Shear Zone Research Articles

Slip and stress in block-in-matrix shear zones: 2. numerical modelling of a serpentine-filled dilational jog

We use 2-D numerical models to explore slip and stress dynamics in a fault-bound dilational jog, informed by a field example from the Dun Mountain Ophiolite in New Zealand. The jog is hosted in a metre-scale phacoid of massive serpentinite embedded in a “block-in-matrix” creeping serpentinite shear zone. The models show how periodic exceedance of the tensile strength of the contact between the sealed jog and host rock leads to episodic opening and deposition of a new crack-seal band, with a thickness limited by the release of stress around the tips of the stepover-bounding faults. Jog stress release in the model is lower than that predicted from linear elastic fracture mechanics because additional crack opening can occur slowly due to post-failure creep on the bounding faults. For 10 km overburden and constant high fluid pressure, we predict event stress release of ca. 16 MPa and total crack opening of ∼22 μm on either side of the jog, consistent with crack-seal band widths in the field example. Because our models show that total crack width reflects both initial cracking and subsequent creep, we suggest caution when using crack-seal band widths to directly infer stress release in similar shear zone settings.

Phylogenetic evidence clarifies the history of the extrusion of Indochina

The southeastward extrusion of Indochina along the Ailao Shan-Red River shear zone (ARSZ) is one of two of the most prominent consequences of the India-Asia collision. This plate-scale extrusion has greatly changed Southeast Asian topography and drainage patterns and effected regional climate and biotic evolution. However, little is known about how Indochina was extruded toward the southeast over time. Here, we sampled 42 plant and animal clades (together encompassing 1,721 species) that are distributed across the ARSZ and are not expected to disperse across long distances. We first assess the possible role of climate on driving the phylogenetic separations observed across the ARSZ. We then investigate the temporal dynamics of the extrusion of Indochina through a multitaxon analysis. We show that the lineage divergences across the ARSZ were most likely associated with the Indochinese extrusion rather than climatic events. The lineage divergences began at ~53 Ma and increased sharply ~35 Ma, with two peaks at ~19 Ma and ~7 Ma, and one valley at ~13 Ma. Our results suggest a two-phase model for the extrusion of Indochina, and in each phase, the extrusion was subject to periods of acceleration and decrease, in agreement with the changes of the India-Asia convergence rate and angle from the early Eocene to the late Miocene. This study highlights that a multitaxon analysis can illuminate the timing of subtle historical events that may be difficult for geological data to pinpoint and can be used to explore other tectonic events.

Carbonatization and silicification of ophiolitic ultramafic rocks and formation of gold-bearing listvenites in the Arabian-Nubian shield: A case study from the Al-Barramiya district

Late Neoproterozoic mantle section in the Gabal Al-Barramiya area, the northwestern corner of the Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS), contains variably serpentinized peridotites that are highly altered along shear zones and thrust planes to form gold-bearing listvenites. They can be categorized into carbonate listvenite, silica-carbonate listvenite and silica listvenite (birbirite). Carbonate listvenite is characterized by the presence of schistosity and deformation fabrics similar to the host serpentinites, but such fabrics are absent in the silica-carbonate and silica listvenites, suggesting that they postdate carbonate listvenite and serpentinization. The presence of listvenites along shears zones and the presence of relics of serpentine and Cr-spinel reflects their formation through metasomatism of ultramafic rocks by hydrothermal fluids circulating along the thrust faults. Silica-carbonate listvenite is characterized by the presence of fuchsite and is enriched in Zn, Pb, Cu, Ag, and Au. Rare earth element (REE) contents differ between the studied listvenites. Silica -carbonate listvenite has the lowest total REE (∑₌0.98–2.56 ppm), whereas the silica listvenite contains the highest total of REE (∑ ₌ 15.70–21.42 ppm). Based on the above, carbonate listvenite is the earliest to form by the infiltration of CO2–bearing fluids released during serpentinization of the original fore-arc peridotite slab, followed by formation of silica-carbonate listvenite due to the activities of SiO2–saturation and CO2-bearing fluids released during ophiolite obduction. Fuchsite in silica-carbonate listvenite formed as a result of metasomatic reactions of Si- and K-rich fluids with Cr-spinel due to hydrothermal alteration of serpentinized peridotite. Silica listvenite formed at the final stage by the silicification of the early formed silica-carbonate listvenite. Listvenitization of the mantle section of the Al-Barramiya ophiolite led to concentration of Au, Pb, Zn, Cu and Ag. The silica-carbonate listvenite contains higher concentration of gold (899–2199 ppb) than the carbonate listvenite (119–191 ppb) and silica listvenite (156–233 ppb).

