Abstract Classic fold-thrust structures within Carboniferous-age strata at Broadhaven, SW Wales are well-known for their excellent preservation of Variscan deformation. These sites have been important for conceptual model generation of the link between faulting and folding, and are often cited as exemplars of fault-propagation folds following work by Williams & Chapman. Here we employ the virtual outcrop method to digitally map and measure, in detail, the classic Den’s Door outcrop. 3D reconstruction of the site by digital photogrammetry allows us to extract high-density structural measurements, reassess the existing model of structural development for the outcrop, and re-evaluate the link between faulting and folding. We find that digital mapping highlights greater variability in fault displacement and bed thicknesses than previously documented. Fracture analysis shows that fracture intensity is closely linked to structural position and bed-thickness variability, and fracture orientations record the existence of discrete mechanical boundaries through the structure. These results record complex patterns of strain distribution and multi-phase deformation. Evidence for temporal and spatial variability in strain distribution suggests that multiple kinematic and non-kinematic models of deformation are required to faithfully describe even this apparently simple structure. This calls into question the applicability of end-member models of fault-related folding, particularly for multilayered stratigraphy.

Abstract The exhumation and shortening history associated with the Taimyr fold–thrust belt is determined using apatite fission track and balanced cross-section analysis. Eighteen samples from across northern, central and southern Taimyr are used for apatite fission track analysis. These include granite, meta-arenite and sandstone samples with stratigraphic ages ranging from the late Proterozoic to Early Cretaceous. Fission track lengths and central ages are used to model the thermal history of the region and indicate three episodes of cooling in the Early Permian, earliest Triassic and Late Triassic. The thermochronological data are integrated with two balanced regional cross-sections. The regional structural style of deformation reflects a thick-skinned thrust system with 15% shortening (minimum estimate). This is consistent with thickening during early Permian Uralian orogenesis, followed by later heating, uplift and cooling associated with Siberian Trap magmatism and/or Mesozoic transpression.

Abstract Despite the presence of Late Devonian world-class source rock and several noncommercial discoveries, the northern Bolivian Beni Basin and its associated fold-and-thrust belt is one of the most underexplored sub-Andean basins in South America. To address the petroleum potential of the region, we carried out an integrated study of the tectono-stratigraphic settings of the northern Bolivian sub-Andes. We provide two balanced cross-sections, five stratigraphic correlations, and nine distribution maps of key Paleozoic to Cenozoic stratigraphic units. The revised distribution maps show that the Devonian and Carboniferous–Permian source-rocks are present over most of the sub-Andean fold-and-thrust belt (SAZ), whereas the Silurian and Late Cretaceous source rocks are limited to the southern or northern segments of the SAZ. On the other hand, potential Jurassic, Late Cretaceous, and Late Paleogene to Neogene sandstone reservoirs show global widespread distribution. Tentative sequential restorations of the structural cross-sections are provided and suggest a main Miocene shortening period followed by a Pliocene-Pleistocene period of vertical uplift of the whole SAZ. Based on both the stratigraphic and structural review of the study area, the potential plays of the northern Bolivian sub-Andes are discussed. The main exploration risks are related to the timing and presence of the interpreted structures in depth.