This dataset presents the raw data of an experimental series of centrifuge models performed to test the influence of pre-existing weak zones in the lower crust (herein after referred to as Weak Lower Crust –WLC) during continental compression. We varied the width of the WLC, the dip of the interfaces bounding the WLC and the frictional properties at the WLC-LC interface by using lubricant (vaseline).
In this dataset, we provide four different types of data, that can serve as supporting material and can be used for further analysis: 1) The top-view photos, taken at different stages and showing the deformation process of each model; 2) Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) used to reconstruct the 3D deformation of the performed analogue models; 3) Line-drawing of fault and fracture patterns to be used for fault statistical quantification; 4) A Python script to draw swath profiles (outputs) of the analogue models.
Further details on the modelling strategy can be found in the publication associated with this dataset and in Milazzo et al. (2021), using a similar setup for achieving compression in the centrifuge. Materials used for these analogue models were described in Corti (2012), Montanari et al. (2017), Del Ventisette et al. (2019), Zou et al. (2024) and Wan et al. (2025).