Geophysical evidence for a failed Jurassic rift and triple junction in Kenya

The interpretation of new and pre-existing aeromagnetic survey data for Kenya, in conjunction with published gravity data, indicates the existence of a palaeo-triple junction of Jurassic age in eastern Kenya. Two arms, represented by the Mombasa coast and the Somali coast respectively, developed into a part of the Indian Ocean. The third arm, which is now concealed by a cover of Quaternary sediments and volcanic rocks, remains as a rifted, sediment-filled trough extending at least as far northwest as the presently active East Africa Rift in Lake Turkana. It has a remarkable similarity, both in scale and geometry, with the Benue Trough of the Niger Delta. As with the Niger Delta, the present Kenyan coastline is not indicative of the true continental margin, as extensive sedimentation has occurred beyond the continental edge in the region of the triple junction since dispersal. Delineation of the true continental margin from aeromagnetic evidence allows pre-drift Madagascar to be re-assembled in closer proximity to the coast than indicated in many reconstructions though the geological evidence supporting this pre-drift position is still controversial.