Evolution, pattern, and partitioning of deformation during oblique continental rifting: Inferences from lithospheric‐scale centrifuge models

Abstract

Oblique rifting is investigated through centrifuge experiments that reproduce extension of a continental lithosphere containing a preexisting weakness zone. During extension, this weakness localizes deformation, and different rift obliquity is obtained by varying its trend with respect to the stretching direction. Model results show that deformation is mostly controlled by the obliquity angle α (defined as the angle between the orthogonal to the rift trend and the extension direction). For low obliquity (α < 45°), rifting is initially characterized by activation of large, en echelon boundary faults bordering a subsiding rift depression, with no deformation affecting the rift floor. Increasing extension results in the abandonment of the boundary faults and the development of new faults within the rift depression. These faults are orthogonal to the direction of extension and arranged in two en echelon segments linked by a complex transfer zones, characterized by strike‐slip component of motion. In these models, a strong strain partitioning is observed between the rift margins, where the boundary fault systems have an oblique‐slip motion, and the valley floor that away from the transfer zones is affected by a pure extension. Moderate obliquity (α = 45°) still results in a two‐phase rift evolution, although boundary fault activity is strongly reduced, and deformation is soon transferred to the rift depression. The fault pattern is similar to that of low‐obliquity models, although internal faults become slightly oblique to the orthogonal to the direction of extension. Deformation partitioning between the rift margins and the valley floor is still observed but is less developed than for low‐obliquity rifting. For high obliquity (α > 45°), no boundary faults form, and the extensional deformation affects the rift depression since early stages of extension. Dominance of the strike‐slip motion over extension leads to the development of oblique‐slip and nearly pure strike‐slip faults, oblique to both the rift trend and the orthogonal to the extension direction, with no strain partitioning between the margins and the rift floor. These results suggest that oblique reactivation of preexisting weaknesses plays a major role in controlling rift evolution, architecture, and strain partitioning, findings that have a significant relevance for natural oblique rifts.