Tectono-sedimentary evolution of active extensional basins

We present conceptual models for the tectono-sedimentary evolution of rift basins. Basin architecture depends upon a complex interaction between the t hree-dimensional evolution of basin linkage through fault propagation, the evolution of drainage and drainage catchments and the effects of changes in climate and sea/lake level. In particular, the processes of fault propagat ion, growth, linkage and death are major tectonic controls on basin archite cture. Current theoretical and experimental models of fault linkage and the direction of fault growth can be tested using observational evidence from the earliest stages of rift development. Basin linkage by burial or breachi ng of crossover basement ridges is the dominant process whereby hydrologica lly closed rifts evolve into open ones. Nontectonic effects arising from cl imate, sea or lake level change are responsible for major changes in basin- scale sedimentation patterns. Major gaps in our understanding of rift basin s remain because of current inadequacies in sediment, fault and landscape d ating.