Rift-Segment Interaction and Its Relation to Hydrocarbon Exploration in Continental Rift Systems

In both the early stages of continental rifting and the onset of sea-floor spreading in the more advanced rifting, longitudinally continuous rifting is accomplished by the propagation and linkage of isolated pockets of extension. In the early continental rift phase, these isolated pockets of deformation are defined as rift segments. Rift segments initially are distributed in a loose association of in-line and en echelon geometry. Their propagation, interaction, and linkage into a continuous rift system creates a variety of rift geometries, including rift splays, gaps, offsets, passes, and large-scale transfer zones. An understanding of these geometries and their associated fault patterns is critical for effective hydrocarbon exploration in these zones.