1981 Articles

Simple models of diffuse extension and the pre-seafloor spreading development of the continental margin of the Northeastern Gulf of Aden

Cochran, James R.

The pre-seafloor spreading development of the continental margin of the Northeastern Gulf of Aden is investigated using simple models for diffuse extension through listric faulting and/or dike intrusion. It is found that provided dike intrusion makes up a significant part of the extension mechanism, the simple model can adequately explain the observed heat flow and basement depths without violating constraints placed on the total amount of extension by crustal thicknesses and plate geometry. The influence of various factors on the behavior of the models is investigated, and they are found to be quite sensitive to the choice of initial crustal parameters and to the duration and nature of the pre-seafloor spreading extension. Thus to adequately understand the rifting process and the development of continental margins, it is necessary to obtain data from wells drilled into the synrift and basement rocks, and to study areas such as the Northern Red Sea, which are presently in the pre-seafloor spreading phase of their evolution.