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Divergence and Extension: Lithospheric Extension McKenzie vs Wernicke. |
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Divergence of continental landmasses leads to surface extension and therefore thinning of the continental lithosphere. Extension can follow a variety of modes. The sketches on the right show two end-members mode of extension.
In the first model, strain is homogeneously distributed over the entire continental lithosphere. A pure shear strain regime is responsible for the thinning of the lithosphere. This model is known as the McKenzie model.
In the second model, extension and thinning of the entire lithosphere occurs along a main detachment fault cutting through the lithosphere. Simple shear is the dominant strain regime. This model is known as the Wernicke model. |
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