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Along-fault lithological heterogeneity is observed in all fault zones that cross-cut compositional layering. Numerical modelling studies on fault rupture nucleation, propagation and arrest often assume that the fault mechanical behaviour is governed by either the rheologically weak phase or by a homogeneous gouge mixture of juxtaposing lithologies. However, the effects of spatial heterogeneity on fault gouge composition and hence its frictional behaviour are less known. In this study, we simulate a mixture of mechanically contrasting rheologies of claystones and sandstones in fault gouges by using lithologies available in the well-known Groningen gas field stratigraphy (Ten Boer and Slochteren members, respectively). Friction experiments were performed in a rotary shear configuration to accommodate the large displacements required to study mixing and clay smearing in faults with large offsets. A velocity stepping procedure was conducted to quantify the rate-dependence of friction and its evolution with displacement. A spatial heterogeneity was introduced by segmentation of the simulated gouge in claystone and sandstone patches. In contrast to previous studies, we show that Slochteren sandstone gouges can exhibit velocity-weakening behaviour related to strain-localization in a principal slip zone with reduced grain size. Our experiments on segmented gouges show displacement-dependent changes in the sliding friction and its rate-dependence. Clay smearing and shear localization on foliation planes cause weakening of the gouge and a shift from velocity-weakening to velocity-strengthening behaviour. Progressive shearing leads to juxtaposition of sandstone segments that are separated only by a thin clay smear. We propose that the associated increase in friction is caused by lithology mixing at the interfaces between the clay smear and the bulk Slochteren sandstone gouge, and by the disruption of continuous Y-shears. Progressive shearing does not lead to a decrease in the

Recent advances in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Computer-based Structure From Motion (SFM) enable the digitization, reconstruction, archiving, and quantitative analysis of Geologic outcrops in a digital environment. Reconstructed models represent a snapshot in time of an outcrop. Digital Orthophotos, 3D models, Surface Maps, 2D Vector files, and 3D Polygon maps are created by the geometrical alignment and reconstruction of thousands of high-resolution aerial and ground photographs. In this research, a Photogrammetry-based workflow is evaluated in multiple case studies on Shear Zones, Pegmatites, Aplite Dykes, and Diorite Enclaves within the Cap de Creus Peninsula in NE, Spain. The scope of this research is to assess the potential of these techniques to further our understanding of the deformation history of the study area and, in the process, develop valuable strategies and workflows to extract quantitative strain measurements. While the structural deformation history of the Cap de Creus area has been studied in detail, deformation on a mesoscale until today has not been possible due to technological constraints. Deformation markers and finite strain are extracted from the reconstructed models (XYZ) and orthophotos (XY) by applying specialized software that compiles the obtained data into a readable format, rose diagrams, stereonets, heat maps, and polar plots. These calculated datasets are calibrated and compared to field measurements to constrain the deformation conditions. Quantitative datasets are combined with high-resolution UAS surface maps to reconstruct and model the progressive deformation phases present at Cap de Creus. The resulting 2D maps and 3D numerical models represent a Geologist's best interpretation of the subsurface evolution of the late Variscan mountain-building phase in NE Iberia. This thesis demonstrates how UAS-SFM workflows can deliver high-quality results that compare and, more importantly, enhance traditional methods, enabling (i) t

