The Limpopo Magma‐Rich Transform Margin, South Mozambique: 1. Insights From Deep‐Structure Seismic Imaging

A variety of structures results from the interplay evolving far-field forces, plate kinematics, and magmatic activity during continental break-up. The east Limpopo transform margin, offshore northern Mozambique, formed as Africa Antarctica separated mid-Jurassic period break-up Gondwana supercontinent. nature crust onshore has been discussed for decades in an effort to resolve issues with kinematic models. Two seismic refraction profiles coincident multichannel reflection allow us interpret velocity across both offshore. These (a) delineate major regional crustal domains; (b) identify widespread indications activity; (c) map structure geometry this magma-rich margin. Careful examination allows make following observations interpretations: on land, is overlain by a >10-km thick volcano-sedimentary wedge related early rifting stage, offshore, oceanic due intense activity, between two 50–60-km wide zone where are affected faulting. prominent presence intrusive extrusive igneous units may be attributed combination deep-seated melting anomaly trans-tensional fault running through thinned lithosphere that allowed melt reach surface. comparison thinning along other margins shows probable dependence thermal and/or tectonic history lithosphere.