Source link : https://europ.info/2025/09/05/upright-emplacement-of-the-gibraltar-slab-sheds-light-on-the-origins-of-rifting-in-nearby-foreland-and-backarc-basins/
A groundbreaking study published in Nature sheds new light on the tectonic forces shaping the western Mediterranean region. Researchers have uncovered compelling evidence for the upright emplacement of the Gibraltar slab-a key geological feature whose positioning may hold the answers to the mysterious origins of rifting in nearby foreland and backarc basins. This discovery not only challenges previous models of regional tectonics but also offers fresh insights into the complex interactions driving basin formation along convergent plate margins. Scientists say these findings could reshape our understanding of how mountain-building processes influence the evolution of surrounding basins, with significant implications for geology and natural resource exploration.
Upright Gibraltar Slab Sheds Light on Tectonic Dynamics in Mediterranean Region
The recent study reveals a groundbreaking perspective on the vertical positioning of the Gibraltar slab beneath the Mediterranean basin. Unlike the traditionally assumed horizontal subduction, researchers have identified an upright slab emplacement that fundamentally alters our understanding of regional tectonic forces. This discovery is crucial in explaining the genesis of rifting phenomena observed in both adjacent foreland and backarc basins, offering new clarity on the processes driving basin evolution.
Key implications of the upright slab configuration include:
- Tectonic rearrangement influencing extensional stresses across the…
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Author : EURO-NEWS
Publish date : 2025-09-05 10:10:00
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