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Geometric Forward Modeling of Generalized “Fault-Bend Folding”

ZHANG Yi-kun, SUPPE John, JIA Dong, LU Hua-fu   

  1. Department of Earth Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
  • Received:2005-12-20 Revised:2005-12-20 Online:2005-12-20 Published:2005-12-20

Abstract: We proposed in this paper a geometric method for the forward modeling of generalized fault-bend folding based on the kink folding theory and implemented the method with C + + , a widely used object-oriented computer language. The code has shown the ability to model very complicated fault-related folding structures, including multi-bend shear fault-bend folds, composite wedge structures and multi-detachment fold and thrust systems. By decomposing a sedimentary layer into kink-band and kink-wedge, we solved the difficulty in modeling multi-bend shear fault-bend folds of the curved shapes, while previous geometric methods only make the first order linear approximation of real folds with highly angular fold shapes. By decomposing fold and thrust systems into superposed detachment systems, it is possible to simulate extremely complex wedge structures and to do animation of the evolution of the structures. We applied this method to the Wheeler Ridge, California, an active wedge structure whose interpretation was constrained by well data according to Medwedeff (1992). Our modeling successfully reproduced the main features of this wedge structure.