Displacement transfer from fault-bend to fault-propagation fold geometry: An example from the Himalayan thrust front

The leading edge of the ENE-trending Himalayan thrust front in Pakistan exhibits along-strike changes in deformational style, ranging from fault-bend to fault-propagation folds. Although the structural geometry is very gently deformed throughout the Salt Range, it becomes progressively more complex to the east as the leading edge of the emergent Salt Range Thrust becomes blind. Surface geology, seismic reflection, petroleum well, and chronostratigraphic data are synthesized to produce a 3-D kinematic model that reconciles the contrasting structural geometries along this part of the Himalayan thrust front. We propose a model whereby displacement was transferred, across a newly-identified lateral ramp, from a fault-bend fold in the west to fault-propagation folds in the east and comparable shortening was synchronously accommodated by two fundamentally different mechanisms: translation vs. telescoping. However, substantially different shortening distribution patterns within these structurally contrasting segments require a tear fault, which later is reactivated as a thrust fault. The present geometry of this S-shaped displacement transfer zone is a combined result of the NW–SE compression of the lateral culmination wall and associated tear fault, and their subsequent modification due to mobilization of underlying ductile salt.     

The unusual 3D interplay of basement fault reactivation and fault-propagation-fold development: A case study of the Laramide-age Stillwell anticline,west Texas (USA)

Subsurface fault geometries have a systematic influence on folds formed above those faults. We use the extraordinarily well-exposed fold geometries of the Laramide-age Stillwell anticline in west Texas (USA) to develop a strain-predictive model of fault-propagation fold formation. The anticline is a 10-km long, NW-trending, NE-vergent, asymmetric fold system with an axis that displays a map-view left-stepping, en echelon pattern. We integrated field observations, geologic and structural data, cross-sections, and 2D kinematic modeling to establish an unusual 3D two-stage model of contractional fold formation, including: 1) reverse reactivation of a pre-existing, NW-striking, SW-dipping, left-stepping, en echelon normal fault system in Paleozoic basement rocks to generate monoclinal flexures in overlying layered Cretaceous carbonate rocks; and 2) the formation of a subsequent flat-ramp fault system that propagated horizontally along a mechanically-weak, clay-rich Cretaceous unit before ramping up at the hinge of the pre-existing monocline system. Strain is focused within the forelimb of the system, in front of the propagating fault tip, and is accommodated by a combination of interlayer slip, flat-ramp faulting, and fracturing proximal to planes of slip. This strain predictive model can be applied to similar, less-well-exposed contractional systems worldwide and provides a new, unusual example of Laramide-age contractional deformation.     

Physical analog (centrifuge) model investigation of contrasting structural styles in the Salt Range and Potwar Plateau,northern Pakistan

We use scaled physical analog (centrifuge) modeling to investigate along- and across-strike structural variations in the Salt Range and Potwar Plateau of the Himalayan foreland fold-thrust belt of Pakistan. The models, composed of interlayered plasticine and silicone putty laminae, comprise four mechanical units representing the Neoproterozoic Salt Range Formation (basal detachment), Cambrian–Eocene carapace sequence, and Rawalpindi and Siwalik Groups (Neogene molasse), on a rigid base representing the Indian craton. Pre-cut ramps simulate basement faults with various structural geometries.A pre-existing north-dipping basement normal fault under the model foreland induces a frontal ramp and a prominent fault-bend-fold culmination, simulating the Salt Range. The ramp localizes displacement on a frontal thrust that occurs out-of-sequence with respect to other foreland folds and thrusts. With a frontal basement fault terminating to the east against a right-stepping, east-dipping lateral ramp, deformation propagates further south in the east; strata to the east of the lateral ramp are telescoped in ENE-trending detachment folds, fault-propagation folds and pop-up structures above a thick basal detachment (Salt Range Formation), in contrast to translated but less-deformed strata with E–W-trending Salt-Range structures to the west. The models are consistent with Salt Range–Potwar Plateau structural style contrasts being due to basement fault geometry and variation in detachment thickness.     