The high-pressure metamorphic Nevado-Filábride Complex (NFC) in the Betics mountain range of southeastern Spain exhibits continental and ocean-derived tectonic units, which are key for understanding the geodynamic evolution of the Western Mediterranean. We address the current debate in the definition of tectonic units, the emplacement of (ultra)mafic rocks, and the timing of burial metamorphism by conducting a structural study combined with single grain fusion 40Ar/39Ar dating of white micas in structurally critical outcrops of the eastern Sierra de Los Filábres. One older 40Ar/39Ar age population (38?27 Ma) is found at distance from the main shear zones in the relics of an early foliation, while a younger 40Ar/39Ar population (22?12 Ma) is dominant in the vicinity of these shear zones, where the early foliation is obliterated. Both age groups are interpreted as the record of deformation or fluid-induced recrystallization during distinct fabric-forming events, while alternative scenarios are discussed. A key observation is the presence of an ophiolitic mélange, which?together with new and published geochronological data?allows for a new tectonic hypothesis. This considers Paleogene subduction beneath a Jurassic oceanic lithosphere, followed by the continued subduction of NFC and overlying ophiolites below the Alpujárride Complex. Exhumation during westward slab roll-back led to the formation of an extensional detachment system that obliquely cut nappe contacts. Although the timing constraints for high pressure-low temperature (HP-LT) metamorphism in the NFC remain inconclusive, the new tectonic hypothesis provides a solution that can account for both Paleogene and Miocene ages of HP-LT metamorphism.

Continental indentation is associated with deformation transfer from shortening to strike-slip faulting and is often affected by subduction related processes such as slab roll-back driven back-arc extension. We use crustal-scale analogue modelling to investigate the effects of extension direction on the strain partitioning and deformation transfer during indentation. The modelling results show that extension parallel to the strike-slip margin of the indenter creates subsidence distributed in several areas which may connect to form a large sedimentary basin behind the indenter. This transtensional basin with v-shape geometry narrows gradually towards the strike-slip margin of the indenter. In contrast, models with extension perpendicular to the strike-slip margin distributes transtensional deformation away from the indenter. Our results are in good correlation with the evolution of the Carpatho-Balkanides orocline of South-Eastern Europe, where the Circum-Moesian Fault System accommodates oroclinal bending during indentation against the Moesian Platform. In this area, the modelling explains the coeval and contrasting extensional features observed along the strike-slip margin and behind the indenter (i.e. the Getic Depression and the Morava Valley Corridor), driven by the roll-back of the Carpathian embayment and Adriatic slabs.

The evolution of oroclines is often driven by the interplay of subduction and indentation associated with complex patterns of deformation transfer from shortening to strike-slip and extension. We study the kinematics and mechanics of indentation in an orocline with a backarc-convex geometry, the European Carpatho-Balkanides Mountains. Within this orocline, the kinematic evolution of the Serbian Carpathians segment is less understood. The results demonstrate that the overall deformation was accommodated by the Circum-Moesian Fault System surrounding the Moesian indenter, where strain was partitioned in a complex network of coeval strike-slip, thrust and normal faults. This system represents one of the largest European intracontinental strike-slip deformation zones, with a northward-increasing accumulated 140 km dextral offset along previously known and newly found faults. These strike-slip faults transfer a significant part of their offset eastwards to thrusting in the Balkanides and westwards to orogen-parallel extension and the formation of intramontane basins. The correlation with paleogeographic and geodynamic reconstructions demonstrates that the overall formation of the fault system is driven by subduction of the Carpathian embayment, resulting in laterally variable amounts of translation and rotation associated with indentation of the Moesian Platform. The onset of Carpathian slab retreat and backarc extension at 20 Ma has dramatically increased the rates of dextral deformation from ~3.5 mm/yr to ~2 cm/yr, facilitated by the pull exerted by the retreating slab. Our study demonstrates that indentation requires a strain partitioning analysis that is adapted to the specificity of deformation mechanics and is, therefore, able to quantify the observed kinematic patterns.

We are interested in reconstructing the time evolution of 2D plane deformation of analogue models of tectonic processes. Under relevant forcings, these models develop internal deformation, such as faults, and broader zones of deformation. We use Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) to derive incremental displacements from top-view images that we use in subsequent steps to calculate the shape changes that come with large deformation. Because PIV describes displacement in a spatial reference, and material moves through the area in view, displacements at any given time refer to fixed locations in space, and not to specific material points. By reconstructing the path of material, we can follow small regions of material while they translate, rotate and change shape. To aid the qualitative interpretation of this deformation, we have developed a novel method that can qualitatively describe shape changes coming from extensional, shortening and horizontal shearing (strike-slip) deformation or combinations of these. This method is based on a logarithmic measure of stretch and results agree well with the visual interpretation of structures that we observe in our models. Thus, we provide tools with which the evolution of 2D tectonic deformation can be interpreted in a physically meaningful manner, but our method may be useful outside the realm of tectonics. Our software to compute deformation is freely available and can be used to post-process incremental displacements from PIV or similar autocorrelation methods.

