Publication Name: Eastern Australian Basins Symposium 2001
Authors: K.R. McClay, T. Dooley, R. Gloaguen, P. Whitehouse and S. Khalil
Date Published: November 2001
Number of Pages: 35
Reference Type: Magazine Article
Abstract:
This paper reviews the 4D development of extensional fault systems in analogue models of rift basins. In orthogonal and oblique analogue models stretching above a zone of ductile deformation at the base of the model produced initially segmented rift border faults whose orientations were controlled by the underlying baseplate configuration. Intra-rift faults generally initiated at high angles to the extension direction. With increased extension, both the rift border faults and the intra-rift faults propagated along strike, first producing overlapping fault systems and relay ramps, which with increased offset, eventually became breached as fault linkage occurred. Kinks in fault traces indicate points where linkage has occuned. Where the dip polarities of fault anays change along strike, accommodation zones are formed by the interlocking tips of these oppositely dipping fault systems. The results of the analogue model studies compare directly with rift fault systems in the East African rift system, Afar, the Gulf of Suez, and along the southeastern Australian rift margin.