Kinematic analyses of orogen-parallel L-tectonites from Pelling-Munsiari thrust of Sikkim Himalayan fold thrust belt: Insights from multiple,incremental strain markers

Fault rocks associated with the Pelling thrust (PT) in the Sikkim Himalayan fold thrust belt (FTB) change from SL tectonites to local, transport-parallel L-tectonites that are exposed in discontinuous klippen south of the PT zone. By estimating the incremental kinematic vorticity number (W_k) from quartz c-axes fabric, oblique fabric, and subgrains, we reconstruct a first-order, kinematic path of these L-tectonites. Quartz c-axes fabric suggests that the deformation initiated as pure-shear dominated (∼56–96%) that progressively became simple-shear dominated (∼29–54%), as recorded by the oblique fabric and subgrains in the L-tectonites. These rocks record a non-steady deformation where the kinematic vorticity varied spatially and temporally within the klippen.The L-tectonites record ∼30% greater pure-shear than the PT fault rocks outside the klippen, and the greatest pure-shear dominated flow among the published vorticity data from major fault rocks of the Himalayan FTB. The relative decrease in the transport-parallel simple-shear component within the klippen, and associated relative increase of transport-perpendicular, pure-shear component, support the presence of a sub-PT lateral ramp in the Sikkim Himalayan FTB. This study demonstrates the influence of structural architecture for fault systems for controlling spatial and temporal variations of deformation fabrics and kinematic path of deforming thrust wedges.     

伸展断层相关褶皱的几何学分析及其在车镇凹陷中的应用

本文总结了伸展断层相关褶皱的发育类型,主要包括伸展断层传播褶皱与伸展断层转折褶皱(也叫断弯褶皱)等.伸展断层传播褶皱多形成在较陡的正断层之上,正断层向上传播使断层顶部地层弯曲,进而形成一个伸展的断层传播褶皱,其发育模式与三剪变形发育模式一致.车镇凹陷是渤海湾盆地南部一个典型的中新生代半地堑盆地.本文通过对横穿车镇凹陷的...     

库车再生前陆盆地冲断构造楔特征

库车再生前陆盆地冲断构造楔由一系列向南运动的逆冲断层和相关褶皱组成。冲断楔的北部以断层转折褶皱、断层传播褶皱、双重逆冲构造为主。断层楔的前缘发育了很好的滑脱膝折背斜,全为盲断层控制,形成隐蔽式前锋。冲断层的就位从中新世开始,自北向南迁移,前锋的构造形成在第四纪。造成逆冲断层的地壳水平缩短作用速度在中新世较慢,平均为0．355mm/a,上新世中期达0．82mm/a,而到上新世晚期和第四纪速度增大了约一个数量级,达到1．29－3mm/a。     

The glaciotectonic deformation of Quaternary sediments by fault-propagation folding

Fault-propagation folding is an important yet seldom recognised structural style within sediments affected by glacier-induced deformation. Fault-propagation folds develop in the hanging wall of low angle thrust faults and compensate part of the slip along the fault. Field examples are recognised across northern Europe, in glaciotectonic complexes of north Germany, Wales and the Isle of Man. The recognition of the fault-propagation fold mechanism in glaciotectonic deformation is important because resultant structures are related to exactly the same phase of deformation (i.e. the same phase of ice advance), and thus play a critical role in analyses of the temporal and spatial evolution of glacier-induced deformation. Some field examples show monoclinal geometries that are in good agreement with predictions of trishear kinematic theory. The trishear approach is appropriate to model these structures because the structures analysed in the field and simulated below show characteristics that are compatible with fault-propagation folds that were produced by trishear kinematics. The curved forelimb and the monocline geometry of the fault-propagation folds fit to the trishear model. The occurrence of footwall synclines is also in good agreement with trishear kinematics. These synclines show the typical thickening of the strata in the hinge. With respect to the modelling output, most important factors for the structural evolution of the fault-propagation folds is the ramp angle of the thrust, the position of the tip line and the propagation-to-slip ratio along the fault. This fits to observations made by previous studies at large scale fault-propagation folds in fold-and-thrust belts.     

