The syn‐rift tectono‐stratigraphic record of rifted margins (Part II): A new model to break through the proximal/distal interpretation frontier

One fundamental lesson from the last decade's research into rifted margins is that stratigraphic horizons cannot be simply correlated proximal distal domain, which makes interpretation of poorly calibrated and largely inaccessible difficult. In this contribution, we propose a new tectono-stratigraphic model to help break through proximal/distal frontier. After reviewing scientific advances on achieved during century, describe primary spatio-temporal evolution active deformation rifting. We show different rift domains are associated with specific (1) periods deformation; (2) tectonic structures related architecture; (3) amounts accommodation creation owing ranges horizontal widening vertical deepening (4) depositional environments. demonstrate sequential localization extension rifting results in younging base passive infill (i.e. sediment deposited non-tectonic setting) oceanward. panel few tens My time intervals events—our Tectonic Sequences—that may more or less easily continuously across margins. This study underlines value an iterative approach between fieldwork fossil offshore geophysical studies, where field studies offer easy-to-access high-resolution calibration dismembered margin remnants, while provide comparatively low-resolution imaging entire, intact but inaccessible, It also highlights necessity jettisoning outdated dogma changing our routines when interpreting seismic sections outcrops.