Formation Mechanism of Rift Basins in Central African Strike-Slip Tectonic Setting:A Case Study of Bongor Basin
Xiao Kunye
Zhang Xinshun
Gao Yanjie
Wang Lin
Du Yebo
Wang Li
Gao Huahua
Abstract：Integrating detailed seismic interpretation and analogue tectonic modeling experiments,this study investigates the unique structural characteristics and the dynamic formation and evolution mechanisms of the Bongor basin in the Central African shear zone.Geophysical interpretation indicates that the Bongor Basin exhibits characteristics of a typical inverted rift basin.The current structural configuration was controlled by two phases rifting during Early Cretaceous and the compression in Late Cretaceous-Paleogene,with the primary rift-related structures are still clearly identifiable.Multi-stage analogue tectonic modeling further confirm that the formation of the Bongor basin was controlled by two early phases of rifting and subsequent inversion,with the extension directions of the two rifting stages separated by 25°-45°.Combining these results and context of regional tectonic history,a geological model of the two-phase rifting in the Bongor basin was put forward.In the early Early Cretaceous,the opening of the South Atlantic Ocean triggered near north-south stretching between the South African and the Northeast African subplate.This led to the first phase of rifting in the Central African rift system basins,including the Bongor basin.During the late Early Cretaceous,both the shift of the main Atlantic expansion toward the equatorial region and the subduction of the Tethys Ocean toward the Eurasian continent caused a nearly northeast-southwest extensional stress between the Northeast African block and the South African block.Unlike other basins parallel to the Central African rift system,the northwest-trending Bongor basin underwent a second phase of rifting.The study presents new insights into the formation and evolution of the Bongor basin,which is of great significance for guiding future oil and gas exploration.
Keywords：rift basinshear zonePhysical analog modelingtectonic evolutionBongor basinpetroleum geology
Publication Date：2025-12-30
Online Publishing Date：2026-01-26(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：18( 4801-4818 )