Details of Award

NERC Reference : NER/A/S/2000/00563

Kinematics and dynamics of continental break-up above a mantle plume: Anatomy of the northern Ethiopian Rift.

Principal Investigator:: Professor P Maguire, University of Leicester, Geology
Co-Investigator:: Professor M Fowler, Royal Holloway, Univ of London, Earth Sciences
Co-Investigator:: Professor G Stuart, University of Leeds, School of Earth and Environment
Co-Investigator:: Professor M Kendall, University of Oxford, Earth Sciences
Co-Investigator:: Professor C Ebinger, University of Rochester, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Grant held at:: University of Leicester, Geology

ENRIs:: Natural Resource Management; Environmental Risks and Hazards
Science Topics:: Earth Surface Processes; Survey & Monitoring; Tectonic Processes; Mantle & Core Processes

Abstract:: Magmatic continental rifts approaching break-up show many similarities to oceanic rifts, yet the processes controlling the localisation of strain and magmatism remain poorly understood. We propose controlled source and passive seismic experiments to image the crust and upper mantle just prior to break-up in the northern Ethiopian Rift, where the transition from continental rifting to incipient spreading is captured. The specific objectives are to: (1) determine the partitioning of strain between magmatic dilation and major faults across and along a transitional rift segment; (2) constrain the volume and distribution of magmatic material accreted/intruded to the crust prior to break-up; (3) determine fault kinematics and seismogenic layer thickness via the analysis of seismicity data; and (4) evaluate 3-D dynamic models of mantle flow using shear-wave splitting.

Authorised funds only

This grant award has a total value of £119,364

Total - Staff	Total - T&S	Total - Other Costs	Total - Indirect Costs
£5,182	£61,796	£50,002	£2,384

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