伸展断层传播褶皱研究现状

伸展断层传播褶皱是伸展环境中重要的一种褶皱类型,是由于隐伏基底正断层活化向上传播而引起上覆地层发生的弯曲。多年的研究认为这是一种向上变宽的三角形分布式剪切调节过程,断层的上端点限定了三角剪切区的顶点。运用三角剪切的速度模型很好地拟合和描述变形区内物质的运动,三角剪切区的顶角和断层向上传播/断层向下滑移比值（p /s）是控制伸展断层传播褶皱变形过程和几何形态的重要的运动学参数。伸展断层传播褶皱的发育过程可以根据断层是否切穿上覆盖层而划分为两个阶段。在沉积过程中,伸展断层传播褶皱作用对生长地层的几何形态和叠置样式有较强的控制作用。通过对保留的生长地层几何形态的分析,可以确定隐伏基底断层的初始破裂点和断层传播量,并最终重建伸展断层传播褶皱的变形过程。     

Geometry and architecture of faults in a syn-rift normal fault array: The Nukhul half-graben, Suez rift, Egypt

The geometry and architecture of a well exposed syn-rift normal fault array in the Suez rift is examined. At pre-rift level, the Nukhul fault consists of a single zone of intense deformation up to 10 m wide, with a significant monocline in the hanging wall and much more limited folding in the footwall. At syn-rift level, the fault zone is characterised by a single discrete fault zone less than 2 m wide, with damage zone faults up to approximately 200 m into the hanging wall, and with no significant monocline developed. The evolution of the fault from a buried structure with associated fault-propagation folding, to a surface-breaking structure with associated surface faulting, has led to enhanced bedding-parallel slip at lower levels that is absent at higher levels. Strain is enhanced at breached relay ramps and bends inherited from pre-existing structures that were reactivated during rifting. Damage zone faults observed within the pre-rift show ramp-flat geometries associated with contrast in competency of the layers cut and commonly contain zones of scaly shale or clay smear. Damage zone faults within the syn-rift are commonly very straight, and may be discrete fault planes with no visible fault rock at the scale of observation, or contain relatively thin and simple zones of scaly shale or gouge. The geometric and architectural evolution of the fault array is interpreted to be the result of (i) the evolution from distributed trishear deformation during upward propagation of buried fault tips to surface faulting after faults breach the surface; (ii) differences in deformation response between lithified pre-rift units that display high competence contrasts during deformation, and unlithified syn-rift units that display low competence contrasts during deformation, and; (iii) the history of segmentation, growth and linkage of the faults that make up the fault array. This has important implications for fluid flow in fault zones.     

Development of transverse fault along North Almora Thrust,Kumaun Lesser Himalaya,India: A study based on field and magnetic fabrics

Along the North Almora Thrust (NAT) in the Kumaun Lesser Himalaya, a zone of mylonitic rocks has developed due to strain localization during the tectonic emplacement of the Almora Nappe over the Lesser Himalayan Sequence. This zone is referred here as the NAT zone (NATZ) that is dissected by faults, which are transverse to the Himalayan orographic trend and are known as seismically active structures. Trending NNW-SSE these are the Chaukhutiya and Raintoli faults. Two E-W oriented subsidiary brittle faults across the Chaukhutiya Fault are also recognized. Based on the field study and magnetic fabric analysis an attempt has been made to evaluate the deformation and kinematic history of northeastern margin of the Almora Nappe superposed by the Chaukhutiya faulting that coincides with northeastern margin of the NAT. Field study reveals brittle-ductile and brittle regimes of deformation along the Chaukhutiya Fault. Away from the NAT variable attitudes (E-W or ENE-WSW with gentle dip) of field foliation and axial planes of folds are observed, whereas at and near the NAT the attitudes of beds, including curved lithounits, are steeply dipping and are oriented parallel with the NNW-SSE trending NAT. Curvature in fold hinge line and discontinuous occurrence of lithounits are observed along the fault.     

