Dynamics of the African Plate 75 Ma: From Plate Kinematic Reconstructions to Intraplate Paleo‐Stresses

Plate reconstruction studies show that the Neotethys Ocean was closing due to convergence of Africa and Eurasia toward end Cretaceous. The period around 75 Ma reflects onset continental collision between two plates as continued be taken up mostly by subduction slab beneath Eurasia. Owen transform plate boundary in northeast accommodated fast northward motion Indian relative African plate. rest surrounded mid-ocean ridges. experiencing continent-wide rifting related northeast-southwest extension. We aim quantify forces paleostresses may have driven this use latest kinematic reconstructions a grid search estimate horizontal gravitational stresses (HGSs), forces, plate's interaction with asthenosphere. contribution dynamic topography HGSs is based on recent mantle convection studies. model intraplate compare them strain observations. fit observations favors models where amplitudes are smaller than 300 m. results also indicate net pull transmitted from surface low. To put into context, we notice available tectonic fragmented zones various colliding micro-continents along northern margin time. therefore interpret low resulting either small average length or micro-continents' resistance subduction.