Interplay between surface processes and deformation at rifted margins

Rifting of the continental lithosphere includes the interactions of multiple processes occurring at different time- and length-scales. Some of the key processes and interactions have been intensively analyzed in recent years using advanced numerical modelling techniques. However, little attention has been placed into the effects of surface processes in passive margin formation. Erosion and sedimentation might play an important role on timing and spatial distribution of deformation since redistribution of mass through the surface implies a change in stresses that may dominate extension. Additionally, surface processes strongly depend on climate so there is the possibility that climate can have an effect on rifting. This postdoctoral position is focused on analyzing how climate interacts with extensional tectonics and the influences of surface processes on the architectural build-up of passive margins.

In order to answer these questions, the post will use and develop numerical models in Matlab. The current available model is 2D visco-elasto-plastic and accounts for surface processes for both subaerial and submarine environments. Specific technical tasks of the post will be to: 1) set up experiments and interpret outcomes of models with spatially and temporally varying surface processes parameters (i.e. precipitation rates), 2) design and conduct experiments to test feedbacks between lithospheric deformation and surface processes, 3) optimize existing force boundary conditions functions so that effects of surface processes in acceleration/delay of rifting can be evaluated. Outcomes of the models will be contrasted with observations from natural examples of rifted margins such as Gulf of California and South China Seas, where feedbacks between surface processes or climate and margin structure have been proposed in observational studies.