山西沁水盆地东缘太行大断裂构造变形特征及其成因探讨

太行大断裂是山西沁水盆地与太行山隆起的分界,也是华北克拉通内部重要的构造变形带。通过对断层破碎带、断层相关褶皱及共轭节理的野外详细测量,研究了太行大断裂的构造变形特征,探讨其形成的古构造应力场。研究认为,太行大断裂可能经历了3期构造应力作用:(1)印支期在华南、华北板块碰撞的远程效应作用下表现出近N—S向挤压构造应力场。(2)燕山期表现为E—W向至NWW—SEE向挤压构造应力场。(3)喜马拉雅期由NWW—SEE向挤压转换为NE—SW向挤压(或NW—SE向伸展)。太行大断裂由北至南可分为:(1)北段,由3条呈右阶斜列的大型逆断层组成,基岩出露,以逆冲推覆为主。(2)中段,地表出露斜歪褶皱和逆冲断层组合。(3)南段,发育强烈的挤压破碎带,该带中广泛发育构造角砾岩和构造透镜体,构造挤压带内的构造透镜体陡立,显示近水平方向的挤压。     

Discrete element modelling of the influence of cover strength on basement-involved fault-propagation folding

A discrete element model is used to investigate the influence of sedimentary cover strength on the development of basement-involved fault-propagation folds. We find that uniformly weak cover best promotes the development of classical, trishear-like fault-related folds showing marked anticlinal thinning and synclinal thickening, with cover dips increasing downwards towards the fault tip. Uniformly strong cover results in more rounded fold forms with only minor hinge thickening/thinning and significant basement fault-propagation into the sedimentary cover. Heterogeneous, layered, cover sequences with marked differences in strength promote the development of more complex and variable fold forms, with a close juxtaposition of brittle and macroscopically ductile features, which diverge from the predictions of simple kinematic models. In these structures the upper layers are often poor indicators of deeper structure. In addition, we find that in layered cover sequences fault-propagation into the cover is a complex process and is strongly buffered by the weaker cover units.     

Seismic slip recorded in tourmaline fault mirrors from Elba Island (Italy)

This paper reports the first example of fault mirrors developed in an unusual protolith, consisting of tourmaline crystals with interstitial goethite. The deformation mechanisms active in the fault zone have been investigated from the outcrop to the nanoscale, aiming to identify possible traces of frictional heating at seismic slip rate, as observed for other fault mirrors in different protoliths. The investigation revealed the superposition of two main deformational stages. The first was dominated by brittle processes and produced a cataclastic/ultracataclastic principal slip zone, a few mm thick; the second was associated with seismic slip and produced a sharp discontinuity (the principal slip surface) within the cataclastic/ultracataclastic zone. The mirror-like coating, a few microns thick, occurs on the principal slip surface, and is characterized by 1) absence of interstitial goethite; 2) occurrence of truncated tourmaline crystals; 3) highly variable grain size, from 200 μm to 200 nm; 4) tourmaline close packing with interlobate grain boundaries, and 5) tourmaline random crystallographic orientation.Micro and nanostructural investigations indicate the occurrence of thermally-activated processes, involving both interstitial goethite and tourmaline. In particular, close to the principal slip surface, goethite is completely decomposed, and produced an amorphous porous material, with local topotactic recrystallization of hematite. Tourmaline clasts are typically characterized by strongly lobate boundaries, indicative of reaction and partial decomposition at grain boundaries. TEM observations revealed the occurrence of tourmaline nanograins, a few tens of nm in size, characterized by rounded shape and fading amorphous boundaries, that cannot be obtained by brittle processes. Lastly, the peculiar interlobate microstructure of the mirror surface is interpreted as the result of grain boundary recrystallization processes taking place by deformation at high-T conditions. Our results show that tourmaline fault mirrors recorded localized high-T processes triggered by frictional heating and can be therefore considered as reliable traces of ancient earthquakes.     

