This image dataset contains results (original top-view and cross-section photographs) obtained from a series of 12 crustal-scale physical analogue modelling experiments performed in the Tectonic Modelling Laboratory (TecLab) at Utrecht University. We employed analogue modelling to study the inversion of extensional basins that are parallel and oblique to their boundaries. The key parameters of this study are: (i) the obliquity angle (0°, 10° or 20°) of shortening in relation to the strike of the initial rift structures; (ii) the basal décollement rheology; and (iii) the rheology of the basin fill.
All analogue experiments are rectangular, 2 cm thick and consist of deformable brittle or brittle–ductile layers. Deformable parts in entirely brittle models are made of a homogeneous layer of quartz sand for the initial, non-stretched, pre-rift model crust. The subsequently resulting grabens are filled with syn- to post-extensional sediments of quartz sand, feldspar sand, or glass beads. Variations to these setups entail either a brittle layer of glass beads at the base of the above described brittle crust, or, for brittle-ductile models, a viscous layer of PDMS silicone putty with fillers. All experiments are built on one fixed above two mobile plastic sheets, their transition is pre-defining velocity discontinuities (VDs). In a first stage, deformation is induced in all models by two electric motors pulling the two mobile plastic sheets in opposite directions parallel to the backstop. These sheets are then fixed once the extensional phase is finished. VDs positioned both orthogonally and obliquely with respect to the backstop allow graben structures to form at angles of 0°, 10° and 20° to the subsequent shortening direction. In a second stage, a rigid backstop moves into the model to create compressive deformation within the entirely brittle or brittle-ductile layers. Top-view photographs were taken at regular time intervals throughout each experiment (see below for details). Cross-section photographs were taken at the end of each experiment. Therefore, the top-view photographs enable surface deformation to be tracked and analysed through time and space, while the cross-sections demonstrate the overall vertical deformation of each model.
For more details about the models, see Sieberer et al. (2023). The properties of the materials used are described in Sieberer et al. (2023), Klinkmüller et al. (2016) and Willingshofer et al. (2018). All models are scaled according to the principles of geometric, rheological, and kinematic similarity between nature and models (Hubbert, 1937; Weijermars & Schmeling, 1986).
This dataset documents a series of analogue experiments designed to investigate the coupled evolution of magma-driven surface uplift and rainfall-driven geomorphic processes. Seven controlled laboratory experiments were conducted, each combining shallow intrusion of a magma analogue with imposed rainfall of varying intensity, in order to systematically explore the role of surface processes under different forcing conditions. The experimental setup consists of a rigid Plexiglas container filled with a water-saturated granular mixture formulated to reproduce brittle crustal behaviour under wet conditions. Magmatic intrusion was simulated by injecting a fixed volume (360 cm³) of low-viscosity polyglycerine through a basal inlet at three distinct injection rates, while surface processes were imposed using an overhead rainfall system delivering three different rainfall intensities.
Topographic evolution during each experiment was monitored using a structured-light laser scanner (Artec Leo). For every model run, six Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) were generated at synchronised stages corresponding to 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of the injected volume, yielding a total of 42 DEMs. Raw scans were processed through a triangulated irregular network (TIN) meshing workflow and subsequently rasterised to GeoTIFF format without additional post-processing, in order to preserve the original topographic signal. In parallel, time-lapse photographic documentation was acquired throughout each experiment using a digital camera, providing a complementary visual record of dome growth, surface incision and sediment redistribution.
The dataset is organised into two main components: (i) high-resolution topographic datasets (DEMs) and (ii) time-indexed photographic sequences, both linked to the temporal evolution of each experiment. Quality control procedures include scanner calibration prior to acquisition, verification of mesh consistency and raster resolution, and a closed-system experimental design ensuring mass conservation. All data are distributed in their original formats and accompanied by detailed documentation describing experimental procedures, data processing workflows, and file organisation, enabling reproducibility and reuse in quantitative analyses of coupled magmatic and surface processes.
This publication results from work conducted under the transnational access/national open access action at University Roma Tre, Laboratory of Experimental Tectonics (LET) supported by WP3 ILGE - MEET project, PNRR - EU Next Generation Europe program, MUR grant number D53C22001400005.
This image dataset contains results (original top-view and cross-section photographs) obtained from a series of 4 crustal-scale physical analogue modelling experiments performed in the Tectonic Modelling Laboratory (TecLab) at Utrecht University. The experiments have been designed to allow comparison with the European eastern Southern Alps but are also relevant for other regions where lateral mechanical and structural heterogeneities within fold-and-thrust belts of inverted rift structures occur. Key features of our experiments include: (i) a predefined basin and platform configuration following Sieberer et al. (2023) and representing the result of Triassic to Jurassic rifting, (ii) a platform with lateral strength variations representing compositional heterogeneity related to Permian igneous activity and (iii) a basal plate representing an inherited basement structure.
All analogue experiments are rectangular, maximum 2.0 cm thick, and are made of deformable layers only, except for Model 4 where a rigid basal plate is partly incorporated. The deformable part of all models is made of one homogeneous layer of dry quartz sand for the pre-defined post-rift model crust. The pre-defined platform and basin geometry yields lateral strength differences controlled by differences in layer thickness, with thinner (1.4 cm) compartments simulating overall weaker, rifted basin domains (e.g., alternations of limestone, marl, clay) compared to the thicker (1.8 to 2.0 cm) platform succession, simulating continental upper crust (e.g., basement rocks, carbonate platforms, volcanic rocks). All experiments are built on a table and on top of a fixed plastic sheet of 0.05 cm thickness and are shortened orthogonal to the backstop at a rate of 3 cm/h. We decided for simple orthogonal inversion models with shortening parallel to the axis of the eastern platform.
Top-view photographs were taken at regular time intervals throughout each experiment (see below for details). Cross-section photographs were taken at the end of each experiment. Therefore, the top-view photographs enable surface deformation to be tracked and analysed through time and space, while the cross-sections demonstrate the overall vertical deformation of each model.
For more details about the models, see Sieberer et al. (2025). The properties of the materials used are described in Sieberer et al. (2025) and Willingshofer et al. (2018). All models are scaled according to the principles of geometric, rheological, and kinematic similarity between nature and models (Hubbert, 1937; Weijermars & Schmeling, 1986).