Geomorphological indications of plastic ruptures in lithosphere

Abstract

Geomorphological indications of plastic ruptures in lithosphere are discussed. The ruptures formation is supposed to proceed similar to the theoretical scheme «neck in two-dimensional band»; they determine the developm.ent of some oceanic and continental zones of riftogenesis. The identification of the plastic ruptures in lithosphere is suggested using geometric criterion: general strike of the morphostructures within the rupture zone forms the angle about 550 with the tension direction, and the angle between conjugate plastic ruptures is about 1 100. Some cases are discussed and geomorphological consequences are considered of certain deviation from the theoretical scheme of two-dimensional plastic deformation.