内蒙古中部大青山地区推覆构造系统及与断层相关的褶皱

对内蒙古大青山地区西部推覆构造及与断层相关的褶皱的研究表明，大青山构造系统自南向北分为根部逆冲推覆岩席带、中部斜歪倒转褶皱一逆冲断层带和前缘断层相关褶皱带，变形强度由根带向前缘带逐渐减弱，前缘带发育典型的断层转折褶皱和断层传播褶皱。推覆构造运动方向由SSE向NNW推覆，主要形成于中侏罗世末期，推覆距离达10～20km，其形成可能与鄂霍次克洋在燕山期的闭合有关。     

Growth trishear model and its application to the Gilbertown graben system, southwest Alabama

Fault-propagation folding associated with an upward propagating fault in the Gilbertown graben system is revealed by well-based 3-D subsurface mapping and dipmeter analysis. The fold is developed in the Selma chalk, which is an oil reservoir along the southern margin of the graben. Area-depth-strain analysis suggests that the Cretaceous strata were growth units, the Jurassic strata were pregrowth units, and the graben system is detached in the Louann Salt.The growth trishear model has been applied in this paper to study the evolution and kinematics of extensional fault-propagation folding. Models indicate that the propagation to slip (p/s) ratio of the underlying fault plays an important role in governing the geometry of the resulting extensional fault-propagation fold. With a greater p/s ratio, the fold is more localized in the vicinity of the propagating fault. The extensional fault-propagation fold in the Gilbertown graben is modeled by both a compactional and a non-compactional growth trishear model. Both models predict a similar geometry of the extensional fault-propagation fold. The trishear model with compaction best predicts the fold geometry.     

Kinematic evolution of fold-and-thrust belts in the Yubei-Tangbei area:Implications for tectonic events in the southern Tarim Basin

The Yubei-Tangbei area in the southern Tarim Basin is one of the best-preserved Early Paleozoic northeast-southwest trending fold-and-thrust belts within this basin.This area is crucial for the exploration of primary hydrocarbon reservoirs in northwestern China.In this study,we constructed the structural geometric morphology of the Yubei-Tangbei area using geophysical logs,drilling,and recent two-and three-dimensional(2-D and 3-D)seismic data.The Early Paleozoic fault-propagation folds,the Tangnan triangle zone,fault-detachment folds,and trishear fault-propagation folds developed with the detachment of the Middle Cambrian gypsum-salt layer.According to a detailed chronostratigraphic framework,the growth strata in the Upper Ordovician-Lower Silurian layer formed by onlapping the back limb of the asymmetric fault-propagation folds,which therefore defines the timing of deformations.The changes in kink band hinges and amplitudes in the Permian-Carboniferous and Cenozoic folding strata suggest that the evolution of the fold-and-thrust belts followed a sequential evolution process rather than a simultaneous one.Above the pre-existing Precambrian basement structure,the Yubei-Tangbei fold-and-thrust belts can be divided into four tectonic evolution stages:Late Cambrian,Late Ordovician to Early Carboniferous,Carboniferous to Permian,and Cenozoic.The northwestern-verging Cherchen Fault is part of the piedmont fold-and-thrust system of the southern Tarim foreland basin.We interpreted its strata as a breakthrough trishear fault-propagation fold that developed in three phases:Mid-Late Ordovician,Silurian to Middle Devonian,and Triassic to present.These tectonic events are responses of the Altyn-Tagh and Kunlun collisional orogenic belts and the Indian-Eurasian collision.The inherited deformation and structural modification in the southern Tarim Basin may be an indicator of the growth and evolution of peripheral orogens.     

