Kinematics of Footwall Exhumation at Oceanic Detachment faults: Solid‐Block Rotation and Apparent Unbending

DOI10.25914/r3ya-bg54

Created by: Dan SandifordSascha BruneAnne GlerumJohn NaliboffJoanne M. Whittaker

Plain language summary

This model was developed in order to study the rotation of footwall rocks beneath oceanic detachment faults (ODFs). It showed that solid-block rotation dominates beneath a concave-down fault, while significant flexural stresses form later during "apparent unbending," causing both compression and extension-related brittle strain within oceanic core complexes (OCCs).


Animation showing alternative model (see paper for detail). Colormap shows vorticity/rotation rate. Velocity vectors are shown in the hangingwall reference frame. Dark regions show the acccumulation of plastic strain.

Model submitted by Dan Sandiford on May 17, 2024.