Crustal variability along the rifted/sheared East African margin: a review

Abstract The East African margin between the Somali Basin in north and Natal south formed as a result of Jurassic/Cretaceous dispersal Gondwana. While initial movements West Gondwana left (oblique) rifted margins behind, subsequent southward drift from 157 Ma onwards created major shear zone, Davie Fracture Zone (DFZ), along Africa. To document structural variability DFZ, several deep seismic lines were acquired off northern Mozambique. profiles clearly indicate changes zone an elevated continental block (14°–20°S) to non-elevated basement covered by up 6-km-thick sediments (9°–13°S). Here, we compile geological/geophysical knowledge five Africa interpret them context one latest kinematic reconstructions. A pre-rift position detached sliver Ridge Tanzania/Kenya southeastern Madagascar fits this reconstruction without general rotation poles.