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Results from analogue inversion experiments of extensional basins parallel and oblique to their boundaries with inferences from the European eastern Southern Alps

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).

Digital Elevation Models and Time-Lapse Imagery from Analogue Experiments on the Interaction between Magma Injection and Rainfall-Driven Surface Processes

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.

Digital Image Correlation data from experiments of releasing bend evolution within different strength wet kaolin

The data set includes the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) results for four experiments of releasing bends along dextral strike-slip faults that were performed at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst (USA). Gabriel et al. (2025) used the DIC data sets to investigate how releasing bend fault systems evolve within different strength wet kaolin. Information on the experimental set up and methods can be found in the main text and supplement to Gabriel et al. (2025). The data here include the incremental displacement time series, strain animation and surface elevation data at the end of the two experiments with different clay strength, which are presented within Gabriel et al. (2025). We also include in this data repository incremental displacement time series and strain animations from two experiments that repeat the conditions of the experiments featured in Gabriel et al. (2025).

SLIDEX Extreme climate-tectonics controls on landslides

We implemented, by means of analogue laboratory modelling, the key processes of the feedback among erosion and landslides, isostatic response and lithospheric flexure, to address how these lead to landsliding. The processes involved have different response times and characteristic length-scales and/or threshold behaviours and are suitable to the investigation in scaled analogue experiment, which aptly capture the behaviour of the natural prototype. These processes have been simulated using sand, to simulate mountain slopes, erosion and landslides, and viscous solids, e.g., syrup and silicone, to simulate the underlying lithosphere and mantle. This approach combines established techniques, such as laboratory fluid-filled tanks reproducing deformation and restoring force of the Earth’s mantle, and silicone to reproduce the viscoelastic lithosphere dynamics, whereas sand is used to capture the plastic behaviour of slopes and landslides, while climate-driven precipitation is routinely simulated to address slope erosion. All the modelling techniques are well established, minimising the risk of the project. Combining these techniques into a single modelling approach is novel as it reliably captures the feedback between processes acting across vastly different spatial and temporal scales, so far addressed in isolation. This publication results from work conducted under the transnational access/national open access action at Laboratory of Experimental Tectonics (University of Roma TRE, Italy), supported by WP3 ILGE - MEET project, PNRR - EU Next Generation Europe program, MUR grant number D53C22001400005.

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)

Rheological tests of viscous material mixtures used as lithosphere analogues

This dataset contains rheological and density measurements of viscous material mixtures used to simulate the lithosphere in analogue modeling of tectonic processes. Simulating lithospheric deformation occurring in nature over geological time scales requires appropriately scaled materials for the laboratory experiments. Here, we characterize viscous materials that can exhibit Newtonian and/or non-Newtonian behavior depending on the applied strain rate. We conducted rotational tests in controlled shear rate mode (i.e., shear rate was increased while keeping the temperature constant) and temperature ramp tests (i.e., temperature was varied while keeping temperature constant) on eight different materials, including pure Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), pure plastiline (Hartum Color Plaxtin Soft), and mixtures of these materials with fillers (iron powder and/or silicone oil). This publication results from work conducted under the transnational access/national open access action at the Laboratory of Experimental Tectonics of the University Roma Tre supported by WP3 ILGE - MEET project, PNRR - EU Next Generation Europe program, MUR grant number D53C22001400005.

Rheology of PDMS Korasilon G20OH (#1000039264) used at the Laboratory for Experimental Tectonics at GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam, Germany

This dataset provides rheometric data of the PDMS Korasilon G 20 OH used for analogue modelling at the Laboratory for Experimental Tectonics at GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam, Germany. The batch number is 1000039264, purchased in 2022 and opened in 2026. The material sample has been analyzed at the Laboratory for Experimental Tectonics at GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam (HelTec) using an Anton Paar Physica MCR 301 rheometer in a cone-plate configuration at room temperature (21˚C). Rotational (controlled shear rate) tests with shear rates varying from 10^-4 to 10^-1 s^-1 were performed. According to our rheometric analysis, the material is quasi-Newtonian (n~1) at strain rates below 10^-2 s^-1 and weakly shear rate thinning above. The viscosity of G 20 OH is 1.8*10^4 Pa s.

