Publication Date:
2024-07-09
Description:
This study addresses the lithospheric structure of the West and Central African rift system (WCARS) and explores its origin and development in relation to the enigmatic Cameroon volcanic line (CVL). Based on a recent seismic tomography model, we subdivide the areas in tectonic domains. We perform integrated 3D geophysical and petrological forward modeling. By exploring the thickness and composition of different domains, we compare the model response to the observed topography and gravity anomalies, under consideration of the available seismic Moho depth points. Our model reveals three distinct domains within the study area: The WCARS is predominantly underlain by a Phanerozoic‐type lithospheric mantle, surrounded by the West African and the Congo Cratons, where the lithospheric mantle has a Proterozoic‐type signature. Between these domains, we identify a transition area where lithospheric thickness changes rapidly. Our preferred model shows significant variability of crustal thickness from 20 km in the rift area to 50 km beneath the cratons accompanied by thin lithosphere of 80 km in the rift area to thick lithosphere of up to 240 km beneath the cratons. The final model confirms that the WCARS' origin is passive, and suggests that the origin of the CVL, particularly its continental part, is the result of two tectonic events: (a) V‐shaped opening of the lithospheric mantle beneath the WCARS, resulting in (b) a strong variation of the lithosphere thickness at the transition between the rift zone and the northwestern part of the Congo craton.
Plain Language Summary
In this study, we describe the current structure of the subsurface (from the surface to a depth of 300 km) in Central and Western Africa. The aim is to understand the formation of the Central African Rift zone during the opening of the Atlantic Ocean, and how this relates to the linear chain of volcanoes that cross Cameroon, known as the Cameroon Volcanic Line. To achieve these objectives, we divide the study area into tectonic domains reflecting their seismological signature, and then, establish a three‐dimensional representation of the subsurface structure, based on fitting topography and gravity data. Our model confirms the geological subdivision of the study area into three blocks corresponding to two cratons and a rift zone, with transitional areas between them. Our model is compatible with a passive origin of the rifts in the region. We propose that the origin of the volcanic line of Cameroon is related to magma ascent during the separation of the African and South American plate in connection with the opening of the Atlantic and channeled by the lithospheric architecture.
Key Points
We present a new 3D model of the lithosphere for the West and Central African Rift System (WCARS)
Our model confirms that the WCARS has a passive origin
Our model suggest that the origin of the Cameroon volcanic line is linked to the architecture of the WCARS and adjoining cratons
Type:
Article
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PeerReviewed
,
info:eu-repo/semantics/article
Format:
text
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