Alteration and Non-Formula Elements Uptake of Zircon from Um Ara Granite, South Eastern Desert, Egypt

The Um Ara granites are a suite of granitoid rocks located in the southern part of the Eastern Desert of Egypt. The integration of various electron probe micro analyzer (EPMA) techniques, such as backscattered electron (BSE) imaging, X-ray compositional mapping, and wavelength dispersive spectrometry (WDS), has provided valuable insights into the alteration process of zircon in the Um Ara granite. The zircon exhibits high concentrations of non-formula elements such as P, Al, Ca, Fe, Ti, and REEs, suggesting that the alteration involved coupled dissolution-reprecipitation processes influenced by aqueous fluids. The negative correlations between Zr and the non-formula elements indicate that these elements were incorporated into zircon at the expense of Zr and Si, significantly affecting the distribution and fractionation of REEs in the original zircon. Based on the presented data and literature knowledge, the sequence of alteration events is proposed as follows: (1) initial zircon crystallization around 603 Ma accompanied by the formation of other U- and Th-bearing minerals like xenotime, thorite, monazite, and apatite; (2) long-term metamictization leading to fractures and cracks that facilitated fluid circulation and chemical changes; (3) a major hydrothermal event around 20 Ma that released a suite of non-formula elements from the metamicted zircon and associated minerals, with the enriched hydrothermal fluids subsequently incorporating these elements into the modified zircon structure; and (4) further low-temperature alteration during subsequent pluvial periods (around 50,000–159,000 years ago), facilitated by the shear zones in the Um Ara granites, may have allowed further uptake of non-formula elements. The interplay between hydrothermal fluids, meteoric water, and the shear zone environments appears to have been a key driver for the uptake of non-formula elements into the altered zircon.

Inferring fault structures and overburden depth in 3D from geophysical data using machine learning algorithms – A case study on the Fenelon gold deposit, Quebec, Canada

AbstractWe apply a machine learning approach to automatically infer two key attributes – the location of fault or shear zone structures and the thickness of the overburden – in an 18 km2 study area within and surrounding the Archean Fenelon gold deposit in Quebec, Canada. Our approach involves the inversion of carefully curated borehole lithological and structural observations truncated at 480 m below the surface, combined with magnetic and Light Detection and Ranging survey data. We take a computationally low‐cost approach in which no underlying model for geological consistency is imposed. We investigated three contrasting approaches: (1) an inferred fault model, in which the borehole observations represent a direct evaluation of the presence of fault or shear zones; (2) an inferred overburden model, using borehole observations on the overburden‐bedrock contact; (3) a model with three classes – overburden, faulted bedrock and unfaulted bedrock, which combines aspects of (1) and (2). In every case, we applied all 32 standard machine learning algorithms. We found that Bagged Trees, fine K‐nearest neighbours and weighted K‐nearest neighbour were the most successful, producing similar accuracy, sensitivity and specificity metrics. The Bagged Trees algorithm predicted fault locations with approximately 80% accuracy, 70% sensitivity and 73% specificity. Overburden thickness was predicted with 99% accuracy, 77% sensitivity and 93% specificity. Qualitatively, fault location predictions compared well to independently construct geological interpretations. Similar methods might be applicable in other areas with good borehole coverage, providing that criteria used in borehole logging are closely followed in devising classifications for the machine learning training set and might be usefully supplemented with a variety of geophysical survey data types.

Evolution of the transtensional Barreirinhas pull-apart system in the Brazilian Equatorial margin and its correlation with the African conjugate counterpart

The Barreirinhas pull-apart system encompasses marginal basins in divergent and transform margin segments in the central sector of the Brazilian Equatorial Margin and its African conjugate counterpart. This ancient pull-apart system evolved through transtensional strike-slip motion within a highly heterogeneous crystalline basement affected by multiple rift phases. The geometry and development of pull-apart structural elements during the final rifting phase before continental breakup and the mechanisms and extent to which they were influenced by preexisting crustal heterogeneities are comprehensively addressed using an extensive database of potential field (magnetic and gravity) and 2D seismic reflection data. We also assess the lithospheric thermomechanical conditions and their influence on transtensional extension throughout Curie Point Depth, Heat Flow, and Moho depth, derived from potential field data and published seismological models. Plate reconstruction of Brazilian and African equatorial margins based on gravity patterns and comparison with sandbox analog models allow a 3D synoptic model to reveal the Barreirinhas pull-apart system evolution during the Equatorial Atlantic opening. During the rift phase I, the location of major grabens was controlled by favorably oriented Neoproterozoic shear zones, while the cooler, stronger, and thicker crust beneath cratonic areas formed the western barrier to strike-slip rift activity during rift phase II. This same geological domain anchored the onset of the pull-apart system in the last rift phase III, whose principal displacement zones developed along the extensive oceanic fracture zones linked by sigmoidal fault systems. Toward the end of the rift phase, a large asymmetric lozangle to a lazy-Z-shaped, pull-apart basin developed above low overlapping ∼90°, releasing stepover in oblique transtensional strike-slip motion.

