Introduction

Abstract

Rifts are elongate zones of crustal/lithospheric extension. These could extend for thousands of kilometers and are controlled by fold belts within the basement. How rifts get segmented, propagate discontinuously and evolve is decided by pre-existing structural features within the basement. One of the factors for such varied structural styles is the tectonic inheritance of pre-existing anisotropies in the pre-rift lithosphere. Inheritance of previously existing structures takes place for strong mechanical anisotropy, less flow of heat, and for favourable angle between existing structure and the applied stress. Analogue models proved that the geometries of rift systems change significantly by pre-existing fabrics. Sedimentation pattern in rifted basins could be controlled by inheritance. Refining tectonic understanding of passive margins in the context of inheritance is important.

…inherited fault zones can clearly influence the pattern of continental deformation at length scales greater than the thickness of the lithosphere.

Sutherland et al. (2000)