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Extension tectonics in the Afar Triangle
Author(s) -
Waltham Tony
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
geology today
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.188
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 1365-2451
pISSN - 0266-6979
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2451.2005.00510.x
Subject(s) - geology , tectonics , terrain , graben , plate tectonics , triple junction , basalt , dike , paleontology , earth science , seismology , oceanography , cartography , geography
On the Red Sea coast of Africa, the triangular wedge of land named after its Afar people has been created by excess basalt production at a triple junction of divergent plate boundaries. Its harsh desert terrain is a remote wilderness that receives few visitors, yet is a spectacular suite of extension tectonics dominated by sinking grabens, salt basins below sea level, active faults and effusive volcanoes.