these convective phenomena, as well as crustal thinning. Between 23 and 17 Ma, the Suez rift, as determined by tectonic subsidence studies, had an initial period of rapid subsidence over the entire width (80 km) of the rift. The subsidence nearly stopped between 18 and 13 Ma, probably as a result of the decreased extensional rate. The rift trough tends to narrow progressively, and active subsidence was restricted to the present-day Gulf of Suez (40-50 km) while the onshore areas began to uplift. This evolution has been modeled assuming an initial lithospheric stretching phase of a few million years of duration and a continuous asthenospheric upwelling away from the rift axis.

• Research Organization: Institut Francais du Petrole, Rueil-Malmaison, France
• OSTI ID: 5165879
• Report Number(s): CONF-860624-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States) Journal Volume: 70:5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
GEOLOGIC HISTORY
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GULF OF SUEZ
ORIGIN
RED SEA
RIFT ZONES
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
TECTONICS