Particle image velocimetry (PIV), a method based on image cross-correlation, is widely used for obtaining velocity fields from time-series of images of deforming objects. Rather than instantaneous velocities, we are interested in reconstructing cumulative deformation, and use PIV-derived incremental displacements for this purpose. Our focus is on analogue models of tectonic processes, which can accumulate large deformation. Importantly, PIV provides incremental displacements during analogue model evolution in a spatial reference (Eulerian) frame, without the need for explicit markers in a model. We integrate the displacements in a material reference (Lagrangian) frame, such that displacements can be integrated to track the spatial accumulative deformation field as a function of time. To describe cumulative, finite deformation, various strain tensors have been developed, and we discuss what strain measure best describes large shape changes, as standard infinitesimal strain tensors no longer apply for large deformation. PIV or comparable techniques have become a common method to determine strain in analogue models. However, the qualitative interpretation of observed strain has remained problematic for complex settings. Hence, PIV-derived displacements have not been fully exploited before, as methods to qualitatively characterize cumulative, large strain have been lacking. Notably, in tectonic settings, different types of deformation—extension, shortening, strike-slip—can be superimposed. We demonstrate that when shape changes are described in terms of Hencky strains, a logarithmic strain measure, finite deformation can be qualitatively described based on the relative magnitude of the two principal Hencky strains. Thereby, our method introduces a physically meaningful classification of large 2-D strains. We show that our strain type classification method allows for accurate mapping of tectonic structures in analogue models of lithospheric deformation, and complements v

Particle image velocimetry (PIV), a method based on image cross-correlation, is widely used for obtaining velocity fields from time-series of images of deforming objects. Rather than instantaneous velocities, we are interested in reconstructing cumulative deformation, and use PIV-derived incremental displacements for this purpose. Our focus is on analogue models of tectonic processes, which can accumulate large deformation. Importantly, PIV provides incremental displacements during analogue model evolution in a spatial reference (Eulerian) frame, without the need for explicit markers in a model. We integrate the displacements in a material reference (Lagrangian) frame, such that displacements can be integrated to track the spatial accumulative deformation field as a function of time. To describe cumulative, finite deformation, various strain tensors have been developed, and we discuss what strain measure best describes large shape changes, as standard infinitesimal strain tensors no longer apply for large deformation. PIV or comparable techniques have become a common method to determine strain in analogue models. However, the qualitative interpretation of observed strain has remained problematic for complex settings. Hence, PIV-derived displacements have not been fully exploited before, as methods to qualitatively characterize cumulative, large strain have been lacking. Notably, in tectonic settings, different types of deformation-extension, shortening, strike-slip-can be superimposed. We demonstrate that when shape changes are described in terms of Hencky strains, a logarithmic strain measure, finite deformation can be qualitatively described based on the relative magnitude of the two principal Hencky strains. Thereby, our method introduces a physically meaningful classification of large 2-D strains. We show that our strain type classification method allows for accurate mapping of tectonic structures in analogue models of lithospheric deformation, and complement, Pavement Engineering