Digital image correlation data of analogue models of strike-slip fault evolution in quartz sand G12

The data set includes the 3D incremental displacement fields resulting from Digital Image Correlation (DIC) analysis of four strike-slip experiments performed at the laboratory for experimental tectonics at GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam in 2022. The data here include the incremental displacement time series from four strike-slip experiments with quartz sand G12 (Rosenau et al., 2018): two with 1.2 cm thick sandpack and two with a 3 cm thick sandpack. Ramos Sánchez et al. (in review) used the incremental horizontal displacement fields from strike-slip fault experiments within different materials to train Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) to predict off-fault deformation from active fault trace maps. Because off-fault deformation is difficult to ascertain in the field, convolutional neural networks trained on data from scaled physical experiment that simulate upper crustal deformation can inform how much off-fault deformation can be expected along crustal strike-slip faults. For training the CNNs Ramos Sánchez et al. (in review) used incremental horizontal displacement fields from experiments in wet kaolin (Cooke et al., 2021) and both poured and sedimented CV32 sand (Visage et al., 2023). All experiments used identical conditions of straight basal velocity discontinuity to produce overlying strike-slip faults. The benefit of training the CNN on strike-slip experiments within different materials is to capture a wide range of strike-slip deformation that may occur within the upper crust. After training of the CNN Ramos Sánchez et al. (in review) tested the trained on unseen fault maps including maps from the two 3 cm thick G12 sand experiments of this dataset. The 1.2 cm sandpack maps were excluded from the study because the strike-slip faults were very fine and closely spaced so they were not as well resolved as those of 3 cm sandpack. By testing the CNN trained on CV32 fault maps with the fault maps from G12 sand experiments, Ramos Sanchez et al. were able to assess if the applicability of the CNN to experiments with similar but not identical sand. Information on the displacement field analysis and CNN training and testing can be found in the main text and supplement to Ramos Sánchez et al. (in review). The file structure of this zip folder is fully described in the list of files.

A database of physical experiments, fieldwork information, and a seismic line applied on the eastern Domeyko Cordillera, northern Chile

This dataset contains a series of analog models for comparing and testing positive tectonic inversion mechanisms and wedge structure formation. Furthermore, it includes a 2-D seismic reflection profile that can be compared with the models presented here. Finally, several photos of some structural features that cab be associated with wedge structure are shown. Both seismic lines and photos are located on a segment of Andean forearc, specifically, in the eastern Domeyko Cordillera and the Salar de Atacama Basin in northern Chile. Specifically, the models were deformed under extensional and compressional conditions, inducing a positive tectonic inversion, using a pure/simple-shear deformational apparatus. Our models intended to simulate the tectonic conditions presented in López et al. (2022), which illustrated the structural setting of the Domeyko Cordillera as resulting from the interplay between positive inversion tectonics and pure shortening faulting. Moreover, our models simulated three geological environments that developed sequentially through time: (a) syn-rift sedimentation, (b) post-rift and pre-shortening sedimentation, and (c) syn-shortening sedimentation. Post-rift and syn-shortening sedimentation incorporated a ductile layer (PDMS) during the shortening phase, simulating the presence of evaporitic deposits (i.e., gypsum) to test the conditions that could have controlled the formation of pure-shortening-related structures in the case study under consideration.

Surface deformation and topography data from analogue modelling experiments addressing triaxial tectonics in regions of distributed extension

This data set includes the results of high-resolution digital elevation models (DEM) and digital image correlation (DIC) analysis applied to analogue modelling experiments. Twenty generic analogue models are extended on top of a rubber sheet. Two benchmark experiments are also reported. Detailed descriptions of the experiments can be found in Liu et al. (submitted) to which this data set is supplement. The data presented here are visualized as topography and the horizontal cumulative surface strain (principal strain and slip rake).

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