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Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 1995; v. 88; p. 137-146;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.088.01.09
© 1995 Geological Society of London

Modelling of Basin Inversion

3D sandbox models of positive inversion

J. V. A. Keller & K. R. McClay

Fault Dynamics Project, Department of Geology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK

3D scaled physical models of positive inversion involving idealized, simple cylindrical listric and ramp-flat listric fault systems were carried out. In both types of models extension and inversion produced strongly segmented faults with fault displacement varying along-strike. Displacement transfer was achieved through relay ramp structures between overlapping faults. No transfer faults developed during extension or inversion. Inversion produced four distinct responses, basal décollement reactivation, folding, faulting and back-rotation of faults associated with localized layer-parallel shortening. Upon inversion reverse faults nucleated at the tips of pre-existing extensional faults. Reverse faults formed longer segments and accommodated less displacement than extensional faults of the same length. Maximum fault displacement/length ratios ({gamma}) for extensional and reverse faults in the models varied between 2.5 x 10–1 and 7.0 x 10–3 (best fit values range from 1.1 x 10–2 to 6.4 x 10–2) and are within the range measured for natural faults. {gamma} values for reverse faults are consistently lower than for extensional faults in both listric or ramp-flat experiments. The results of these analogue models are comparable to natural examples of inverted fault systems.





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