Geodynamic conditions of rifting on the Earth surface: problems of studying

Abstract

Rift structures are considered as elements of the composite structural parageneses of deformations in the crust and lithosphere with respect to kinematic types of such deformations. Most of the studied rift systems are associated with shear zones that contain extension faults with normal fault components, as well as strike-slip and compression structures. The regular structural pattern on the Earth surface and its relation to the distribution of the mantle density variations reflect the deformation of the Earth as a triaxial rotating ellipsoid.

Keywords

• rift
• rifting
• structural paragenesis
• shear zone
• cleavage
• separation
• stress field
• triaxial ellipsoid
• mantle plume
• global deformation zone