Centrifuge models simulating magma emplacement during oblique rifting

A series of centrifuge analogue experiments have been performed to model the mechanics of continental oblique extension (in the range of 0 degrees to 60 degrees) in the presence of underplated magma at the base of the continental crust. The experiments reproduced the main characteristics of oblique rifting, such as (1) en-echelon arrangement of structures, (2) mean fault trends oblique to the extension vector, (3) strain partitioning between different sets of faults and (4) fault dips higher than in purely normal faults (e.g. Tron, V.. Brun. J.-P., 1991. Experiments on oblique rifting in brittle-ductile systems. Tectonophysics 188. 71-84). The model results show that the pattern of deformation is strongly controlled by the angle of obliquity (alpha). which determines the ratio between the shearing and stretching components of movement. For alpha less than or equal to 35 degrees, the deformation is partitioned between oblique-slip and normal faults, whereas for alpha greater than or equal to 45 degrees a strain partitioning arises between oblique-slip and strike-slip faults. The experimental results show that for alpha less than or equal to 35 degrees, there is a strong coupling between deformation and the underplated magma: the presence of magma determines a strain localisation and a reduced strain partitioning; deformation, in turn, focuses magma emplacement. Magmatic chambers form in the core of lower crust domes with an oblique trend to the initial magma reservoir and. in some cases, an en-echelon arrangement. Typically. intrusions show an elongated shape with a high length/width ratio. In nature, this pattern is expected to result in magmatic and volcanic belts oblique to the rift axis and arranged en-echelon, in agreement with some selected natural examples of continental rifts (i.e. Main Ethiopian Rift) and oceanic ridges (i.e. Mohns and Reykjanes Ridges). (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.