A method for relating fault geometry, slip rate and uplift data above fault‐propagation folds

Abstract

AbstractTypically, the problem of constructing a balanced cross‐section across a fault‐propagation fold has been cast in terms of static entities such as fault dip, fold axial angles and limb dips. Increasingly, however, surficial data such as rates of uplift or erosion are becoming available above fault‐related folds. These data are often used to derive or constrain fault‐slip rates on deeper thrust faults and, ultimately, calculate horizontal shortening rates. However, where thrust faults are blind, there has been no simple method for relating fault geometry and slip to uplift data. This short contribution presents a series of new relationships (derived from velocity descriptions of deformation) that relate fault geometry and slip rate to measurements of uplift above flexural‐slip and trishear fault‐propagation folds. We examine the differences in uplift across such structures, their implications for the calculation of rates of fault slip and horizontal shortening and make comparisons with natural examples.