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Tectonic Significance of the Afar (or Danakil) Depression

Abstract

The Afar depression results from the separation of the Arabian and Nubian plates, with generation of new oceanic crust. Volcano-tectonic spreading axes form part of broad uplifted structures. The Gulf of Aden and Red Sea rifts constitute one and the same tectonic megastructure; but the distinct characteristics of the East African rift system suggest that it does not pertain to the megastructure.

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TAZIEFF, H., VARET, J., BARBERI, F. et al. Tectonic Significance of the Afar (or Danakil) Depression. Nature 235, 144–147 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1038/235144a0

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