Secondary Riedel faults in the Batouri region and inferences to major shear zones kinematics and gold mineralization

Secondary Riedel faults in the Batouri region and inferences to major shear zones kinematics and gold mineralization

Fracturing, comminution and grain-size-sensitive creep as a record of coseismic loading in the middle-crust: Insights from the Urtiga mylonitic pluton (NE Brazil)

Evidence for mid-crustal seismic slip is scarce due to the limited capacity of downward propagation of rupture damage imposed by the confining pressure. Nevertheless, structures indicative of elevated stresses occur throughout the crustal profile. To further investigate this setting, we have studied the fabrics of the Urtiga pluton, emplaced at the south Patos shear zone (northeast Brazil), a major Neoproterozoic crustal boundary. K-feldspar and plagioclase porphyroclasts are fractured, with fine-grained K-feldspar + plagioclase mixtures filling cracks. The edges of the clasts are rimmed by fine feldspar grains that form a fine-grained matrix. Quartz ribbons are parallel to the mylonitic foliation and show microstructures and a fabric indicating deformation via dislocation creep. Chemical compositions of feldspars are typically similar between porphyroclasts, fractures and matrix, with plagioclase grains locally being more albitic within fractures. Crystallographic preferred orientations (CPO) in grains within fractures are host-controlled by the adjacent porphyroclast, while fine grains rimming the clasts show a weak CPO and are mostly strain-free. These characteristics suggest that grain size reduction in the Urtiga mylonitic pluton occurred through fracturing and subsequent grain-size-sensitive creep under mid-crustal conditions, which were possibly attained via downward propagation of seismic rupture from the overlying seismogenic zone during transient, seismic slip episodes, giving rise to spatially related pseudotachylytes at the boundaries of the southern Patos shear zone.

Development of an analytical model to investigate the effect of tool geometry and cutting parameters on the milling performance of Inconel 718

This research proposes a new analytical method to predict cutting forces of end milling considering various tool geometry and cutting parameters, aiming to achieve enhanced stability in machining processes and superior quality in machined surfaces. The end-milling process was modeled using the unequal shear zone theory of oblique cutting, where the helical cutting edges were discretized into multiple oblique cutting edges, and the coordinate transformation method was employed to analyze the geometric and force relationships among them. Then, the influence of helix angles on cutting force, machined surface quality, tool life, and wear patterns in the milling process of Inconel 718 was investigated. These findings provide valuable insights that can be utilized to optimize the design of variable helix tools.

The structure of a continental intraplate volcanic system and controls from shear zones: Insights into the central Hoggar Cenozoic volcanic province, Northwest Africa, from electrical resistivity images

Continental intraplate volcanic systems, with their locations far from plate tectonic boundaries, are not well understood: the crustal and lithospheric mantle structure of these systems remain enigmatic and there is no consensus on the mechanisms that cause melt generation and ascent. The Cenozoic saw the development of numerous volcanic provinces on the African plate, including within the Central Hoggar, located in Northwest Africa, part of the Tuareg shield. The magmatic activity began at approximately 34 Ma and continued throughout the Quaternary. In order to understand the origins and potential mechanisms that generated the intraplate volcanic activity in the Central Hoggar we aim to image the subsurface architecture, in terms of electrical resistivity, from the surface to the lithospheric mantle. To do so we use magnetotelluric measurements from 40 locations to generate a 3-D electrical resistivity model, over an area of about 100 km by 160 km. Low-resistivity features (i.e., conductors) are observed in the crust that are narrow, linear structures congruent with the boundaries of terranes and prominent fault zones (e.g., Azrou N’Fad). They likely reflect the Pan-African mega-shear zones, which were reactivated throughout the tectonic evolution of the region. The model reveals that these faults are lithospheric-scale. The low-resistivity features likely represent the signatures of past fluid pathways and mineralization. A deeper low-resistivity feature is observed in the upper lithospheric mantle directly beneath the Manzaz and Atakor volcanic districts. It may represent local, small-scale metasomatism of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle, and low-percent partial melting, that sits above a regional, large-scale asthenospheric upwelling associated with the Hoggar swell. It is likely the origin point of the fluids responsible for the overlying anomalies. The results highlight the control of the lithospheric-scale, mega-shear zones on the spatial distribution of the recent Cenozoic volcanic activity, which was influenced by the location of pre-existing structural weaknesses.

