Detachment faults:Evidence for a low-angle origin

Abstract

Research Article| September 01, 1992 Detachment faults:Evidence for a low-angle origin Robert J. Scott; Robert J. Scott 1Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Department of Earth Sciences, Monash University, Victoria 3168, Australia Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Gordon S. Lister Gordon S. Lister 1Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Department of Earth Sciences, Monash University, Victoria 3168, Australia Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1992) 20 (9): 833–836. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1992)020<0833:DFEFAL>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Robert J. Scott, Gordon S. Lister; Detachment faults:Evidence for a low-angle origin. Geology 1992;; 20 (9): 833–836. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1992)020<0833:DFEFAL>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract The origin of low-angle normal faults or detachment faults mantling metamorphic core complexes in the southwestern United States remains controversial. If σ1 is vertical during extension, the formation of, or even slip along, such low-angle normal faults is mechanically implausible. No records exist of earthquakes on low-angle normal faults in areas currently undergoing continental extension, except from an area of actively forming core complexes in the Solomon Sea, Papua New Guinea. In light of such geophysical and mechanical arguments, W. R. Buck and B. Wernicke and G. J. Axen proposed models in which detachment faults originate as high-angle normal faults, but rotate to low angles and become inactive as extension proceeds. These models are inconsistent with critical field relations in several core complexes. The Rawhide fault, an areally extensive detachment fault in western Arizona, propagated at close to its present subhorizontal orientation late in the Tertiary extension of the region. Neither the Wernicke and Axen nor Buck models predict such behavior; in fact, both models preclude the operation of low-angle normal faults. We must seek alternative explanations or modify existing models to explain the evidence that detachment faults form and operate with gentle dips. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.