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ABSTRACT: 3-D Tectono-Sedimentary Model of the North Tanganyika Basin: A Contribution to Understand the Interplay between Tectonic Activity and Depositional Environments in Modern and Ancient Rifts

LE TURDU, CAROLINE

The main purpose of my Ph.D. is a study on the East African Rift combining detailed interpretation of 3-D satellite images with subsurface and fieldwork data. Three target areas were chosen: (1) the Main Ethiopian Rift; (2) the Kenya Rift; and (3) the Tanganyika Rift.

The methods are 3-D SPOT imagery techniques, geophysical methods, sediment core analysis, and data collected in the field.

At this time, two new 3-D tectono-sedimentary models have already been obtained for targets 1 and 2. For my last year of Ph.D. I have to process the third target concerning the Northern Lake Tanganyika Rift Basin already investigated by our research group. Thus my main objective is to integrate these previous results in a 3-D tectono-sedimentary model using the new 3-D SPOT data and techniques which will help us to a better understanding of the onshore-offshore tectonic and sedimentary processes.

The available data are one couple of SPOT images and associated Digital Elevation Model. Their computer processing is the main motivation to ask the AAPG for a grant in aid. In effect, I need to use special softwares called VUE3D and PCI to create special new maps as (1) dip and direction of structural surfaces; (2) automatical extraction of hydrological pattern; and (3) erosion quantification model on rift escarpments.

Using the integrated approach used for the East African Rift system may lead to increasing sophistication of 3-D structural and sedimentary models of rift basins and contribute to a better understanding of the interplay between tectonic activity and depositional environments in ancient rift sequences.  

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90940©1997 AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid