The West European collisional Alpine belts are the result of the inversion, initiated in the middle Cretaceous, of the complex western Neotethys and the Atlantic continental rift domains and closure of remnants of Tethys between North Africa and European cratons. While the kinematics of Africa relative to Europe is well understood, the kinematics of microplates such as Iberia and Adria, within the diffuse collisional plate boundary, are still a matter of debate. We review geological and stratigraphic constraints in the peri-Iberia fold-thrust belts and basins to define the deformation history and crustal segmentation of the West European realm. These data are then implemented with other constraints from recently published kinematic and paleogeographic reconstructions to propose a new regional tectonic and kinematic model of the Western Europe from the late Permian to recent times. Our model shows that the pre-collisional extension between Europe and Africa plates was distributed and oblique, hence building discontinuous rift segments between the southern Alpine Tethys and the Central Atlantic. They were characterised by variably extended crust and narrow oceanic domains segmented across transfer structures and micro-continental blocks. The main tectonic structures that are inherited from the late Variscan orogeny localized both rifting and orogenic belts. We show that several continental blocks, including the Ebro-Sardinia-Corsica block, have been key in accommodating strike-slip, extension, and contraction in both Iberia and Adria. Its existence further allows refining the tectonic relationship between Iberia, Europe and Adria in the Alps. By the Paleogene, the convergence of Africa closed the spatially distributed oceanic domains, except for the Ionian basin. From this time onwards, collision spread over the different continental blocks, allowing an efficient transfer of the deformation from Africa to Europe. The area was eventually affected by the West European Rift, in the late Eocene, which may have influenced the opening of the West Mediterranean. The low convergence associated with collisional evolution of Western Europe permits to resolve the control of the inherited crustal architecture on the distribution of strain in collision zone, that is otherwise lost in more mature collision domain such as the Himalaya.

Subduction of oceanic lithosphere occurs through two modes: subducting plate motion and trench migration. Using a global subduction zone data set and three-dimensional numerical subduction models, we show that slab width (W) controls these modes and the partitioning of subduction between them. Subducting plate velocity scales with W(2/3), whereas trench velocity scales with 1/W. These findings explain the Cenozoic slowdown of the Farallon plate and the decrease in subduction partitioning by its decreasing slab width. The change from Sevier-Laramide orogenesis to Basin and Range extension in North America is also explained by slab width; shortening occurred during wide-slab subduction and overriding-plate-driven trench retreat, whereas extension occurred during intermediate to narrow-slab subduction and slab-driven trench retreat.

The Eastern Cuban block has experienced a complex tectonic history characterized by plate interactions, resulting in a diverse array of geological features observable in the offshore sedimentary record. We investigate the tectonic evolution of offshore Eastern Cuba, specifically in the Old Bahamas Channel and its surrounding areas, by integrating multi‐channel seismic (MCS) reflection and published geological data. Our analysis employs stratigraphic frameworks and MCS data to assess deformation and key geological events in the region. We highlight the complex tectonic history of the Eastern Cuban block, marked by significant geodynamic events, such as rifting, the subduction of the oceanic Proto‐Caribbean plate, and syn‐orogenic and post‐orogenic phases. The seismic units observed in the majority of the study area reveal the early evolution of the Northern Proto‐Caribbean margin, subsequently impacted by the Cuban orogeny and the reactivation of the Cuban Transform Fault zone corresponding to a former plate boundary. We propose estimated ages for the seismic sequences, correlating them with available well data from neighboring regions. This study offers valuable insights into the tectonic history and geological evolution of offshore Eastern Cuba, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the region's geodynamic development.

Active tectonic fragmentation of continents is commonly accommodated by continental‐scale networks of rift basins and microplates along the evolving divergent plate boundaries. Yet, little is known about deformational processes that accompany the incipient stages of microplate development. We explore the East Africa's Western Rift, where the Nubian‐Victoria plate boundary is collocated with a ∼200‐km‐wide region of seismicity, low‐wave‐speed lithosphere, and hot springs that continue outboard of the commonly proposed active rift axis and westward into the Congo Craton, across the polydeformed Precambrian orogenic belts. We investigate a network of two contiguous, poorly studied rift basins in eastern DRC: the NW‐striking Luama Rift, commonly characterized as a “failed” Mesozoic rift, and its adjacent NE‐striking Kamituga Rift, located cratonward. We perform fault mapping, earthquake‐based stress inversion, reactivation tendency and fault attribute analyses to characterize the axes and mechanisms of active extension. In the two rift basins, we unveil and analyze previously unknown systems of 2–170‐km long active faults with 10–130‐m high scarps, and resolve their contemporary stress states and length‐scale attributes. The results reveal: (a) failure‐optimal orientation of faults in the contemporary EARS stress field, (b) fault‐length scale distribution that manifests rejuvenation of the Luama Rift, and incipient rifting in the Kamituga Rift as a southwestward continuation of the Kivu Rift. The axes of extension delineate a previously unknown microplate, herein named the “Itombwe Microplate”; however, we propose that diffuse seismicity across the microplate indicates its non‐rigidity or that microplate nucleation is still incipient.

