Spreading dynamics and sedimentary process of the Southwest Sub-basin, South China Sea: Constraints from multi-channel seismic data and IODP Expedition 349

Three basement domains are classified with different sedimentary architectures and basement structures, including hyper-stretched crust, exhumed subcontinental mantle, and steady state oceanic crust. The SWSB has an asymmetric geometry and experienced detachment faulting in the final stage of continental rifting and exhumation of continental mantle lithosphere. Mantle lithospheric breakup post-dates crustal separation, delaying the establishment of oceanic spreading and steady state crust production.