Depth-dependent extension, two-stage breakup.pdfVIP

LETTER doi:10.1038/nature09988 Depth-dependent extension, two-stage breakup and cratonic underplating at rifted margins Ritske Huismans1 Christopher Beaumont2 Uniform lithospheric extension1 predicts basic properties of non- volcanic rifted margins but fails to explain other important characteristics2,3. Significant discrepancies are observed at ‘type I’ margins (such as the Iberia–Newfoundland conjugates), where large tracts of continental mantle lithosphere are exposed at the sea floor4, and ‘type II’ margins (such as some ultrawide central South Atlantic margins), where thin continental cr