Lüdmann, Thomas, Westphal, Hildegard ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7324-6122, Marchese, Fabio, Petrovic, Alexander and Vahrenkamp, Volker (2026) Post‐Miocene Transtensional Opening of the Northern Red Sea. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 27 (7). e2025GC012813. DOI https://doi.org/10.1029/2025GC012813.

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Abstract

The mechanism of opening, as well as the crustal characteristics of the northern Red Sea are subject of ongoing controversial scientific debate. With the objective of elucidating the nature of rifting in this area, a grid of 2D multi-channel reflection seismic data was acquired off the Al Wajh carbonate platform (AWCP), and supplemented by high-resolution bathymetric data. Along the previously proposed rift axis, a major meandering graben system is identified trending NNW-SSE that exhibits characteristics indicative of a strike-slip zone. The observed slip is left-lateral with a predominant extensional component. At the Mabahiss Deep, the fault zone bends to the south and steps over. Consequently, the basin functions as a pull-apart basin and is supposed to be a part of the Zabargad Fracture Zone. Bathymetric data highlight the complex seafloor topography in the study area today, which is caused by various subsurface salt structures. Their surface expression reflects the prevailing tectonic regime. Three distinct domains have been identified. The first encompasses the AWCP and its surrounding slopes. The second domain comprises the distal part of the rift, where salt structures trend NNW–SSE in line with the inferred rift axis. In the third, proximal domain, salt structures trend obliquely to the rift axis in places. This is attributed to intrinsic extension and normal faulting transverse to the strike-slip zone. Our results suggest that the NRS is in a transitional phase from continental rifting to seafloor spreading. The observed magmatic intrusions and submarine volcanoes are precursors to continental breakup.

Document Type:	Article
Programme Area:	PA4
Research affiliation:	Geoecology & Carbonate Sedimentology
Refereed:	Yes
Document Access:	Open access
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1029/2025GC012813
ISSN:	1525-2027
Date Deposited:	27 Jul 2026 13:42
Last Modified:	27 Jul 2026 13:42
URI:	https://cris.leibniz-zmt.de/id/eprint/6251

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