Neotectonics and extension direction of the Southern Kenya rift, lake Magadi area
Abstract
The Magadi area, located in the southern part of the Kenya Rift, is a seismically active region where rifting is still in progress. The recent tectonic activity has been investigated through a seismological survey and the study of neotectonic joints found in Lake Magadi sediments, which were deposited some 5000 years ago. The structural analysis of these open fractures was combined with a quantitative analysis of the orientation and size characteristics of imagery faults. The gathered data demonstrate (1) that the majority of the systematic joints have straight and parallel trajectories with a common en echelon mode of propagation displayed through a rich variety of patterns, and (2) that there is a self-similarity in fault and joint principal directions recognised at the different telescopic scales. SPOT image (1:125,000), aerial photos (1:76,000), and outcrop fieldwork reveal two important structural orientations which are N015°E and N015°W. The N015°E regional direction is consistent with the orientation of the southern segment of the Kenya Rift. Structural analysis is supported by results of a joint microseismic investigation in the Lake Magadi area. Obtained focal mechanism solutions indicate an E–W to ESE–WNW normal faulting extension direction
URI
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0040195103000519http://hdl.handle.net/11295/80961
Citation
Atmaoui, N., & Hollnack, D. (2003). Neotectonics and extension direction of the Southern Kenya Rift, Lake Magadi area. Tectonophysics, 364(1), 71-83.Publisher
University of Nairobi