Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-t7czq Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-22T07:44:43.379Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Wedge equilibrium in fold-and-thrust belts: prediction of out-of-sequence thrusting based on sandbox experiments and natural examples

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 April 2016

D.A. Nieuwland ,
J.H. Leutscher  and
J. Gast
D.A. Nieuwland*
Affiliation:
Shell International E & P, Research and Technical Services, Volmerlaan 6–8, 2288 GD, RIJSWIJK, the Netherlands
J.H. Leutscher*
Affiliation:
Geology Dept. Utrecht University, UTRECHT, the Netherlands
J. Gast*
Affiliation:
Geology Dept. Utrecht University, UTRECHT, the Netherlands
*
1corresponding author; present address: Vrije Universiteit, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands; e-mail: [email protected]
2 present address: Agip Norway, P.O. Box 101, N-4033 Forus, Norway
3 present address: Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij, VELZEN, the Netherlands
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

Thrust tectonics are dealt with on the basis of primarily experiments focusing on the dynamics of a developing thrust belt and on understanding and predicting normal-sequence and out-of-sequence thrusting. Field examples are presented in addition to the examples of sandbox-model experiments. The results have improved the insight into thrust-belt-forming mechanisms; the validity of the conclusions is supported by natural examples.

The experimental program was aimed at examining the effect of changes in a selection of key parameters in thrust tectonics on the geometry and the successive phases in the development of thrust sheets. Sandbox experiments were used to analyse the effects of basal friction, detachment lithology, basement relief and syntectonic sedimentation. Multilayer experiments were performed to simulate the effects of ductile detachment lithologies.

It was found that a thrust belt’s cross-sectional geometry is formed in a dynamic process during which the wedge may develop from subcritical through critical to supercritical and back to critical again. The process is illustrated with sandbox experiments, analysed by time-lapse computed tomography scans and in-situ stress measurements. On the basis of the sandbox-model results and the natural examples, we conclude that a critical examination of the boundary conditions of a fold-and-thrust belt and of changes in these conditions during the deformation process enables predictions about the geometry and kinematics of the thrust belt.

Keywords

brittle behaviourcritical taperductile behaviourgeometrykinematicsthrust tectonics
Type
Research Article
Information
Netherlands Journal of Geosciences , Volume 79 , Issue 1 , March 2000 , pp. 81 - 91
Copyright
Copyright © Stichting Netherlands Journal of Geosciences 2000

References

Bally, A.W. (ed.), 1983. Seismic expression of structural styles, a picture and work atlas. American Association of Petroleum Geologists (Tulsa).Google Scholar
Davis, D., Suppe, J. & Dahlen, F.A., 1984. Mechanics of fold-and-thrust belts and accretionary wedges: Cohesive Coulomb theory. Journal of Geophysical Research 89: 10087–10101.Google Scholar
Elliot, D., 1976. The motion of thrust sheets. Journal of Geophysical Research 81: 949–964.Google Scholar
Hardy, S., Duncan, C., Masek, J. & Brown, D., 1998. Minimum work, fault activity and the growth of critical wedges in fold-and-thrust belts. Basin Research 10: 365–373.Google Scholar
Hubbert, M.K. & Rubey, W.W., 1959. Role of fluid pressure in mechanics of overthrust faulting. Part I. Geological Society of America Bulletin 70: 115–166.Google Scholar
Huiqi, L., McClay, K.R. & Powell, D., 1991. Physical models of thrust wedges. In: McClay, K.R. (ed.): Thrust tectonics. Chap-man and Hall (London): 71–81.Google Scholar
Jaeger, J.C. & Cook, N.G.W., 1979. Fundamentals of rock mechanics. Chapman and Hall (London) science paperbacks 18: 593 pp.Google Scholar
Mandl, G., 1988. Mechanics of tectonic faulting. Elsevier (Amsterdam): 407 pp.Google Scholar
Mandl, G. & Shippam, G.K. 1981 Mechanical model of thrust sheet gliding and imbrication. In: McClay, K.R. & Price, N.J. (eds.): Thrust and nappe tectonics. Geological Society (London) Special Publication 9: 79–97.Google Scholar
Mitra, S., 1986. Duplex structures and imbricate thrust systems: geometry, structural position and hydrocarbon potential. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin 70: 1087–1112.Google Scholar
Mitra, G. & Boyer, S.E., 1986. Energy balance and deformation mechanisms of duplexes. Journal of Structural Geology 8: 291–304.Google Scholar
Moore, J.C., 1989. Tectonics and hydrogeology of accretionary prisms: role of the decollement zone. Journal of Structural Geology 11: 95–106.Google Scholar
Mulugeta, G., 1987. Modelling the geometry of Coulomb thrust wedges. Journal of Structural Geology 10: 847–859.Google Scholar
Nieuwland, D.A., Urai, J. & Knoop, M., 1999. In-situ stress measurements in model experiments of tectonic faulting. In: Lehner, F. & Urai, J. (eds.): Aspects of tectonic faulting. Springer Verlag (Berlin), in press.Google Scholar
Stefanescu, M. (ed.), 1984. Elaborarea profilelor, scara 1 : 200.000 pentru completarea imaginii geologice a teritoriului R.S. Romania. Institutul de Geologie si Geofizica (Bucuresti).Google Scholar
Storti, F. & McClay, K.R., 1995. Influence of syntectonic sedimentation on thrust wedges in analogue models. Geology 23: 999–1002.Google Scholar
Suppe, J., 1985. Principles of structural geology. Prentice Hall (Englewood Cliffs, NJ): 536 ppGoogle Scholar
Verschuren, M., Nieuwland, D.A. & Gast, J., 1996. Multiple detachment levels in thrust tectonics: sandbox experiments and palinspastic reconstruction. In: Buchanan, P.G. & Nieuwland, D.A. (eds.): Modern developments in structural interpretation, validation and modelling. Geological Society (London) Special Publication 99: 227–234.Google Scholar
Willett, S.D., 1992. Dynamic and kinematic growth and change of a Coulomb wedge. In: McClay, K.R. (ed.): Thrust tectonics. Chapman and Hall (London): 19–32.Google Scholar