Modeling mobile shales under contraction: Critical analyses of new analog simulations of shale tectonics and comparison with salt-bearing systems

Weak substrates, such as salt and mobile shales, exert a strong control on deformation styles in all structural settings, especially those undergoing contraction. Despite both materials being very weak, they are mechanically very different. Salt is weak and will flow in a ductile fashion under most geologic conditions, whereas shales only become mobile after reaching a critical state. Many sandbox-style physical or analog modeling studies have typically used a salt analog, viscous silicone polymer, as a proxy for mobile shales. However, to more accurately model mobile shale behavior, the model material needs to exhibit yield strength. One such material is Carbopol, which is made up of microgel grains that are elasto-plastic, separated by a viscous interstitial fluid. The abundance of the grains depends on the concentration of the mixture. Our results show that Carbopol does behave much differently than the traditional salt analog during contraction. Polydimethylsiloxanes typically undergoes bulk deformation and inflation under contraction, whereas Carbopol forms discrete, intense shear zones and contains zones of little to no strain where its yield strength has not been exceeded. Below the shale analog, brittle layers typically form imbricate thrust stacks, jacking up the overburden, with shear zones propagating out from thrust tips along and through the shale proxy. Strain analyses reveal complex switching of activity within the Carbopol and overlying sediments. Models reveal that even a very thin layer of Carbopol can act as a highly efficient detachment, and form more geologically realistic shortening structures, especially where these detachments are vertically stacked and horizontally offset. We believe that Carbopol is a powerful mobile-shale analog and opens new modeling directions because, as far as we are aware, this material has never been incorporated into a traditional sandbox model. Future work will seek to incorporate this material into more complex and 3D sandbox-style models.

Reactivated mechanism of a slow-moving landslide with two shear zones based on ring shear test and in situ monitoring

Reactivated mechanism of a slow-moving landslide with two shear zones based on ring shear test and in situ monitoring

Variability in interseismic strain accumulation rate and style along the Altyn Tagh Fault

Major strike-slip faults that develop between strong and weaker regions are thought to focus along narrow shear zones at the rheological boundary. Here we present the InSAR-derived velocity field spanning almost the entire length of one such fault, the 1600 km-long Altyn Tagh Fault (ATF), and analyse the strain distribution. We find that localisation of strain is actually variable, in contrast to other major strike-slip faults that show little variation, with strain concentrated at the fault for some sections and distributed over broad (>100 km) shear zones for others. Slip rate along the ATF is also variable, decreasing along the fault from 11.6 ± 1.6 mm/yr in the west to 7.2 ± 1.4 mm/yr in the central portion, before increasing again to 11.7 ± 0.9 mm/yr over the eastern portion. We show that the variable shear zone width may be linked to geological variability and the influence of heat flow, and the results imply that sub-parallel faults play an important role in the overall deformation field. This demonstrates the significance of accurately characterising strain rates over a broad region when assessing seismic hazard.

Tectonic structures of the Dome Fuji region, East Antarctica, based on new magnetic data

The Oldest Ice Reconnaissance (OIR) airborne geophysical survey in East Antarctica was flown over approximately 170,000 km2 of the Dome Fuji region in 2016/17. The survey’s results support new insights into the subglacial geology and its meaning for the tectonic histories of the supercontinents Rodinia and Gondwana. The new magnetic and radar-derived bed topography data are integrated with previously acquired magnetic and gravity data, allowing the mapping of crustal domains within and beyond the survey’s limits. The magnetic data reveal three distinct domains within the survey region, delineated by N–S oriented boundaries, partly aligned with gravity domains following upward continuation transformations for both datasets. Additionally, four primary sets of magnetic lineaments were identified, exhibiting correlations with topographic and gravity patterns. These correlations indicate the continuation of the Tonian Oceanic Arc Super Terrane (TOAST) southward of its previously known southern limit. Moreover, an E–W-trending magnetic anomaly, the Elbert magnetic anomaly, suggests the suture between the recently-proposed subglacial Valkyrie craton and the TOAST. Furthermore, the analysis reveals a broad scale shear zone, named here the OIR shear zone, which formed as a result of oblique collision of the Ruker and Valkyrie cratons during the amalgamation of Gondwana.

