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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 68 (1984)

Issue: 4. (April)

First Page: 538

Last Page: 538

Title: Variability of Internal Geometry of Duplexes: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Paul A. Washington

Abstract:

Duplexes are imbrications of the footwall of a thrust fault (or series of connected thrust faults) in which the minor faults connect to or intersect with the master thrust surface at both their leading and trailing edges. Within this closely constrained definition, there is considerable geometric variation. The current classification scheme recognizes the variation in postdeformational arrangement of horses in two dimensions, but ignores variations in the size and shape of the horses and in the displacement on the imbricate fault surfaces. Compilation of the geometric arrangement of horses in known duplexes shows that such variations are common and result in several geometric variations that do not fit into the current classification. Additional geometric variations can b found in 3-dimensional framework.

These geometric variations can be correlated with mechanical properties of the footwall material in which the duplex formed. Since the deformational style within the horses is also controlled by the same mechanical factors, the internal structure of the horses can be correlated with the gross geometry of the duplex. Recognition of the range of duplex geometries and the correlation with deformational patterns should aid exploration in complex thrust belts.

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