1 - Basic Description of Structural Architecture in Transform Margin Settings

Summary

The aim of this chapter is the classification of the various types of strike-slip faults and their structural architecture. In order to understand structural styles of transform margins, continental strike-slip fault zones, and pull-apart basins, transform margin precursors represented by continental transforms and continent–ocean transforms are discussed, together with their tectonic development histories, controlling dynamics, and resultant structural architecture. The discussion also includes ridge transform faults and associated oceanic fracture zones. Focus is also given to the structural architecture of the oceanic side of the continental–oceanic transform fault zone, its development history, its controlling dynamics, and the way they affect the evolution of the adjacent continental side, which subsequently evolves into the future transform margin.