Sandbox modeling of the fault-increment pattern in extensional basins

Abstract

Three series of sandbox modeling experiments were performed to study the fault-increment pattern in extensional basins. Experimental results showed that the tectonic action mode of boundaries and the shape of major boundary faults control the formation and evolution of faults in extensional basins. In the process of extensional deformation, the increase in the number and length of faults was episodic, and every ‘episode’ experienced three periods, strain-accumulation period, quick fault-increment period and strain-adjustment period. The more complex the shape of the boundary fault, the higher the strain increment each ‘episode’ experienced. Different extensional modes resulted in different fault-increment patterns. The horizontal detachment extensional mode has the ‘linear’ style of fault-increment pattern, while the extensional mode controlled by a listric fault has the ‘stepwise’ style of fault-increment pattern, and the extensional mode controlled by a ramp-flat boundary fault has the ‘stepwise-linear’ style of fault-increment pattern. These fault-increment patterns given above could provide a theoretical method of fault interpretation and fracture prediction in extensional basins.