A model for tectonic activity in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea during the last 90 m. y. based on membrane tectonics

Abstract

Tectonic activity in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea during the last 90 m. y. can be closely related to the palaeocontinental position of Africa. Prior to 90 m. y., during the break up of Gondwanaland and the spreading of the West African rifts, the palaeocontinental position of Africa hardly changed at all. During the last 90 m. y. Africa has moved steadily northwards and rotated slightly in an anticlockwise direction. From 90 m. y. to 40 m. y. tectonic activity in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea was compressional and from 40 m. y. to present day tectonic activity has been extensional. The change, in West Africa, from peripheral compression of the continental part of the African plate to peripheral extension occurred at approximately the same time as the effective mechanical centre of Africa (localted near Jebel Marra) crossed the equator.