EXTENSIONAL REACTIVATION OF AN ABANDONED THRUST - A BOUND ON SHALLOWING IN THE BRITTLE REGIME

被引:32
作者
IVINS, ER
DIXON, TH
GOLOMBEK, MP
机构
[1] Earth and Space Sciences Division, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
关键词
D O I
10.1016/0191-8141(90)90015-Q
中图分类号
P [天文学、地球科学];
学科分类号
07 ;
摘要
Shallow dip angles (≤45°) suggested by field observations of continental extensional faults are not predicted by classical isotropic Mohr-Coulomb-Anderson theory. Earthquake data indicate that normal faults exist in the upper crust with dip angles commonly as shallow as 30°. Some structural evidence suggests brittle-normal faulting with dip angles as shallow as 10°. One explanation of the apparent conflict between theory and structural/seismic observations is that intrinsically weak, shallow-dipping pre-existing faults are preferentially reactivated. Any reduction in frictional strength of the pre-existing structure below that of surrounding rock increases the likelihood that such structures will be first breaking when extension is initiated. Enhanced fluid pore pressure on the pre-existing fault reduces the effective strength and can further enhance shallow fault reactivation. An analytical treatment clarifies the roles of geometry, intact/pre-existing fault strengths and fluid pore pressures. Frictional strength ratios of 3 or greater could account for extremely shallow normal faults (dips 10-20°) without consideration of pore pressures in excess of the least principal stress or of principal stress systems rotated away from the gravity vector. Moderate reduction in friction ( 3 4) with respect to wall rock can reduce the dip to 30° and can account for shallow normal-slip earthquakes. © 1990.
引用
收藏
页码:303 / 314
页数:12
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