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Numerical modelling of fault generation in the extensional tectonic regime of the Gulf of Corinth
Author(s) -
Stavropoulou M.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
international journal for numerical and analytical methods in geomechanics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.419
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1096-9853
pISSN - 0363-9061
DOI - 10.1002/nag.586
Subject(s) - geology , extensional fault , fault (geology) , curvature , extensional definition , geometry , tectonics , seismology , mathematics
The aim of this work is to investigate the extent to which a relatively simple mechanical model (both at constitutive and boundary conditions levels) can reproduce the main features of a typical extensional part of European continent such as the Gulf of Corinth (or Korinthos). A second step is performed here for the investigation of this problem, following a first one consisted of appropriate downscaled sandbox model tests and continuum mechanics numerical modelling. A more suitable numerical method, namely the distinct element method implemented in Universal Distinct Element Code (UDEC), is employed in this second attempt to study faulting and the associated deformations in extensional tectonic regimes. The hypothesis that an inherited listric normal fault with high dip angle ( ∼ 60°) at the surface transforming into a gently dipping normal fault at larger depths ( ∼ 10° ) subjected to extensional strain rate may reproduce the major structural features of the Gulf is herein investigated. This study shows that sliding on the listric fault produces a second high‐angle antithetic normal fault that initiates at the point of change of curvature of the initial listric fault and propagates upwards until it reaches the surface. A second model that takes into account both listric and antithetic faults as boundary conditions, produces under extension, a third normal fault dipping as the first master listric fault and initiating close to the root of the antithetic fault, ultimately propagating upwards up to the free surface. Finally, a third model that starts with the three faults, results in a system of conjugate normal faults lying between the master listric fault and the first antithetic fault. This structure of normal faults resembles closely both the structure of normal faults observed at the Gulf of Corinth and the history of their formation, indicating that the Gulf is a half‐graben. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.