Interpretation of geometry of greenstone belts and nature of fluid pathways for gold deposits using strain and vorticity analyses of shear zone – insights from Ramagiri-Penakacherla transcratonic shear zone system

Interpretation of geometry of greenstone belts and nature of fluid pathways for gold deposits using strain and vorticity analyses of shear zone – insights from Ramagiri-Penakacherla transcratonic shear zone system

New geological insights on the Palaeoproterozoic Sembé-Ouesso Basin in northern Congo-Brazzaville – Implications for the Kibaran orogeny, Neoproterozoic rifting and Pan-African overprint

The Palaeoproterozoic Sembé-Ouesso Basin (SOB) is the northeasternmost of six foreland subbasins of the Eburnean orogen; it covers an area of about 64,000 km2 in the northern Republic of Congo, southeast Cameroun and the Central African Republic. The structural architecture and tectono-metamorphic history of the SOB have been studied in the Republic of Congo by airborne geophysical interpretation, geological mapping, and petrography, analysis of illite crystallinity and K-Ar geochronology.The oldest tectono-metamorphic event (D1/M1), which caused the main structuring of the SOB, coincides in age with the last (1.0–1.07 Ga) stage of Kibaran orogeny. Metamorphic conditions decrease from greenschist facies in the east to upper diagenesis in the west. D1 deformation started with west-vergent folding followed by N-S sinistral transpression in discrete shear zones. The tectonic style characterises the SOB as foreland in the external zone of an eastern concealed orogen that either represents the continuation of the Kibaran Belt or forms a separate, as yet unidentified unit.Subsequent Neoproterozoic extension is marked by two conjugate N-S/NNE-SSW and E-W/NW-SE fault systems and a local pull-apart structure (D2). Coeval mafic magmas were emplaced in the faults of both systems. At regional scale, the extension can be linked to Tonian rifting in the central part of the Congo Basin and within the West Congo Belt.The influence of the Neoproterozoic (600 Ma) Central African orogeny is mainly restricted to the north-western part of the SOB where the Dja nappe was thrust from the north over the Palaeoproterozoic rocks (D3/M2). Elsewhere, the Pan-African event had no thermal and only minor structural effects on the SOB.

Enhanced structural analysis through a hybrid analogue-digital mapping approach: Integrating field and UAV survey with microtomography to characterize metamorphic rocks

This study focused on collecting structural data orientations of a crustal-scale shear zone (Palmi Shear Zone, PSZ, southern Calabria, Italy) by integrating various analytical and field-based techniques. The PSZ consists of deformed metamorphic rocks (migmatitic biotitic paragneiss, marbles, and skarns) showing multiple folding phases, and Hercynian tonalites and pegmatites (306-290 Ma), crosscut by Late Hercynian leucocratic dykes (ca. 290 Ma). Multi-sized clasts composed of different lithologies are preserved on clean outcrop surfaces, and are sheared into both σ - and δ -type objects that collectively suggest opposing senses of shear. The study incorporates structural analysis of folds, field and aerial surveys (UAV), digital mapping, and microcomputed tomography. Various kinematic indicators were observed in the PSZ, indicating a mix of factors influencing the shear strain patterns (e.g. fold interference patterns, different rock types with high viscosity contrast). The findings suggest a clear consistency between structural data inferred from 3D VOM (Virtual Outcrop Model) and those collected directly in the field, confirming the occurrence of both sinistral and dextral shear in the PSZ, providing important insights into the tectonic evolution of the Calabrian-Peloritani Terrane.

