Geophysical aspects of the opening of the Tasman Sea
Abstract
The pattern of breakup in the Tasman Sea has been recognized for almost 20 years, but questions still remain about the mechanism of its formation. Seafloor spreading initiated about 82 Ma along the west side of the rift, and virtually the entire rift system is preserved on the Challenger Plateau and the Lord Howe Rise. Two models are proposed to explain the asymmetry: a large detachment fault dipping beneath Australia, and a ridge jump model with a pre-existing zone of crustal weakness.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Geological and Geophysical Studies
Geological Studies and Exploration
earthquake and tectonic studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 19–34
- Publication date
- 2 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter