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The Role of the Lithospheric Stretching History on the Evolution of Continental Rifts

Abstract

Under the effect of divergent forces, continental lithosphere deforms into continental rifts, where stretching is either diffused over large areas or localized in narrow straining zones. Existing models have probed the role of initial lithospheric rheological layering, geothermal gradients and stretching rates on continental rifting evolution. While the boundary conditions imposed by the diverging margins relate to the rifting phase, the initial conditions are inherited features. Many continental rifts underwent several extensional phases, showing varying deformation style in time. Such complexities are not easily explained by a single stretching phase; instead these might find better explanation considering poly-phasic rifting history. Here, we address the role of episodic stretching on the long-term evolution of continental rifts. Between rifting phases, as a consequence of geothermal re-equilibration, the lithosphere is prone to regain its original thickness, yet attains a different rheological layering, affecting subsequent rifting. We use numerical modelling to investigate the development of rifting patterns during poly-phasic lithospheric extension. The models show that the time-dependent boundary conditions have a fundamental control on the tectonic rifting style and its evolution. The formation of narrow and wide rifts might be strongly related to the cooling events during rifting history.