The role of magmatic loads and rift jumps in generating seaward dipping reflectors on volcanic rifted margins

Illustration of the volcanic flexure model for the development of seaward dipping reflectors (SDRs). Panel (A) shows a dike filled with fluid magma open between two lithospheric plates. The density increase caused by solidification of the dike in (B) loads the bends the plates. Panel (C) shows how extrusion of magma amplifies the deflections. The results of 2 dike intrusion plus extrusion events is shown schematically in (D). The size of dikes and flows is exaggerated in A through D. (E) shows the results of many small dike intrusion plus extrusion events and emphasizes that the model depends on two length scales, α and w0.