The Propagation-To-Slip Ratio and the Mechanics of Trishear-Like Fault-Propagation Folds

Cornell University, Ithaca NY

Investigators

Abstract

Much remains to be understood about how small faults grow into large faults and how the propagate through the crust. Such knowledge has considerable significance for evaluation of seismic hazards and the exploration for petroleum. This study will address this issue through the construction and refinement of computer programs which simulate faulting and the growth of folds related to the faults. Two different approaches will be utilized and the combination of these should reveal aspects of the phenomenon which have not yet been determined. A limited set of field examples will be studied to determine the extent to which computer models produce realistic results.