Structural and chronological constraints for Longquan‐Badu ductile shear zone: Implication for Triassic intraplate orogeny in South China Block

The ductile shear deformation of Precambrian basement rocks in Wuyishan provides a crucial perspective on intraplate orogeny in the South China Block (SCB). This study focuses on the Longquan‐Badu ductile shear zone in southeastern Zhejiang, employing field observations, thin section analysis, quartz electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), zircon U–Pb dating and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology. Two distinct phases of deformation, referred to as D1 and D2, have been identified. D1 is primarily characterized by a WNW–ESE striking foliation within a NE‐plunging lineation, indicating top‐to‐SSW shearing. The paragneiss within the Badu complex that experienced D1 deformation has been dated to 247–239 Ma through zircon U–Pb analysis, corresponding to the prevalent high‐pressure metamorphic age in the region. This correlation suggests that the D1 deformation event coincided with crustal thickening during the Early Triassic. D2 deformation exhibits folds, foliation, S‐C fabrics and mylonitic microstructures and is mainly characterized by striking NNE–SSW with steeply dip, demonstrating a dominant dextral strike–slip component. Quartz c‐axis orientations in mylonitic rocks indicate deformation temperatures between 350°C and 550°C with asymmetric girdle patterns suggesting simultaneous basal and prism slip. The plateau ages of muscovite from mylonitic rocks obtained through 40Ar/39Ar dating are approximately ~228 Ma implying that the D2 deformation occurred under retrograde amphibolite to greenschist facies metamorphic conditions during Middle Triassic. Collectively these data along with regional geological evidence signify two distinct intracontinental orogenic processes occurring in eastern SCB. Considering Early Mesozoic tectonothermal events in Cathaysia Block, it can be inferred that intraplate orogeny in Wuyishan resulted from plate‐margin collisions between SCB and peripheral plates following scissors closure of Palaeo‐Tethys from east to west.

Activation of Dissolution‐Precipitation Creep Causes Weakening and Viscous Behavior in Experimentally Deformed Antigorite

AbstractAntigorite occurs at seismogenic depth along plate boundary shear zones, particularly in subduction and oceanic transform settings, and has been suggested to control a low‐strength bulk rheology. To constrain dominant deformation mechanisms, we perform hydrothermal ring‐shear experiments on antigorite and antigorite‐quartz mixtures at temperatures between 20 and 500°C at 150 MPa effective normal stress. Pure antigorite is strain hardening, with frictional coefficient (μ) > 0.5, and developed cataclastic microstructures. In contrast, antigorite‐quartz mixtures (10% quartz) are strain weakening with μ decreasing with temperature from 0.36 at 200°C to 0.22 at 500°C. Antigorite‐quartz mixtures developed foliation similar to natural serpentinite shear zones. Although antigorite‐quartz reactions may form mechanically weak talc, we only find small, localized amounts of talc in our deformed samples, and room temperature friction is higher than expected for talc. Instead, we propose that the observed weakening at temperatures ≥200°C primarily results from silica dissolution leading to a lowered pore‐fluid pH that increases antigorite solubility and dissolution rate and thus the rate of dissolution‐precipitation creep. We suggest that under our experimental conditions, efficient dissolution‐precipitation creep coupled to grain boundary sliding results in a mechanically weak frictional‐viscous rheology. Antigorite with this rheology is much weaker than antigorite deforming frictionally, and strength is sensitive to effective normal stress and strain rate. The activation of dissolution‐precipitation in antigorite may allow steady or transient creep at low driving stress where antigorite solubility and dissolution rate are high relative to strain rate, for example, in faults juxtaposing serpentinite with quartz‐bearing rocks.

Resolving Strain Localization in Frictional and Time‐Dependent Plasticity: Two‐ and Three‐Dimensional Numerical Modeling Study Using Graphical Processing Units (GPUs)

AbstractShear strain localization refers to the phenomenon of accumulation of material deformation in narrow slip zones. Many materials exhibit strain localization under different spatial and temporal scales, particularly rocks, metals, soils, and concrete. In the Earth's crust, irreversible deformation can occur in brittle as well as in ductile regimes. Modeling of shear zones is essential in the geodynamic framework. Numerical modeling of strain localization remains challenging due to the non‐linearity and multi‐scale nature of the problem. We develop a numerical approach based on graphical processing units (GPU) to resolve the strain localization in two and three dimensions of a (visco)‐hypoelastic‐perfectly plastic medium. Our approach allows modeling both the compressible and incompressible visco‐elasto‐plastic flows. In contrast to symmetric shear bands frequently observed in the literature, we demonstrate that using sufficiently small strain or strain rate increments, a non‐symmetric strain localization pattern is resolved in two‐ and three‐dimensions, highlighting the importance of high spatial and temporal resolution. We show that elasto‐plastic and visco‐plastic models yield similar strain localization patterns for material properties relevant to applications in geodynamics. We achieve fast computations using three‐dimensional high‐resolution models involving more than 1.3 billion degrees of freedom. We propose a new physics‐based approach explaining spontaneous stress drops in a deforming medium.