Treatise on Geophysics

Treatise on Geophysics

Volume 6, 2007, Pages 485-611
Treatise on Geophysics

6.11 - Tectonic Models for the Evolution of Sedimentary Basins

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-044452748-6.00109-7Get rights and content

In this chapter we review the formation and evolution of sedimentary basins in their lithospheric context. To this purpose, we follow a natural laboratory approach, selecting some well-documented basins of Europe. We begin with a brief outline of the evolution of tectonic modeling of sedimentary basin systems since its inception in the late 1970s. We subsequently review key features of the tectonics of rifted and compressional basins in Section 6.11.2. These include the classification of extensional basins into Atlantic type, back-arc, syn- and postorogenic rifts. This is followed by a discussion of thermal thinning of the lithosphere, doming and flood basalts, aspects of particular importance to volcanic rifted margins. We discuss the record of vertical motions during and after rifting in the context of stretching models developed to quantify rifted basin formation. The finite strength of the lithosphere has an important effect on the formation of extensional basins. This applies both to the geometry of the basin shape as well as to the record of vertical motions during and after rifting. We also address the tectonic control on post-rift evolution of extensional basins. The concept of strength of the lithosphere has also important consequences for compressional basins. The latter include foreland basins as well as basins formed by lithospheric folding.

We next focus on thermomechanical aspects of sedimentary basin formation in the context of large-scale models for the underlying lithosphere. We highlight the connection between the bulk rheological properties of Europe’s lithosphere and the evolution of some of Europe’s main sedimentary basins.

We investigate thermomechanical controls on continental breakup and associated basin migration processes using the NW European margin as a natural laboratory. We specifically address relationships between rift duration and extension velocities, thermal evolution, and role of mantle plumes and melts. This is followed by a brief discussion of compressional reactivation and its consequences for postrift inversion, borderland uplift and denudation.

We further develop the treatment of polyphase deformation of extensional basins taking the Black Sea Basin as a natural laboratory. We concentrate on rheological controls on basin formation affecting its large-scale basin stratigraphy and rift shoulder dynamics. We also discuss the role of intraplate stresses and lithospheric strength evolution during the postrift phase and consequences for neotectonic reactivation of the Black Sea basin system.

We give an overview on the interplay of extension and compression in the Pannonian–Carpathian basin system of Central Eastern Europe. We begin with a review of temporal and lateral variations in lithospheric strength in the region and its effects on late-stage basin deformation. This is followed by summary of models proposed for the development of the Pannonian–Carpathian system. We also present results of three-dimensional (3-D) modeling approaches investigating the role of 3-D distributions of load and lithospheric strength in orogenic arcs. In doing so, we focus on implications of these models for a better understanding of polyphase subsidence in the Carpathian foredeep.

For our discussion of lithospheric folding as a mode of basins formation, and for the interplay between lithosphere and surface processes in a compressional setting, we have selected the lberian microcontinent, located within the Africa–Europe collision zone. We review constraints on vertical motions, present-day stress regime and interaction between surface transport and vertical motions for Iberia at large. This is followed by a more detailed treatment of tectonic controls on drainage systems using the Ebro basin system of NE Iberia as a natural laboratory.

Finally, we draw general conclusions and addresses future perspectives.

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