API src

Found 20 results.

Other language confidence: 0.7424461457853136

A Database of Centrifuge Analogue Models Testing the Influence of Pre-Existing Weak Zones During Continental Compression

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).

A database of analogue models and geophysical data investigating caldera resurgence; DynamiCal project

In this dataset we provide data for 6 experimental models of caldera collapse and subsequent resurgence monitored through geophysical sensors (a force or “impact sensor”, Piezotronics PCB 104 200B02 and a Triaxial piezoelectric accelerometer, Model 356B18). The analogue modelling experiments were carried out at the TOOLab (Tectonic Modelling Laboratory), which is a joint laboratory between the Istituto di Geoscienze e Georisorse of the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Italy and the Department of Earth Sciences of the University of Florence. The laboratory work that produced these data was partly supported by the European Plate Observing System (EPOS), by the Joint Research Unit (JRU) EPOS Italia and by the “Monitoring Earth's Evolution and Tectonics” (MEET) project (NextGenerationEU). Specifically, this work was performed in the frame of the DynamiCal project, funded by the 2° TNA-NOA call of the ILGE-MEET project.

Results of analogue tectonic models of rifting and tectonic lineament reactivation along the Main Ethiopian Rift

This data set includes results from a total of 13 analogue tectonic models aimed at simulating the activation of tectonic lineaments associated with the Main Ethiopian Rift in eastern Africa. We use a model set-up based on previous work by Zwaan et al. (2021, 2022). This set-up involves a velocity discontinuity (VD, i.e., the edge of a mobile base plate) to induce extension in the overlying brittle- and viscous model materials representing the upper and lower crust, respectively. Additional structural weaknesses (seeds) at the base of the brittle layer serve to represent activated tectonic weaknesses in nature. Model parameters (different VD and seed orientation, and different seed diameters) are summarized in Table 1. The model results presented in this data publication are obtained through Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and Structure-from-Motion (SfM) analyses. A more detailed description of model set-up, model results, and their interpretation can be found in Zwaan et al. (2025)

A database of analogue models documenting fault reactivation during multiphase extension.

In this dataset we provide top-view photos and perspective photos (to create topographic data, i.e. Digital Elevation Models, DEMs) documenting analogue model deformation. For more details on modelling setup, experimental series Wang et al. (2021), to which this dataset is supplementary material. For details on analogue materials refer to Del Ventisette et al., 2019, Maestrelli et al. (2020). The analogue modelling experiments were carried out at the TOOLab (Tectonic Modelling Laboratory) of the Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources of the National Research Council of Italy, Italy, and the Department of Earth Sciences of the University of Florence. The laboratory work that produced these data was supported by the European Plate Observing System (EPOS) and by the Joint Research Unit (JRU) EPOS Italia. Additional analysis, following the original work, was supported by the “Monitoring Earth’s Evolution and Tectonics” (MEET) project

Time-lapse imagery, digital image correlation (DIC) and topographic analysis of laboratory experiments simulating the evolution of the East African Rift System

This data set includes overviews and videos depicting the surface evolution (time-lapse photographs, topography data and digital image correlation [DIC] analysis) of 6 analogue models simulating rotational rift tectonics. In these experiments we examined the links between rotational rifting and different distributions of lithospheric weaknesses, and the evolution of the East African Rift System. All experiments were performed at the Tectonic Modelling Laboratory of the University of Bern (UB). Detailed descriptions of the model set-up and results, as well as the monitoring techniques can be found in Zwaan et al. (2023).

Digital image correlation data from analogue modelling experiments addressing magma emplacement along simple shear and transtensional fault zones

This data set includes the results of digital image correlation analysis applied to nine experiments (Table 1) on magma-tectonic interaction performed at the Helmholtz Laboratory for Tectonic Modelling (HelTec) of the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam in the framework of EPOS transnational access activities in 2017. The models use silicone oil (PDMS G30M, Rudolf et al., 2016) and Quartz sand (G12, Rosenau et al., 2018) to simulate pre-, syn- and post-tectonic intrusion of granitic magma into upper crustal shear zones of simple shear and transtensional (15° obliquity) kinematics. Three reference experiments (simple shear, transtension, intrusion) are also reported. Detailed descriptions of the experiments can be found in Michail et al. (submitted) to which this data set is supplement. The models have been monitored by means of digital image correlation (DIC) analysis including Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV; Adam et al., 2005) and Structure from Motion photogrammetry (SfM; Donnadieu et al., 2003; Westoby et al., 2012). DIC analysis yields quantitative model surface deformation information by means of 3D surface topography and displacements from which surface strain has been calculated. The data presented here are visualized as surface deformation maps and movies, as well as digital elevation and intrusion models. The results of a shape analysis of the model plutons is provided, too.

