Models of Continental Extension with Emphasis on Crustal and Magma Flow

9633732 Buck The tectonic force available to drive rifting is estimated to be as much as an order of magnitude below the yield strength of intact lithosphere according to standard models. Detailed numerical models of rifting will be developed that include dike instrusion with the aim of expaining the first-order features of continental rifts and rifted margins with the simplest possible self-consistent models will be used to explore the time evolution of lithospheric strength, subsidence, and surface deformation in rift zones, under different assumptions of magma supply and rifting rates. ***