Although many different mechanisms for subduction initiation have been proposed, only few of them are viable in terms of consistency with observations and reproducibility in numerical experiments. In particular, it has recently been demonstrated that intra‐oceanic subduction triggered by an upwelling mantle plume could greatly contribute to the onset and operation of plate tectonics in the early and, to a lesser degree, modern Earth. On the contrary, the initiation of intra‐continental subduction still remains underappreciated. Here we provide an overview of 1) observational evidence for upwelling of hot mantle material flanked by downgoing proto‐slabs of sinking continental mantle lithosphere, and 2) previously published and new numerical models of plume‐induced subduction initiation. Numerical modeling shows that under the condition of a sufficiently thick (>100 km) continental plate, incipient downthrusting at the level of the lowermost lithospheric mantle can be triggered by plume anomalies of moderate temperatures and without significant strain‐ and/or melt‐related weakening of overlying rocks. This finding is in contrast with the requirements for plume‐induced subduction initiation within oceanic or thinner continental lithosphere. As a result, plume‐lithosphere interactions within continental interiors of Paleozoic‐Proterozoic‐(Archean) platforms are the least demanding (and thus potentially very common) mechanism for initiation of subduction‐like foundering in the Phanerozoic Earth. Our findings are supported by a growing body of new geophysical data collected in various intra‐continental areas. A better understanding of the role of intra‐continental mantle downthrusting and foundering in global plate tectonics and, particularly, in the initiation of “classic” ocean‐continent subduction will benefit from more detailed follow‐up investigations.

Highly curved orogens often demonstrate a complex poly-phase tectonic evolution and significant strain partitioning. While the oroclinal bending towards the outer arc is understood to be often driven by rapid slab roll-back, processes driving such bending towards the back-arc domain are less understood. The Serbian segment of the larger, highly bended Carpathians–Balkanides Mountains is one key example where we studied the kinematics of nappe stacking and the mechanics of oroclinal bending by the means of a field kinematic study correlated with available information in adjacent orogenic segments. Although not apparent in the large-scale structure of the Serbian Carpathians, our results demonstrate a poly-phase evolution, where the late Early Cretaceous nappe stacking was followed by Oligocene–middle Miocene ~40° of clockwise rotations. The superposition of Dinarides extension with the oroclinal bending in the Carpathians created overlapping stages of orogen-perpendicular extension and dextral strike-slip coupled with orogen-parallel extension, driven by the 100 km cumulated offset of the Cerna and Timok Faults. Extension was associated with the formation of Oligocene–Miocene basins, providing critical timing constraints for our kinematic study. These deformations were followed by the late Miocene E-ward thrusting of the Upper Getic sub-unit, which was driven by a transfer of deformation in the orocline and around the Moesian Platform during the last stages of Carpathians collision. These results show that the mechanics of oroclinal bending is associated with the activation of strike-slip faults and strain partitioning by bi-modal extension, enhanced by the overlap between different geodynamic processes.

This chapter describes the behaviour of faults in the laboratory. The chapter is organised from small scale to large scale experiments, introducing the reader to general and less general observations of faulting and friction, and showing how these observations are linked to faulting processes occurring in nature. The first section introduces cm-scale friction experiments on gouge materials including the concept of rate-and-state friction, i.e., how velocity affects friction in the quasi-static regime. The following section is devoted to dynamic friction, i.e., observations of friction at high velocity as well as observations of dynamic rupture. The third section discusses the evolution of discrete faults and fault zones in up to meter-scale physical analogue experiments, their dependence on material properties and their significance for the study of large-scale tectonic structures. Finally, the various microstructural features and their possible link to fault stability obtained in the quasi-static regime will be discussed.

Stress-dependent nonlinear upper mantle rheology has a firm base in rock mechanical tests, where this nonlinearity results from dislocation creep of minerals. In the last few decades there has been some attention to nonlinear, power-law, materials for application in scaled analogue experiments for tectonic processes. However, studies describing the rheology of analogue materials with the same nonlinear dependency on stress as observed for lithospheric mantle materials at relevant stress levels, are still lacking. In this study we have developed and rheologically tested materials based on combinations of silicone polymers and plasticine, with the aim of obtaining a material that can serve as a laboratory analogue to the power-law rheology of olivine aggregates at lithospheric mantle conditions. From our steady-state creep tests we find that it is possible to obtain such a power-law material, with effective viscosities over relevant model stress ranges [5–4000 Pa] that allow for nonlinear deformation at laboratory time scales. We apply the developed material to a process where localized deformation of the lithosphere can be expected: slab break-off. We study this process using analogue models, where we apply the new nonlinear material to the lithospheric mantle domains, while we use Newtonian glucose to represent the low viscous asthenosphere. Now that we properly manage power-law behavior in our analogue lithosphere materials, we are able to model localized lithospheric tearing.

