A Discussion on natural strain and geological structure - Fold shapes as functions of progressive strain

Abstract

The folding of the components (layers or texture) of a rock system is viewed as an unstable strain-dependent process. The folds undergo successive stages of development, including initiation, amplification, propagation and decay. Fold shapes are functions of (i) initial morphology, (ii) mechanical behaviour of the rock, including stiffness contrasts and frictional properties of adjacent components, (in) overall finite strain. The folded components may or may not adopt periodic waveforms, depending on (i) the relative rates of propagation versus amplification of the folds and (n) the boundary conditions of the rock system.