Experimental data on scaled analogue experiments modelling GPS velocity field variations and kinematic partitioning in the Southern Andes (34°S to 42°S)

The southern Andes are regarded as a typical subduction orogen formed by oblique plate convergence. Despite decades of studies, there is considerable uncertainty as to how deformation is kinematically partitioned in the upper plate. Using scaled analogue experiments modelling, we test the concept of dextral transpression for this orogen. We advocate that the GPS velocity field portrays interseismic deformation related to deformation of strong crust north, and weak crust south, of 37°S. Contrary to the popular hypotheses that the Liquiñe-Ofqui Fault Zone, a prominent intra-arc deformation zone, takes up most of the plate boundary-parallel dextral strike-slip, we find that dextral transpression affects the entire model orogen through tectonic segmentation of crust. Moreover, prominent, regularly spaced sinistral oblique-slip thrust faults, interpreted as antithetic Riedel shears, developed spontaneously in all of our experiments and call into question the general believe that their NW-striking natural equivalents formed from pre-Andean discontinuities. Our experiments prompt us to reconsider the apparently well-established geodynamic concept that strain and margin-parallel displacement is localized on a few margin-parallel faults in the southern Andes.

Digital image correlation data from laboratory subduction megathrust models

This data set includes digital image correlation data from analog earthquakes experiments. The data consists of grids of surface strain and time series of surface displacement (horizontal and vertical) and strain. The data have been derived using a stereo camera setup and processed with LaVision Davis 10 software. Detailed descriptions of the experiments and results regarding the surface pattern of the strain can be found in Kosari et al. (2022), to which this data set is supplementary. We use an analog seismotectonic scale model approach (Rosenau et al., 2019 and 2017) to generate a catalog of analog megathrust earthquakes (Table 1). The presented experimental setup is modified from the 3D setup used in Rosenau et al. (2019) and Kosari et al. ( 2020). The subduction forearc model wedge is set up in a glass-sided box (1000 mm across strike, 800mm along strike, and 300 mm deep) with a dipping, elastic basal conveyor belt and a rigid backwall. An elastoplastic sand-rubber mixture (50 vol.% quartz sandG12: 50 vol.% EPDM rubber) is sieved into the setup representing a 240 km long forearc segment from the trench to the volcanic arc. The shallow part of the wedge includes a basal layer of sticky rice grains characterized by unstable stick-slip sliding representing the seismogenic zone. Stick-slip sliding in rice is governed by a rate-and-state dependent friction law similar to natural rocks. According to Coulomb wedge theory (Dahlen et al., 1984), two types of wedge configurations have been designed: a “compressional” configuration represents an interseismically compressional and coseismically stable wedge (compressional configuration), and a “critical” configuration, which is interseismically stable (close to critically compressional) and may reach a critical extensional state coseismically (critical configuration). In the compressional configuration, a flat-top (surface slope α=0) wedge overlies a single large rectangular in map view stick-slip patch (Width*Length=200*800 mm) over a 15-degree dipping basal thrust. In the critical configuration, the surface angle of the elastoplastic wedge varies from the coastal segment onshore (α=10) to the inner-wedge offshore (α=15) segments over a 5-degree dipping basal thrust. Slow continuous compression of the wedge by moving the basal conveyor belt at a speed velocity of 0.05 mm/s simulates plate convergence and results in the quasi-periodic nucleation of quasi-periodic stick-slip events (analog earthquakes) within the rice layer. The wedge responds elastically to these basal slip events, similar to crustal rebound during natural subduction megathrust earthquakes.