Earth's crust consists of slowly moving tectonic plates, which interact to produce mountain ranges, volcanoes, and earthquakes. Earth has a liquid outer Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only astronomical object known to harbor life. This is made possible by Earth being an ocean world, the only one in the Solar System sustaining liquid surface water. Almost all of Earth's water is contained in its ocean, which covers 70.8% of Earth's crust. The remaining 29.2% of Earth's crust is land, which is predominantly located within Earth's lan Earth's mechanically rigid outer layer of Earth's crust and upper mantle, the lithosphere, is divided into tectonic plates. These plates are rigid segments that move relative to each other at one of three boundaries types: at convergent boundaries, two plates come together; at divergent boundaries, two plates are pulled apart; and at transform boundaries, two plates slide past one another laterally. Along these plate boundaries, earthquakes, volcanic activity, mountain-building, and oceanic trench formation can occur. The tectonic plates ride on top of the asthenosphere, the solid but less-viscous part of the upper mantle that can flow and move along with the plates. As the tectonic plates migrate, oceanic crust is subducted under the leading edges of the plates at convergent boundaries. At the same time, the upwelling of mantle material at divergent boundaries creates mid-ocean ridges. The combination of these processes recycles the oceanic crust back into the mantle. Due to this recycling, most of the ocean…

The Wilson Cycle, a cornerstone of plate tectonic theory, describes the cyclical evolution of ocean basins from rifting and spreading to closure via subduction and continental collision and assembly. While pivotal for understanding plate boundary processes, it remains limited in addressing intraplate deformation. This study revisits the Wilson Cycle by investigating intraplate deformation and mechanisms of tectonic stress partitioning in (Pre)Cambrian cratons and different orogen types in Southeast Brazil, Southeast Colombia, and Peninsular India. We focus on cratonic areas (Amazon, São Francisco and Dharwar Cratons) that are traditionally considered stable since their incorporation in Gondwana and its subsequent disintegration. We also consider some of the fringing orogens or mobile belts (Brasília and Araçuaí Orogens). Using apatite fission-track thermochronology, we analyze the timing, magnitude, and drivers of deformation and show significant variability in tectonic responses. Some cratons (Amazon and Dharwar) demonstrate unexpected exhumation driven by extensional tectonics, while others (São Francisco Craton) exhibit only localized reactivations and remain largely stable. Similarly, orogens follow distinct evolutionary paths: e.g. the Brasília Orogen became resistant to post-Gondwana deformation, effectively stagnating the Wilson Cycle, while the Araçuaí Orogen experienced intense reactivation and renewed tectonic activity. These examples give new insights into the traditional Wilson Cycle, demonstrating that intraplate deformation plays a critical role in sustaining or altering the cycle, implying the traditional concept is in need of significant revision.

Évolution géodynamique du Tien-Shan (ceinture orogénique d’Asie Centrale) au Paléozoïque et réactivation tectonique La chaîne du Sud Tien-Shan (STS) en Asie Centrale est une des plus grandes chaînes intracontinentales et résulte de la réactivation de structures héritées de son histoire Paléozoïque lors de la formation de la Ceinture Orogénique d’Asie Centrale (CAOB). La compréhension de la tectonique actuelle du STS repose donc sur une bonne connaissance de sa structuration au Paléozoïque qui reste néanmoins largement débattue. La partie kirghize de la chaîne a été moins étudiée que la partie chinoise et cette thèse propose donc une étude détaillée du STS kirghize. En particulier, l’étude des massifs métamorphiques situés le long de la suture du STS permet de contraindre l’histoire de subduction. L’approche utilisée est pluridisciplinaire, basée sur une étude de terrain, puis une analysethermobarométrique utilisant des micro-cartographies chimiques couplées à de la modélisation thermodynamique, et enfin une étude géochronologique.Nous montrons que la faille de Talas-Fergana, faille active de 2000 km de long, est une discontinuité majeure dès le Carbonifère supérieur puisqu’elle délimite deux domaines à l’évolution distincte. A l’ouest, une subduction à vergence nord de l’océan Turkestan a conduit à la formation d’un arc magmatique important. Autour de ca. 301 Ma, la collision entre le Kazakhstan et le craton Alai entraine un épaississement crustal important associé à des nappes. A l’est, une subduction à vergence sud de ce même océan est suggérée par une structure à pendage sud présentant des unités de haute-pression océanique et continentale exhumées au sein d’un paléo-prisme d’accrétion de plus bas degré métamorphique le long de chevauchements à vergence nord et de détachements à vergence sud.La fermeture de l’océan Turkestan est marquée par l’exhumation de l’unité de haute-pression continentale à ca. 320-330 Ma. Au Permien, une première phase de réactivation dans un régime transpressif, est associée à un magmatisme intense. En bordure de la chaîne, ce magmatisme interagit avec un panache mantellique sous le craton du Tarim. Cette phase permienne a conduit d’une part à l’initiation de chevauchements à vergence sud, au sud du STS et d’autre part à la modification de la structure thermique de la lithosphère sous le Tarim.Le modèle d’évolution proposé pour le STS kirghize s’intègre bien dans un modèle d’évolution global de la CAOB. De plus, on voit que la structuration Paléozoïque, de la collision carbonifère à la première phase de réactivation permienne, permet d’expliquer la tectonique actuelle du STS qui est une chaîne à double vergence s’élevant au-dessus de bassin intramontagneux au nord et au-dessus du craton du Tarim au sud qui se comporte comme un bloc rigide

