Influence of erosion and sedimentation on strikeslip fault systems: insights from analogue models

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Influence of erosion and sedimentation on
strike-slip fault systems insights from analogue
models

• Erwan Le Guerroué, Peter Rober Cobbold

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Why?

• To explore the implications of sedimentation and
  erosion on strike-slip fault shapes (flower
  structures)
• Infer the depositional environment at the time of
  fault activation
• Study climate-tectonic coupling relationships

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Why?

• Why not use computer and numerical modeling?
• brittle rocks have non-linear mechanical
  properties, numerical models of such systems are
  not yet in an advanced state.

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How?Experimental setup

• Sandbox to simulate SS motion
• Sifted quartz sand between 0.4-0.5 mm
• Stepper motors for constant motion
• Vacuum to simulate erosion
• Travelling hopper to simulate sedimentation

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How?Experimental setup

• Strike-slip motion simulated under these
  conditions

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Results and discussion
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Critiqueand limitations

• SS motion not always constant
• Layer inconsistancies
• Fluid pressure and seepage

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Conclusion

• While inconsistencies exist with nature and
  sandbox modeling, this paper reveals clues to
  developmental and climactic histories of
  strike-slip fault features that would have
  otherwise been unknown.