TrishearCreator: A tool for the kinematic simulation and strain analysis of trishear fault-propagation folding with growth strata

TrishearCreator is a platform independent web program constructed in Flash, which enables fold modeling, numerical simulation of trishear fault-propagation folding and strain analysis, etc. In the program, various types of original strata, such as folds and inclined strata can be easily constructed via adjusting shape parameters. In the simulation of trishear fault-propagation folding, growth strata and strain ellipses are calculated and displayed simultaneously. This web-based program is easy to use. Model parameters are changed by simple mouse actions, which have the advantage of speed and simplicity. And it gives an instant visual appreciation of the effect of changing the parameters that are used to construct the initial configuration of the model and the fold-propagation folding. These data can be exported to a text file, and be shared with other geologists to replay the kinematic evolution of structures using the program.

Highlight► Program ThishearCreator allows simulation of trishear fault propagation folding. ► Strata model can be built via simple mouse action to determine parameters. ► Growth strata and strain ellipses are calculated and displayed simultaneously. ► Trishear parameters can be determined by geometry of fault-propagation fold.