The effect of topography on the fault outcrops in the compressive and strike-slip fault zones based on experimental observations

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Tectonics, School of Earth Sciences, Damghan University

2 GholamReza Maghami Moghim Assistant Professor and Faculty Member of Damghan University, Iran

10.22077/jt.2025.8288.1190

Abstract

In this study, the impact of topography as a significant factor on the localization and geometry of fault segments and the architecture of fault zones under compressive and strike-slip stress conditions was examined. For this purpose, five series of experiments were conducted in compressional zones and three series in strike-slip zones using clay models and tectonic simulation devices. The results showed that topographic variations, including elevation and its position, significantly influenced stress concentration, fracture orientation, and brittle deformation patterns. For instance, in compressive experiments, sigmoid structures and tensile fractures were observed near elevated regions, while in strike-slip experiments, topography caused changes in local stresses and the distribution of fractures in extensional and compressional fault zones. The final analysis revealed that topography, in addition to its usual role as a consequence of fault activity, can act as an environmental factor in the evolution of fault segments and fault migration. More precise data, including the number and location of fractures and deformation patterns in the experiments, revealed significant changes in the distribution and direction of fractures. The findings of this study provide a better understanding of the interaction between surface factors and tectonic forces on fault architecture and can be applied in predicting fault patterns and analyzing earthquakes.

Keywords

Journal of Tectonics

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 16 February 2025

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