Abstract
THE Woodlark basin/D'Entrecasteaux Island region off northeast Papua New Guinea (Fig. 1) offers a rare glimpse of the propagation of active rifting and continental breakup1 into orogenically thickened (and subsequently extended) lithosphere2–10. Rifting, continental breakup, and the subsequent formation of oceanic lithosphere by sea-floor spreading often involve rupture controlled by propagation of a rift tip11–20. We recognize several tectonic elements in the evolving western Woodlark intracontinental system that are close geometric analogues of wholly oceanic propagators, and a kinematic development that can be viewed as an extrapolation of oceanic tectonics. The response to deformational stresses in the final stages of breakup in a thick, relatively hot, and hence weak continental lithosphere appears akin to that of oceanic lithosphere.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
