Preprints
Filtering by Subject: Tectonics and Structure
Thermo-mechanical numerical model of the transition from continental rifting to oceanic spreading: the case study of the Alpine Tethys
Published: 2017-10-26
Subjects: Earth Sciences, Geology, Geophysics and Seismology, Physical Sciences and Mathematics, Tectonics and Structure
We develop a two-dimensional thermo-mechanical numerical model in which the formation of oceanic crust and serpentinite due to the hydration of the uprising mantle peridotite has been implemented, with the aim of discussing the behavior of the lithosphere of the Alps and Northern Apennines during the transition from continental rifting to ocean spreading of the Alpine Tethys. The predictions of [...]
Morphological expressions of crater infill collapse: model simulations of Chaotic Terrains on Mars
Published: 2017-10-26
Subjects: Earth Sciences, Geology, Geomorphology, Other Earth Sciences, Physical Sciences and Mathematics, Tectonics and Structure
Martian chaotic terrains are characterized by deeply depressed intensively fractured areas that contain a large number of low-strain tilted blocks. Stronger deformation (e.g. higher number of fractures) is generally observed in the rims when compared to the middle regions of the terrains. The distribution and number of fractures and tilted blocks are correlated with the size of the chaotic [...]
2-D numerical study of hydrated wedge dynamics from subduction to post-collisional phases
Published: 2017-10-26
Subjects: Earth Sciences, Geology, Geophysics and Seismology, Physical Sciences and Mathematics, Tectonics and Structure
We developed a 2-D finite element model to investigate the effect of shear heating and mantle hydration on the dynamics of the mantle wedge area. The model considers an initial phase of active oceanic subduction, which is followed by a post-collisional phase characterized by pure gravitational evolution. To investigate the impact of the subduction velocity on the thermomechanics of the system, [...]
Rift zone-parallel extension during segmented fault growth: application to the evolution of the NE Atlantic
Published: 2017-10-25
Subjects: Earth Sciences, Physical Sciences and Mathematics, Tectonics and Structure
The mechanical interaction of propagating normal faults is known to influence the linkage geometry of first-order faults, and the development of second-order faults and fractures, which transfer displacement within relay zones. Here we use natural examples of growth faults from two active volcanic rift zones (Koaʻe, Island of Hawaiʻi and Krafla, northern Iceland) to illustrate the importance of [...]