Ibrahim, Youseph, and Rey, Patrice F. (2026) From wide rifts to orogens: A new perspective for Proterozoic tectonics. Geology. (In Press)

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Abstract

The thermal structure of the lithosphere influences both the extensional and contractional phases of rift-inversion orogenesis. During the Proterozoic, elevated geotherms likely favored wide rift formation, yet examples of wide rift-inversion orogens are absent from the literature. Using 2-D thermo-mechanical models, we show that narrow rifts formed under colder initial geotherms invert into localized orogenic wedges flanked by foreland basins, largely utilizing rift architecture. Wide rifts formed under warmer initial geotherms, representing Proterozoic conditions, invert into broad, low-relief orogenic plateaus through distributed upper crustal faulting and ductile flow in the underlying lithosphere. Importantly, postrift tectonic quiescence modestly affects narrow rift inversion, primarily widening the orogenic wedge, but fundamentally alters wide rift inversion by promoting lithospheric cooling, embrittlement, and the development of deep contractional shear zones offsetting the Moho by 10−20 km. This wide rift-inversion framework may provide an explanation for distributed shortening and low topographic relief in Proterozoic orogens.

Item ID:	90347
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1943-2682
Related URLs:	Publisher
Copyright Information:	© 2026 The Authors. Gold Open Access: This paper is published under the terms of the CC-BY license.
Funders:	Australian Research Council (ARC)
Projects and Grants:	ARC-DP220100709, ARC-LP190100146
Date Deposited:	28 Jan 2026 02:11
FoR Codes:	37 EARTH SCIENCES > 3705 Geology > 370511 Structural geology and tectonics @ 100%
SEO Codes:	25 MINERAL RESOURCES (EXCL. ENERGY RESOURCES) > 2503 Mineral exploration > 250399 Mineral exploration not elsewhere classified @ 50% 28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280107 Expanding knowledge in the earth sciences @ 50%
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