Rift basin vs foreland basin sedimentation?

  • Thread starter Simfish
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In summary, sedimentation rates can differ between rift basins and foreland basins due to varying rates of uplift of source areas and the size of the basin. The sedimentation profile may also differ in terms of convexities/concavities. Rift basins are often filled with lakes while foreland basins may not be due to the presence of compressional forces in the latter. Additionally, the source material for sedimentation also plays a role in determining sedimentation rates.
  • #1
Simfish
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How does sedimentation compare between rift basins and foreland basins?

Does each have differing rates of sedimentation?

What about the convexities/concavities in the sedimentation profile?

Also - why are rift basins often filled up with lakes while foreland basins sometimes aren't?
 
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  • #2
Doesn't the source material for sedimentation also play an important part?
 
  • #3
I don't have specific data, but surely this would depend upon relative rates of uplift of source areas, coupled with the size of the basin. I would expect a broad overlapping of the ranges.

I suspect that foreland basin would generate overall higher averages, since it exists because of compressional forces, and the rifts because of tensional.
 

1. What is the main difference between rift basin and foreland basin sedimentation?

The main difference between rift basin and foreland basin sedimentation is the tectonic setting in which they occur. Rift basins form in areas of extension, where the Earth's crust is pulling apart, while foreland basins form in areas of compression, where one tectonic plate is subducting beneath another.

2. How do sediment sources differ between rift basin and foreland basin sedimentation?

Sediment sources in rift basins are typically from nearby volcanic activity and erosion of the surrounding uplifted areas. In contrast, sediment sources in foreland basins are generally from erosion of the adjacent mountain ranges formed by the subduction of tectonic plates.

3. What types of sediments are commonly found in rift basin and foreland basin sedimentation?

Rift basins tend to have coarser-grained sediments, such as sand and gravel, due to the proximity of volcanic activity. Foreland basins, on the other hand, tend to have finer-grained sediments, such as silt and clay, due to the longer transport distance from the sediment sources.

4. How do the rates of sediment deposition differ between rift basin and foreland basin sedimentation?

Sediment deposition rates in rift basins are generally higher than those in foreland basins due to the more rapid subsidence and higher sediment supply in rift environments. However, the rates can vary greatly depending on the specific tectonic and climatic conditions in each basin.

5. What are some examples of famous rift and foreland basins?

Some well-known examples of rift basins include the East African Rift in Africa and the Rio Grande Rift in North America. Famous foreland basins include the Ganges-Brahmaputra Basin in South Asia and the Andean Foreland Basin in South America.

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