Analogue and Numerical Modelling of Crustal-Scale Processes
The crust of the Earth records the deformational processes of the inner Earth and the influence of the overlying atmosphere. The state of the Earth’s crust at any time is therefore the result of internal and external processes, which occur on different time and spatial scales. In recent years important steps forward in the understanding of such complex processes have been made by integrating theory and observations with experimental and computer models. This volume presents state-of-the-art analogue and numerical models of processes that alter the Earth’s crust. It shows the application of models in a broad range of geological problems with careful documentation of the modelling approach used. This volume contains contributions on analogue and numerical sandbox models, models of orogenic processes, models of sedimentary basins, models of surface processes and deformation, and models of faults and fluid flow.
Multiple faults in ductile simple shear: analogue models of flanking structure systems
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Published:January 01, 2006
Abstract
Rotational behaviour and deformation around multiple faults was investigated in analogue experiments using a linear viscous matrix material under simple shear boundary conditions. Previous analogue and numerical studies have shown that, for single faults, characteristic deformation geometries are produced in initially straight marker lines parallel to the shear zone boundary (flanking structures). Observations from several natural shear zones suggest that not only single faults, but often several parallel or conjugate fault planes are subjected to progressive shear resulting in distinctive deflection geometries. If the distance between faults is on the order of their length, or less, then the perturbation flow fields interfere and coalescence, and finite deflection structures develop that are distinctly different from those around single fractures. In particular, coeval contractional and extensional geometries may develop across conjugate faults, although for bulk simple shear the total length of marker lines parallel to the shear zone boundary cannot change. This advises caution in inferring shear-zone parallel contraction or extension from secondary slip surfaces. In contrast to single flanking structures, conjugate flanking structure systems occurring in natural shear zones are reliable shear sense indicators due to their triclinic symmetry.