Stress-dependent nonlinear upper mantle rheology has a firm base in rock mechanical tests, where this nonlinearity results from dislocation creep of minerals. In the last few decades there has been some attention to nonlinear, power-law, materials for application in scaled analogue experiments for tectonic processes. However, studies describing the rheology of analogue materials with the same nonlinear dependency on stress as observed for lithospheric mantle materials at relevant stress levels, are still lacking. In this study we have developed and rheologically tested materials based on combinations of silicone polymers and plasticine, with the aim of obtaining a material that can serve as a laboratory analogue to the power-law rheology of olivine aggregates at lithospheric mantle conditions. From our steady-state creep tests we find that it is possible to obtain such a power-law material, with effective viscosities over relevant model stress ranges [5–4000 Pa] that allow for nonlinear deformation at laboratory time scales. We apply the developed material to a process where localized deformation of the lithosphere can be expected: slab break-off. We study this process using analogue models, where we apply the new nonlinear material to the lithospheric mantle domains, while we use Newtonian glucose to represent the low viscous asthenosphere. Now that we properly manage power-law behavior in our analogue lithosphere materials, we are able to model localized lithospheric tearing., ChemE/O&O groep, ChemE/Advanced Soft Matter

We investigate the development of margin geometries during extension of a continental lithosphere containing lateral strength variations. These strength variations may originate from the amalgamation of continents with different mechanical properties as was probably the case when Pangea was assembled. Our aim is to infer if localization of deformation is controlled by the boundary between two lithospheres with different mechanical properties (e.g., “weak” and “strong”) or not. We ran a series of lithosphere-scale physical analog models in which we vary the strength contrast across equally sized lithospheric domains. The models show that deformation always localizes in the relatively weaker compartment, not at the contact between the two domains because the contact is unfavorably oriented for the applied stress and does not behave as a weak, inherited discontinuity. Wide-rifts develop under coupled conditions when the weak lithosphere consists of a brittle crust, ductile crust and ductile mantle. When a brittle upper mantle layer is included in the weak segment, the rift system develops in two phases. First, a wide rift forms until the mechanically strong upper mantle develops a necking instability after which the weak lower crust and weak upper mantle become a coupled, narrow rift system. The margin geometries that result from this two-phase evolution show asymmetry in terms of crustal thickness and basin distribution. This depends heavily on the locus of failure of the strong part of the upper mantle. The models can explain asymmetric conjugate margin geometries without using weak zones to guide deformation localization.

In this paper we present a series of thermo-mechanical experiments on continent-continent collision zones to investigate the role of lateral strength contrasts in terms of collision dynamics and orogen geometries. Our results show that differences in crustal rheology, may lead to a variety of different patterns of deformation and crustal geometries. Upper plate indentation forms a sequence of foreland propagating thrust units made of brittle upper crust on the lower plate. The strong deformation of the lower plate stands in stark contrast to the undeformed upper plate. In contrast, subduction of strong lithosphere beneath a weak upper plate forms a complex pattern of deformation. Deformation initiates on the lower plate and forms an antiformal stack made of brittle upper crust, before it indents the upper plate. Hence, deformation is present on both, the lower and upper plate, despite differences in initial strength. The outcome of this study has direct implications to natural collision zones, where differences in strength between the upper and lower plate exist. For example, along strike variability of upper vs. lower plate shortening in the Alps are likely to be controlled by contrasts in crustal strength. Furthermore, we suggest that the antiformal stack in the axial zone of the Pyrenees might indicate a strong lower plate at the onset of collision. Our results may therefore provide important constraints for the rheological state of continents during collision.