Experimental (clay) models of inversion structures

Experimental modeling is used to study the geometry and evolution of inversion structures. Two main types of inversion structures are analyzed:

1. (1) structures formed by fault-propagation folding; and

2. (2) structures formed by fault-bend folding on listric faults.

Fault-propagation inversion structures initially develop as broad drape folds with possible fault breakthrough during an early extensional phase. Syn-extensional strata deposited in the hanging wall typically thicken away from the fault. Compressional reactivation results in reversal of slip on the master and secondary faults, their rotation to shallower dips, and the development of a compressional fault-propagation fold. Key features of the fault-propagation fold are basinward thickening of syn-extensional units and resulting steep dips of the front limb of the structure. Fault-bend inversion structures initiate as rollover folds within extensional half-graben. Deformation is primarily localized along a system of antithetic faults. Syn-extensional strata typically thicken across the fault but also thin basinward away from the fault. During compression, the extensional rollover folds are folded into compressional fault-bend folds. Key features of this structure are thinning of syn-extensional units into the basin. Inversion of more symmetric graben results in a doubly-convex geometry of syn-extensional units. These observations of bed geometry and thickness provide predictive models for interpreting the geometries of inversion structures in areas of poor data quality.     

断层相关褶皱的几何学模型及其应用

在前陆盆地逆冲带中发育两种主要的断层相关褶皱构造样式：断层转折褶皱和断层传播褶皱。利用断层相关褶皱的下伏断层和上覆褶皱之间的角度参数存在的函数关系,可以对自然构造横剖面的构造解释进行检验。由于在时间地震剖面下的构造图形由于产生变形而与实际的自然构造有一定的偏差,这会影响几何学模型检验的有效性,因此在应用的过程中需要进行校正。通过地震速度谱将时问地震剖面转化为深度地震剖面,然后利用几何学关系对断层相关褶皱的构造剖面进行了检验。     

大别造山带南界襄樊—广济断裂带的演化规律与构造意义

自中三叠世扬子与华北板块发生碰撞—深俯冲作用以来,大别造山带南界上的襄樊—广济断裂带主要经历过两次变形事件: 1)早期变形事件发生在中三叠世末—晚三叠世初的造山带折返阶段,表现为造山带南边界上的韧性剪切带。这期北西—南东走向的剪切带向南西陡倾,发育北西—南东向的矿物拉伸线理,主要为右行走滑的运动性质,属于造山带斜向折返的侧边界走滑剪切带。造山带折返过程中将前陆褶断带北缘原先东西向褶皱改造为北西—南东走向。2)晚期变形事件发生在晚侏罗世,表现为脆性逆冲断层,使得前陆褶断带向北东逆冲在造山带南缘之上,同时在前陆上形成了一系列的逆冲断层。该断裂带的晚期逆冲活动与郯庐断裂带左行平移同时发生,代表了滨太平洋构造活动的开始。     

Effect of initial fault geometry on the development of fixed-hinge, fault-propagation folds

This paper describes how a model of fixed-hinge, basement-involved, fault-propagation folds may be adapted to apply to thin-skinned thrust faults to generate footwall synclines. Fixed-hinge, fault-propagation folding assumes that the fold-axial surfaces diverge upwards, fold hinges are fixed in the rock, the fault propagated through the forelimb, thickness changes occur in the forelimb and the forelimb progressively rotates with increasing displacement on the underlying fault. The original model for fixed-hinge, fault-propagation folds was developed for the case of a planar fault in basement with a tip line that was at the interface between basement and the overlying sedimentary cover rocks. The two geometries applicable to thin-skinned thrusts are for the cases where a fixed-hinge fault-propagation fold develops above an initial bedding-parallel detachment, and an initial fault ramp of constant dip which flattens down-dip into a bedding-parallel detachment.