Juan Contreras¹, Christopher H. Scholz²

(1) CICESE, Ensenada, BC, Mexico
(2) Columbia University, Palisades, NY

ABSTRACT: Evolution of Stratigraphic Sequences in Multisegmented Continental Rift Basins: Comparison of Computer Models with the Basins of the East African Rift System

This paper presents a series of numerical simulations of the stratigraphic evolution of continental rift basins. Here, we model the geomorphic and tectonic processes acting in this depositional environment. This contrast with the traditional approach of modeling the settling of sediments, especially in marine clastic basins. What is new in this model is that it can simulate the formation of basins with linked half-grabens, which is a fundamental feature of rift systems. The attributes of the numerical simulations such as the overall morphology, basin architecture, drainage systems, and stratigraphy are in good agreement with digital elevation models and reflection seismic lines of the basins of the East African rift system, specifically Tanganyika and Malawi rifts.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90906©2001 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado