Numerical modelling of clast rotation during soft-sediment deformation: A case study in Miocene delta deposits

Autor(en)

Monika Hoelzel, Bernhard Grasemann, Michael Wagreich

Abstrakt

A numerical model for a rotated clast in a sedimentary matrix is presented, quantifying the deformation in associated soft-sediment deformation structures. All the structures occur in a southwards prograding deltaic sequence within the Miocene Ingering Formation, deposited at the northern margin of the Fohnsdorf Basin (Eastern Alps, Austria). Debris flow and pelitic strata contain boudins, pinch-and-swell structures, ptygmatic folds, rotated top-to-S reverse faults and rigid clasts, developed under different stress conditions within the same layers. The deformation around a 24×10 cm trapezoid-shaped rigid clast, resembling the d-clast geometry in metamorphic rocks, has been modelled using a 2D finite element modelling software. Under the chosen initial and boundary conditions the rotational behaviour of the clast mainly depends on the proportions of pure and simple shear; best fitting results were attained with a dominantly pure shear deformation (~65-85%), with stretching parallel and shortening normal to the bedding. In this specific model set-up, the initial sedimentary thickness is reduced by 30%, explained by stretching due to sediment creeping and compaction. The high amount of pure shear deformation proposed is compatible with the observed layer-parallel boudinage and pinch-and-swell structures. Rotated faults and ptygmatic folds were caused by the minor component of bedding-parallel simple shear. Œ Springer-Verlag 2006.

Organisation(en)

Institut für Geologie

Journal

International Journal of Earth Sciences

Band

95

Seiten

921-928

Anzahl der Seiten

8

ISSN

1437-3254

Publikationsdatum

2006

Peer-reviewed

Ja

ÖFOS 2012

1051 Geologie, Mineralogie

Link zum Portal

https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/de/publications/ef001396-de29-42b9-a8a2-0687a7183ecd