Plate movements or simply put, Plate motion give rise to
Basins. Basins are formed as a result of the deformation of the Earth’s
Lithosphere. However, some deformations only occur in the Crust. Wherever and
wherever basins occur, deposition sets in. Also, it provides an environment for
traps formation, where fluids like hydrocarbon can be trapped.
Because of the constant expansion and contraction
(ductility) of the lithosphere, there comes to a point in the expansion of the
lithosphere that it exceeds the threshold thereby becoming ‘Plastic’. A little
further stress on it results to subsidence hence a basin is formed. Simply put,
Sedimentary Basins arise (or are formed) as a result of Plates movement.
There exists three broad classification of basin based on
how they are formed and the processes at play in their formation namely:
Convergent Basins;
Divergent Basins; and
Tectonic Basins.
Convergent Basins: Usually give rise to trenches. This is
characterized by the subduction of the oceanic lithosphere.
Other examples of basins that are in this category include:
Forearc Basins, Trench-slope basins.
Divergent Basins: Usually gives rise to rift valleys. The
rift could be within the continental Crust or Oceanic Crust. If it happens
within the Continental Crust, it could be caused by volcanic activities.
Tectonic Basins: Are Basins formed as a result of tectonic
activities.
However, some other basins occur like Transpressional
Basins, Transtensional and Transrotational Basins. These are caused whenever a
strike-slip fault occurs as a result of Plates movement.
Economic Importance of Basins
Basins form a trap for fossil fuels like Coal, Petroleum.
Also, places where basins exist, there are high prospects of Groundwater in those
locations because porosity tends to increase.
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