The role of long-term rifting history on modes of continental lithosphere extension

Abstract

Continental lithosphere extension results in complex basin types with differing structural styles, subsidence, thermal histories, and melt production. Many studies have examined the role of initial rheological layering, geothermal gradients, and extension rates during a single rifting event. This approach neglects the tectonic history of many basins that are marked by multiple rifting events. Here we address the role of repeated extension on long-term lithospheric strain modes and the resulting basins, highlighting cases most affected by previous rifting events. We use numerical models of a lithosphere undergoing two rifting events of differing extension rates and separated by cooling, to sh..