Low-angle detachment geometry of the late Precambrian-Cambrian Appalachian-Ouachita rifted margin of southeastern North America

Abstract

The late Precambrian-Cambrian rifted margin of southeastern North America is framed by northeast-striking rift segments offset by northwest-striking transform faults. Palinspastically restored structural profiles, thickness and composition of synrift rocks, and thickness of postrift strata vary along the trace of the rifted margin. The distribution of these variables suggests application of low-angle detachment models of continental rifting, including specific recognition of upper-plate margins, lower-plate margins, transform faults that offste the rift, and transform faults that bound domains of oppositely dipping low-angle detachments. The trace of the Mississippi Valley-Rough Creek-Rome intracratonic fault system suggests incipient rift segments offset by a transfer-fault system.