This volume has evolved from papers written in memory of Professor David Roberts. They summarize the key findings of recent research on passive margins, from tectonics, bathymetry, stratigraphy and sedimentation, structural evolution and magmatism. Papers include analyses of the central and southern Atlantic margins of South America and Africa, papers on magmatism and extension in the NE Brazilian margin and on the Cote de Ivoire margin, rift architectures of the NW Red Sea margin, tectonics of the eastern Mediterranean margin, salt tectonics of passive margins of the Gulf of Mexico and Brazil, and papers on the NW Shelf margin of Australia. The volume provides readers with new insights into the complexities of passive margin systems that are in reality, not so passive.

The papers and research results presented here have been prepared as part of the Integrated Basin Studies project. This project had the objective of studying the lithospheric and upper crustal processes governing the formation and evolution of extensional and foreland basins and to decipher the role of tectonics, sea level and sedimentary processes in the filling of such basins. The Dynamics of the Norwegian Margin module focused on the rifted sedimentary basins of the northern North Sea and off Mid-Norway. This prolific hydrocarbon province has an extensive industry and scientific database and offers a unique opportunity to study fundamental earth processes, from failed rifting to crustal breakup and accretion of oceanic crust. A set of new models for basin formation and filling has been derived, including linking of sedimentary basin faulting to lower crustal deformation, signature and variability of syn-rift infill, correlation of mineralogy to seismic signature, nature and characteristics of volcanic margin formation and distribution of present-day stress field.

This work reviews the mechanism of rifting with a focus on pre-existing tectonic weaknesses in pre-rift and/or basement rocks, i.e., on tectonic inheritance. The passive margins that are studied in this book are the Norwegian Continental Shelf, the Eastern North America and the East and West Indian Continental Margins. The continental rifts that have been analysed are the East African Rift System, the Brazilian Continental Rift Systems and the European Cenozoic Rift System. It states how rifts and passive margins serve as valuable locations for hydrocarbon exploration. Tectonic inheritance/heritage examines the influence of pre-existing/pre-rift elements on the geometry, genesis and propagation of rift-related faults. Such elements include anisotropies in the shallow crustal levels, as well as the rheology of the lithosphere. Inheritance greatly influences the architecture of rifted passive margins including the attitude of faults and geometry of horsts, (half-) grabens, transfer zones etc. Inheritance is also a determining factor in the width of rifts and rift shoulder topography.

This is a comprehensive synthesis of state-of-the-art information on vitally important hydrocarbon habitats for advanced geology students and researchers, exploration geoscientists, and petroleum managers.

Expert petroleum geologists David Roberts and Albert Bally bring you Regional Geology and Tectonics: Phanerozoic Passive Margins, Cratonic Basins and Global Tectonic Maps, volume three in a three-volume series covering Phanerozoic regional geology and tectonics. Its key focus is on both volcanic and non-volcanic passive margins, and the importance of salt and shale driven by sedimentary tectonics to their evolution. Recent innovative research on such critical locations as Iberia, Newfoundland, China, and the North Sea are incorporated to provide practical real-world case studies in regional geology and tectonics. The vast amount of volcanic data now available to form accurate hydrocarbon assessments and analysis at passive margin locations is also included into this thorough yet accessible reference. - Named a 2013 Outstanding Academic Title by the American Library Association's Choice publication - A "how-to" practical reference that discusses the impact of the development of passive margins and cratonic basins on the structural evolution of the Earth in regional geology and tectonic applications. - Incorporates the increased availability of industry data to present regional seismic lines and cross-sections, leading to more accurate analysis and assessment of targeted hydrocarbon systems - Analyses of passive margins and cratonic basins in East Africa, China, Siberia, the Gulf of Suez, and the Laptev Sea in the Russian Arctic provide immediately implementable petroleum exploration applications - Summaries of analogue and theoretical models are provided as an essential backdrop to the structure and stratigraphy of various geological settings.

Developments in Geotectonics, 15: Crustal Properties across Passive Margins covers the papers presented at the symposium ""Crustal Properties across Passive Margins"", held at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia on June 19-23, 1978. The book focuses on theoretical modelling of the rheological properties in the upper mantle beneath oceans and continents and stratigraphic studies of the sedimentary basins. The selection first offers information on seismic refraction study of the continental edge off the Eastern United States and gravity field of the U.S. Atlantic continental margin. Topics include crustal sections, inner and outer quiet zones, alternative models and complications, gravity models, free-air anomaly map, and the ocean-continent transition zone. The text then takes a look at the geologic history of the passive margin off New England and the Canadian Maritime Provinces and geophysical observations bearing upon the origin of the Newfoundland Ridge. The manuscript elaborates on the age and origin of the deepest correlative structures recognized off Canada and Europe and geophysical transects of the Labrador Sea. Discussions focus on magnetics and gravity, stratigraphic control, consequences regarding subduction or rifting, and deep structures of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. The selection is a dependable reference for readers interested in crustal properties across passive margins.

Bringing together experts from several disciplines, this volume collects the best papers presented at the international workshop on 'Environmental and Cultural Change in West and Central Africa, held in Cameroon, March 2006. Problems of Holocene and Late Pleistocene modifications of the rain forest savanna fringe and their possible influence on cultural innovations are discussed. This is an important resource for those concerned with tropical forests and related development problems of third world countries. It is an excellent source of information for new original manuscripts on the topic of Late Pleistocene and Holocene landscape evolution in the lower latitudes of Africa.