Structural evolution of fold-thrust structures in analog models deformed in a large geotechnical centrifuge

We investigate the structural evolution of fault-propagation folds and fold-thrust systems with scaled analog modeling carried out using the 5.5 m radius geotechnical centrifuge at C-CORE, St. John’s NL. The experiments presented here are the first of their kind, scaled ten times larger than predecessors and deformed using a custom rig with load monitoring and displacement control. Plane-layered models approximately 1 m long and representing 50 km sections are shortened horizontally under an enhanced gravity field of 160 g. The large model scale allows for a proportionally large number of bedding laminations that act as strain markers. This allows detailed analysis of strain partitioning and interplay, both at the scale of a fold-thrust system and the individual fold-thrust structure. Layer-parallel shortening (“LPS”) and rotation of fault-bounded blocks are revealed by mapping contraction fault populations and bedding-contraction fault intersection angles. Low-angle contraction faulting and LPS are found to be dominant at early stages of development and rotation of fault-bounded blocks occurs during progressive folding of the hanging-wall panel during fault-propagation folding. Displacement-distance data obtained from major thrusts in the model show relative stretch values, and consequently fault slip/propagation ratios, that are similar to natural structures.

Research highlights
► We investigate the evolution of fold-thrust structures through physical analog modeling in a large geotechnical centrifuge.
► Model fold-thrust structures demonstrate a complete structural evolution from initial plane layers to a transported fault-propagation folds.
► Fine bedding laminations allows detailed analysis of strain partitioning and interplay.
► Displacement-distance data obtained from major thrusts in the model show relative stretch values, and consequently fault slip/propagation ratios, that are similar to natural structures.