Tree-dimensional D-L scaling and maximum fault length in layered rocks

R. Soliva , Antonio Benedicto (1)

1 LT - Laboratoire de tectonique

We analyze the magnitudes and distributions of displacements on normal faults that are contained within a five layer marly-limestone/silty-clay sedimentary sequence. Observations of bedding plane exposures of the wellexposed mechanically isolated faults reveal a systematic strong decrease in the displacement gradient related to the horizontal lengthening of faults growing at constant height. Because mechanically heterogeneous sequences produce populations of vertically restricted faults having a large range of aspect ratios (length/downdip height), much of the scatter on a displacement-length diagram can be attributed to nonlinear growth paths. Our results demonstrate the significant influence of layering on fault scaling relations, growth, and maximum dimensions.

Domaines: Tectonique

R. Soliva, Antonio Benedicto. Tree-dimensional D-L scaling and maximum fault length in layered rocks. Geophysical Research Letters, 2005, 27 (16), pp.L16302. ⟨10.1029/2005GL023007⟩. ⟨hal-00023543⟩