Transform-normal extension and asymmetric basins: An alternative to pull-apart models

Research Article| May 01, 1992 Transform-normal extension and asymmetric basins: An alternative to pull-apart models Zvi Ben-Avraham; Zvi Ben-Avraham 1Department of Geophysics and Planetary Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Mark D. Zoback Mark D. Zoback 2Department of Geophysics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Zvi Ben-Avraham 1Department of Geophysics and Planetary Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel Mark D. Zoback 2Department of Geophysics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305 Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (1992) 20 (5): 423–426. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1992)020<0423:TNEAAB>2.3.CO;2 Article history First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Zvi Ben-Avraham, Mark D. Zoback; Transform-normal extension and asymmetric basins: An alternative to pull-apart models. Geology 1992;; 20 (5): 423–426. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1992)020<0423:TNEAAB>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Continental transforms are commonly associated with relatively small scale pull- apart basins. However, much larger scale basins, which are not consistent with the pull-apart model, commonly exist adjacent to transforms. Structures associated with several basins along the Dead Sea rift and El Pillar fault illustrate this. These basins are remarkably asymmetric, bounded by essentially linear transform segments on one side and subparallel normal faults on the other, suggesting simultaneous strike-slip motion and transform-normal extension. This observation, which is incompatible with classical faulting theory, can be explained along divergent plate boundaries if the transform fault is much weaker than the adjacent crust. Analysis of the orientation of the horizontal principal-stress direction near a weak transform fault embedded in an otherwise strong crust shows that convergent and divergent plate motion results in a stress field characterized by nearly fault-normal compression and extension, respectively. Structural styles along the San Andreas, Dead Sea, and El Pillar transform systems show that predictable changes between these two states have occurred through time along strike of the transforms. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.