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Upper mantle viscosity and dynamic subsidence of curved continental margins

Author

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  • Victor Sacek

    (Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas, Universidade de São Paulo)

  • Naomi Ussami

    (Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas, Universidade de São Paulo)

Abstract

Continental rifting does not always follow a straight line. Nevertheless, little attention has been given to the influence of rifting curvature in the evolution of extended margins. Here, using a three-dimensional model to simulate mantle dynamics, we demonstrate that the curvature of rifting along a margin also controls post-rift basin subsidence. Our results indicate that a concave-oceanward margin subsides faster than a convex margin does during the post-rift phase. This dynamic subsidence of curved margins is a result of lateral thermal conduction and mantle convection. Furthermore, the differential subsidence is strongly dependent on the viscosity structure. As a natural example, we analyse the post-rift stratigraphic evolution of the Santos Basin, southeastern Brazil. The differential dynamic subsidence of this margin is only possible if the viscosity of the upper mantle is >2–3 × 1019 Pa s.

Suggested Citation

  • Victor Sacek & Naomi Ussami, 2013. "Upper mantle viscosity and dynamic subsidence of curved continental margins," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-6, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms3036
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3036
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