Fold characteristics and deformation styles within fold and thrust belts using 2D numerical modelling
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Abstract
This study used Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) to simulate the two-dimensional structural deformation within fold and thrust belts that are associated with plate collision. A total of 12 models were performed with different basal inclinations and pre-kinematic thickness. The results reveal that the thrust-related structures are dominated by pop-up structure and triangle zone. These structures commonly exhibit a kink band style folding in the hanging wall. The location of the active frontal fold, fold spacing, and fold types are controlled by pre-kinematic thickness. Thickermodels are characterized by box-type folds, while thinner models are characterized by chevron-type folds. Hence, the difference in the pre-kinematic thickness will have a significant impact on the folding structure, while the basal inclination has no effect based on our structural analysis.
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Copyright © 2008 Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University. Parts of an article can be photocopied or reproduced without prior written permission from the author(s), but due acknowledgments should be stated or cited accordingly.
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