The tensile strength of the lithosphere and the localization of extension

Summary Continents appear to rift in preference to oceans. Furthermore, some areas of continents appear to be more susceptible to rifting than others. Experimental rock mechanics data are used to estimate lithospheric strength for lithospheres of different structure, thereby to investigate the possible causes of rift localization. Using optimum creep parameters for silicic, mafic and ultramafic rocks, we find that lithospheric strength is inversely related to both crustal thickness and heat flow. By virtue of its thinner crust, oceanic lithosphere is inherently stronger than continental lithosphere. We find that oceanic lithosphere older than about 10 Ma should be able to withstand the lithospheric forces exerted on it by gravity sliding and plate interactions. Rifting or ridge-jumps are therefore only likely to occur in very young oceanic lithosphere. Low heat flow continental shields should also be able to withstand likely lithospheric forces without significant deformation. As the heat flow increases, however, the lithosphere is weakened dramatically. A smaller amount of weakening is associated with crustal thickening. Thus, unless rifting is localized by a strongly heterogeneous stress field, it will be by anomalously weak lithosphere. This lithosphere is likely to have anomalously high heat flow and/or crustal thickness prior to extension.