Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-1014
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-1014
12 Oct 2022
 | 12 Oct 2022

Analogue modelling of the inversion of multiple extensional basins in foreland fold-and-thrust belts

Nicolás Molnar and Susanne Buiter

Abstract. The presence of pre-existing rheological heterogeneities in the lithosphere plays a significant role during subsequent stages of deformation in essentially every geological process. Extensional basins located in foreland fold-and-thrust belts will alter the spatio-temporal evolution of its associated orogen. It remains unclear how far can horizontal stresses act and reactivate extensional structures, and it is difficult to interpret from the geological record how stresses were transferred across a heterogeneous crust. Here we examine the inversion of extensional basins in foreland fold-and-thrust belts by using three-dimensional analogue experiments that simulate first an extensional stage, followed by a shortening cycle. Our results show how extensional basins proximal to the orogenic front effectively localise deformation in the shape of thrusts and prevent stress transfer beyond their location. Basins that are located at large distances from the indenter also show evidence of mild inversion at early stages, but characterised only by basin infill contraction and uplift. When multiple extensional basins are present, although the degree and type of inversion will depend on their relative location and distance to the orogenic front, here were prove that the presence of additional extensional features in the vicinity of a basin can be a first order controlling factor in their reactivation history. We share additional insights of how a fold-and-thrust belt evolves once the extensional basins have been incorporated by the advancing wedge and we hope that comparisons with natural examples will shed light on some still unanswered questions related to the process of basin inversion in orogenic belts.

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

03 Mar 2023
Analogue modelling of the inversion of multiple extensional basins in foreland fold-and-thrust belts
Nicolás Molnar and Susanne Buiter
Solid Earth, 14, 213–235, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-213-2023,https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-213-2023, 2023
Short summary

Nicolás Molnar and Susanne Buiter

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-1014', Pablo Granado, 22 Nov 2022
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC1', Nicolas Molnar, 05 Jan 2023
  • CC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-1014', Frank Zwaan, 02 Dec 2022
    • AC3: 'Reply on CC1', Nicolas Molnar, 05 Jan 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-1014', Daniele Maestrelli, 05 Dec 2022
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC2', Nicolas Molnar, 05 Jan 2023

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-1014', Pablo Granado, 22 Nov 2022
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC1', Nicolas Molnar, 05 Jan 2023
  • CC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-1014', Frank Zwaan, 02 Dec 2022
    • AC3: 'Reply on CC1', Nicolas Molnar, 05 Jan 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-1014', Daniele Maestrelli, 05 Dec 2022
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC2', Nicolas Molnar, 05 Jan 2023

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
AR by Nicolas Molnar on behalf of the Authors (05 Jan 2023)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Publish as is (09 Jan 2023) by Riccardo Reitano
ED: Publish as is (09 Jan 2023) by Federico Rossetti (Executive editor)
AR by Nicolas Molnar on behalf of the Authors (03 Feb 2023)  Manuscript 

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

03 Mar 2023
Analogue modelling of the inversion of multiple extensional basins in foreland fold-and-thrust belts
Nicolás Molnar and Susanne Buiter
Solid Earth, 14, 213–235, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-213-2023,https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-213-2023, 2023
Short summary

Nicolás Molnar and Susanne Buiter

Nicolás Molnar and Susanne Buiter

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The requested preprint has a corresponding peer-reviewed final revised paper. You are encouraged to refer to the final revised version.

Short summary
Progression of orogenic wedges over pre-existing extensional structures is common in nature, but deciphering the spatio-temporal evolution of deformation from the geological record remains challenging. Our laboratory experiments provide insights on how horizontal stresses are transferred across a heterogeneous crust, constrain which pre-shortening conditions can either favour or hinder the reactivatation of extensional structures, and explain what implications they have on critical taper theory.