A simple continental rift classification

A continental rift is conventionally described as a thinning process of the lithosphere ultimately leading to the rupture of the continent and the formation of a mid-oceanic ridge. Rifting is the initial and fundamental process by which the separation of two continents into two tectonic plates takes place. Previous classifications, particularly the one into active and passive rifting, are briefly presented, together with their limitations. The new classification presented here links continental rifts to the major plate tectonics structures which are at the origin of their formation. Thus, four types of rift can be defined: the subduction-related rift, the plume-related rift, the mountain-related rift and the transform-related rift. A number of examples representative of these four types of rift are then presented. This classification is shown to lie at the heart of our understanding of the major plate tectonic processes at work on Earth. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.