High-speed digital image correlation data from laboratory subduction megathrust models

This data set includes data derived from high-speed surface displacement observations from analog earthquake experiments. The data consists of surface displacement of the experiment upper plate and slab, slip distribution, and grids of Coulomb Failure Stress (CFS). The surface displacement observations have been captured using a highspeed CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) camera (Phantom VEO 640L camera, 12 bit) and processed with LaVision Davis 10 software. Description of the experiments and results regarding the surface displacement observation, Slip distribution, and CFS can be found in Kosari et al. (2022), to which this data set is supplementary. We use an analog seismotectonic scale model approach (Rosenau et al., 2019 and 2017) to generate a catalog of analog megathrust earthquakes. The presented experimental setup is modified from the 3D setup used in Rosenau et al. (2019) and Kosari et al. ( 2020 and 2022). The subduction forearc model wedge is set up in a glass-sided box (1000 mm across strike, 800mm along strike, and 300 mm deep) with a dipping, elastic basal conveyor belt, and a rigid backwall. An elastoplastic sand-rubber mixture (50 vol.% quartz sandG12: 50 vol.% EPDM rubber) is sieved into the setup representing a 240 km long forearc segment from the trench to the volcanic arc. The shallow part of the wedge includes a basal layer of sticky rice grains characterized by unstable stick-slip sliding representing the seismogenic zone. The Stick-slip sliding in rice is governed by a rate-and-state dependent friction law similar to natural rocks. A flat-top (surface slope α=0) wedge overlies rectangular stick-slip patch/es over a 15-degree dipping basal thrust. Two different seismic configurations of the shallow part of the wedge base (the megathrust) represent the depth extent of the seismogenic zone in nature. In the first configuration (homogeneous configuration), a single large rectangular stick-slip patch (Width*Length=200*800 mm) is implemented as the main slip patch (MSP). In the second case (heterogeneous configuration), two square-shaped MSPs (200*200mm) have been emplaced, acting as two medium-size seismogenic asperities surrounded by a salt matrix hosting frequent small events. Slow continuous compression of the wedge by moving the basal conveyor belt at a speed velocity of 0.05 mm/s simulates plate convergence and results in the quasi-periodic nucleation of quasi-periodic stick-slip events (analog earthquakes) within the sticky-rice layer. The wedge responds elastically to these basal slip events, similar to crustal rebound during natural subduction megathrust earthquakes.

Experimental data of analogue models addressing the influence of oblique convergence and inheritance on sliver tectonics

This dataset includes video sequences depicting the evolution in map view and lateral view of 7 analogue experiments studying mantle-scale subduction systems. The experiments are performed under a natural gravity field and are designed to understand the role of convergence obliquity on upper plate deformation and partitioning, with a particular emphasis on the role played by lithospheric inherited structures on the development of sliver tectonics. All experiments were performed at the Laboratory of Tectonic modelling of the University of Rennes 1 (France). The experimental set-up corresponds to a lithosphere and sub-lithospheric upper mantle system. The lithospheric plates are simulated with PDMS silicone (Polydimethylsiloxane Silicone) with different viscosities and densities, and the upper mantle with glucose syrup. In particular, for the overriding plate, we simulate the presence of a weaker volcanic arc that can eventually be decoupled from the forearc by a pre-existing discontinuity. The materials are placed into a Plexiglas tank, where the impermeable bottom of the tank represents the 660 km discontinuity. The subduction is initiated by manually forcing the slab into the mantle and it then evolves under the combined effects of internal buoyancy forces (slab pull) and external boundary forces. The subducting plate is pushed toward the trench at a constant velocity of 1.5 cm/min while the overriding plate is maintained fixed during the duration of the experiments. The evolution of the experiments is monitored by DSLR cameras (24 Mpx) taking pictures every 30 seconds at the top and on one side of the experiments. Pictures are then assembled into video-sequences. The scale bar, with black & white rectangles corresponds to 10 cm. The set of experiments consists of one reference model (MODEL-01) with orthogonal convergence, and six models with oblique convergence (Table 1). Among these models, three do not embed a pre-existing lithospheric discontinuity in the overriding plate (MODEL-02, MODEL-03, and MODEL-04) while the three other (MODEL-05, MODEL-06, and MODEL-07) have such a discontinuity. For the models with oblique convergence, we vary the angle between the convergence direction and the trench from 80° (MODEL-02 and MODEL-05) to 60° (MODEL-03 and MODEL-06) and 50° (MODEL-04 and MODEL-07). For details on the experimental set-up, and interpretation of the results, please refer to Suárez et al. (submitted to Tectonophysics) to which these data are supplementary material.

1 2