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).
This dataset includes video sequences and strain analysis of 12 analogue models studying crustal-scale deformation and basin reactivation, performed at the Laboratory of Tectonic modelling of the University of Rennes 1. These models show how parameters such as crustal strength, tectonic inheritance and boundary conditions (ishortening/ stretching) control both the distribution of crustal strain and the possibility for pre-existing structures to be reactivated. This dataset includes top-view movies of the 12 models, including strain analysis based on displacement vectors obtained from digital image correlation. Detailed descriptions of models can be found in Guillaume et al. (2022, special issue of Solid Earth on Analogue modelling of basin inversion) to which this dataset is supplementary.