Two major Early Paleozoic orogens exist in East China, the North Qinling-North Tongbai and Wuyi-Yunkai orogens, which used to be regarded as two independent systems controlled by distinct plate tectonic processes. The North Qinling-North Tongbai orogen consists predominantly of subduction- and collision-related rock assemblages, whereas the Wuyi-Yunkai orogen is made up chiefly of collision-related foreland fold-thrust systems. It is demonstrated that the two seemingly unrelated orogens are actually two components of an immense single orogen that is here named the Fuxi-Nüwa orogen. We stitch together a complete picture of the Fuxi-Nüwa orogen based on a holistic treatment of Early Paleozoic tectonics in East China. It is surmised that the Fuxi-Nüwa orogen was created by initial continental promontory-intraoceanic arc point collision and final complete collision of the North China block with West Cathaysia. The orogen was then torn apart in the Carboniferous, with the Wuyi-Yunkai orogen gradually moving away along a crustal-scale sinistral shear zone. Our proposed tectonic panorama offers satisfactory explanations for many perplexing questions that have plagued geologists for decades, such as the tectonic driver for the Kwangsian orogeny in West Cathaysia, mechanisms for ultra-high-pressure metamorphism and exhumation of the eclogized continental rocks in the North Qinling, simultaneousness of Silurian high-flux magmatism in the North Qinling-North Tongbai and Wuyi-Yunkai orogens, broad absence of Silurian-Early Devonian strata, and causes for Mid-Late Devonian marine inundation over West Cathaysia. Discovery and restoration of the Fuxi-Nüwa orogen will reshape our understanding of tectonic evolution of the Proto-Tethyan regimes, and necessitate reassessment of potentials of oil-gas resources in East China.

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the large-scale north-south (N-S) shear zones in the Egyptian Nubian Shield (ENS), a critical segment of the East African Orogen. Integrating aeromagnetic, gravity, remote sensing, and field-based structural data, the study delineates the geometry, kinematics, and tectonic significance of these N-S shear zones and their interaction with other major tectonic features, such as the Najd Fault System and the Keraf suture. The ENS is subdivided into compressional, transpressional, and extensional domains, each characterized by distinct structural regimes and evolutionary histories. Within the Central Transpressional Domain, the Najd Fault System (NFS) creates a complex network of NW-SE-trending sinistral strike-slip shear zones intersected by NE-SW-directed dextral shear zones, forming a conjugate shear system. Key large-scale N-S-trending shear zones in the ENS include the Safaga-Shalul, Wadi Kareim-Umm Bisilla, Um Gheig-Nugrus, Barramiya-Mueilha, Abu Swayel-Muqsim, and Himitrah-Madari shear zones. The structural evolution of the ENS comprises five main deformational phases. D1 features N-S shortening, resulting in thrust imbrication and E-W-trending foliations. D2 is marked by NE-SW-directed shortening and NW-trending sinistral shearing, characterized by large-scale sinistral shear zones. The Najd Fault System (620-540 Ma) dominates the Central Transpressional Domain. D3 is characterized by E-W shortening and N-S dextral shearing, leading to the formation of N-S transpressional shear zones and folds (600-590 Ma) that affect all rock units except post-tectonic granites. D4 features N-S-oriented dextral shear zones that affect E-W, NW-SE, and N-S structural fabrics within transpressional belts. Red Sea rifting reactivated these zones, transforming them into brittle, sinistral strike-slip faults that affect all rock units. The NW-SE, N-S, and NE-SW-oriented shear zones in the ENS form a conjugate system linked to the activity of the Najd Fault System. Geophysical data indicate that these shear zones likely extend subsurface, connecting to the extensive N-S-striking shear zones in the Nubian Shield. The Keraf shear zone developed contemporaneously with the NFS, suggesting a link to the genesis of the N-S dextral shear zones.