Browsing by Author "Nyarera, Nyangena D."

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    Reconstruction of the rift formation and kinematics for the evolution of the basins in the afar region
    (2023) Nyarera, Nyangena D.
    This study focuses on seafloor spreading and evolution of the Afar region since the Paleogene through an integrated investigation of magmatism, continental rifting and seafloor spreading processes. While previous studies have attempted to establish rifting initiation on a local and regional scale, none have simulated the exact timing of the Afar rifting, rift basin evolution and magmatism over time. The study utilized geophysical and geological data incorporated into Gplate software to establish the tectonic evolution of magmatism, the timing of initial continental rifting and the spatial-temporal evolution of magmatism over the past 65 Ma. Seafloor spreading rates were estimated and validated against magnetic anomaly profiles from published data. The findings reveal that magmatism started at 31 Ma and manifested in four episodes. The rifting between the Arabian and Somalian plates began at 19 Ma, leading to subsequent drift in varying velocities and directions. The Arabian plate initially moved northeastward before undergoing a significant counterclockwise rotation towards the north-northwest. In contrast, the Somalian plate initially moved south-southeast and later rotated counterclockwise towards the east. These movements can be attributed to tensional forces at plate boundaries, interactions with neighboring plates, and the influence of mantle convection. The Seafloor spreading rates in the region range between 12.29 mm/yr and 20.12 mm/yr and exhibited a dominant orientation of E-W direction. Seafloor spreading started ca.16 Ma and has continued to the Present. The study also has identified an average pole relative motion between the Somalian and Arabian plates at 10.5469N 35.1857E, with an average angular rotation of 0.5353°/Ma. Moreover, the spreading direction from the south pole show an average angle of less than 30°, indicating a shift from east to west. This work will aid in understanding the mechanisms that drive tectonic plate movement and assessing the role of volcanic activity and sedimentation in the potential development of hydrocarbon resources in the basins of the Afar region. Additionally, the findings provide valuable insights on the geological history and evolution of basins in the Afar region hence more integration studies are required to determine sedimentation rates, why the Arabian plate exhibited a higher rate of plate motion than the Somalian plate and also to evaluate the hazardous implications associated with high rates of plate rotations to safeguarding local communities and infrastructure.