In the Mozambique Channel, we extended the existing magnetic spreading anomaly identifications. Combined with the spreading anomalies in the conjugate Riiser-Larsen Sea, they were used to establish a new model of the relative movements of Africa and Antarctica after the breakup of Gondwana in Jurassic times. A detailed model for the emplacement of the Mozambique Ridge is now incorporated.
The model postulates a tight fit between Africa and Antarctica and two stages of breakup, the first of which lasting until ~ 159 Ma (M33n). During this stage, Antarctica rotated anticlockwise with respect to Africa. The Grunehogna Craton cleared the Coastal Plains of Mozambique to a position east of the Mozambique Fracture Zone. The southern Astrid Ridge is interpreted to consist of oceanic crust, also formed during this first stage, prior to the Riiser-Larsen Sea. During the second stage, Antarctica moved southward with respect to Africa forming the Mozambique Basin and the conjugate Riiser-Larsen Sea. The Mozambique Ridge and the Northern Natal Valley were formed at different spreading centres being active subsequently.