Aulakogen

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As Aulacogen is known in geology a continental grave breach ( Rift ) not to an oceanic spreading zone has evolved. By definition, this rift valley is part or extension of a triple point ( rift-rift-rift junction ).

From such a triple point, three continental trenches extend radially at an angle of approximately 120 °, two of which have developed into active oceanic spreading zones, while the third branch, the aulakogen, does not go beyond the continental phase.

An example of a possible aulakogen is the Afar Depression in Ethiopia. While the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden have developed into narrow ocean basins, the third branch, the Afar Depression, is still in the continental rifting phase. If the Afar Depression becomes tectonically inactive in the near future, it is considered an Aulacogen.

literature

  • Kevin Burke, JF Dewey: Plume Generated Triple Junctions: Key Indicators in Applying Plate Tectonics to Old Rocks. The Journal of Geology. Vol. 81, 1973, No. 4, pp. 406-433, DOI: 10.1086 / 627882
  • Christiane Martin, Manfred Eiblmaier (Hrsg.): Lexicon of Geosciences: in six volumes, Heidelberg [among others]: Spektrum, Akademischer Verlag, 2000–2002