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Afar, a Hot-Spot for Earth’s Geodynamics Studies

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Geology of Afar (East Africa)

Part of the book series: Regional Geology Reviews ((RGR))

Abstract

After this comprehensive description of Afar geology, another look at the geodynamic context can be proposed. Recalling that Afar appears as a unique place on planet Earth, the following would be good subjects for further investigation:

  • The process of break-up of a continent in an area of triple junction.

  • The way continental drift develops from continental to oceanic rifting.

  • How ridges progress and microplates form, deform and rotate.

  • The pertinence and limits of the mantle plume models.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The same phenomena is observed at Erta Ale in Pelees hair, where plagioclase crystals drive the basaltic liquid which solidifies as yellow glass.

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Correspondence to Jacques Varet .

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Varet, J. (2018). Afar, a Hot-Spot for Earth’s Geodynamics Studies. In: Geology of Afar (East Africa). Regional Geology Reviews. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60865-5_11

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