Constraints for plate reconstruction using gravity data—implications for source and reservoir distribution in Brazilian and West African margin basins

Rift–shear architecture and tectonic development of the Ghana margin deduced from multichannel seismic reflection and potential field data

“…The overall plate tectonic setting during the initial stages of continental rifting of the basin was therefore transtensional, as predicted by reconstruction models of the early opening of the Equatorial Atlantic (e.g., Rabinowitz and LaBrecque, 1979;Nü rnberg and Mü ller, 1991;Dickson et al, 2003). The Deep Ivorian Basin therefore originated as a major pull-apart basin due to right-stepping of the dextral transform margin.…”

“…Since the Ghana margin developed as a result of the Mesozoic opening of the Equatorial Atlantic, any geodynamic evolutionary model for the margin should conform to constraints established by the major phases of opening of the South Atlantic (e.g., Rabinowitz and LaBrecque, 1979;Nü rnberg and Mü ller, 1991;Dickson et al, 2003). Consequently, we adopt the regional reconstruction models of the South Atlantic by Dickson et al (2003), which are additionally constrained by new geological information and gravity data, to provide the regional framework for our interpretation of the early geodynamic evolutionary history of the Ghana margin ( Fig.…”

“…In the Equatorial Atlantic, there are no observable seafloor spreading magnetic anomalies in the region largely as a result of the midCretaceous magnetic quiet zone and the proximity to the Equator. Therefore, a good understanding of the spatial and temporal relationships between the major structural elements, i.e., the rifted and transform margin segments, on the one hand, and the fracture zone traces, on the other hand, remains one of the most important tools for reconstructing the early opening history of the ocean (e.g., Le Pichon and Hayes, 1971;Mascle et al, 1988;Dickson et al, 2003).…”

Segmentation and differential post-rift uplift at the Angola margin as recorded by the transform-rifted Benguela and oblique-to-orthogonal-rifted Kwanza basins

“…As the Kwanza seamount trend does not follow the 'leaky' transform faults of the eastern domain of the South Atlantic Ocean (Figs. 1 and 2), it has been interpreted as a hot-spot track propagating oceanwards during lower oceanic crust inception (Dickson et al, 2003). This seamount trend offsets the salt limit and acted as a sedimentary barrier between distinct sedimentation north and south of 11 S, in the offshore Kwanza and Benguela Basins respectively (Pautot et al, 1973).…”

Seismic responses and controlling factors of Miocene deepwater gravity-flow deposits in Block A, Lower Congo Basin

“…1a). The basin was formed by tectonic evolution involving pre-rift, syn-rift, transitional and drift stages that resulted from the opening of the Cretaceous south Atlantic (Dickson et al, 2003;Liu et al, 2008). During the pre-rift stage, the Walvis Ride volcanic belt was formed as a result of the Tristan mantle plume activity (Fort et al, 2004).…”