Neotectonic state of stress in the Jura Mountains

Abstract

For the determination of the tectonic stress field in the region of the Jura Mountains, three different relief techniques have been used in 18 test sites. In six test sites measurements have been carried out in horizontal boreholes using the doorstopper method. In the remaining test sites measurements were made in vertical boreholes by the doorstopper method (8), triaxial strain cell method (3) and borehole slotter (1). Additionally, analyses of borehole breakouts from six deep wells are presented.

Orientation of maximum horizontal stress clearly deviates from the uniform NW-SE orientated central and western European stress field. Local stress sources, which are probably related to active decollement tectonics in the Jura Mountains, may explain the deviation in stress orientations in comparison to the foreland. Normal stress magnitudes perpendicular to the trend of compressional structures in the Folded Jura are largest in the southeastern Upper Rhine Graben and its southwards prolongation into the Jura Mountains. Low stress magnitudes are characteristic for the eastern termination, intermediate ones for the southern foreland of the Jura Mountains.