Understanding fault evolution using numerical models and seismic data observations
File(s)
Author(s)
Pan, Sophie Wen-Jiao
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Faults form in response to continental extension and are ubiquitous in the Earth’s lithosphere. Our current understanding of normal fault growth is largely derived from geometrical observations of these structures in the Earth’s crust, in particular utilising the relationship between fault length (L) and maximum displacement (D). However, our understanding of the kinematics and timescales of fault growth is relatively poor, as many faults are not associated with age- constrained growth strata that record the timing of fault activity. This has subsequently led to the proposition of different, debated fault growth models. Inheritance, rheology, extension rates and rift obliquity also control rift geometry and kinematics, although it is unclear how these controls work in combination to form their final fault geometry. In this thesis, I investigate the geometric, kinematic, and dynamic relationships of normal faults, using borehole-constrained seismic reflectivity data, and high-resolution 3D forward numerical modelling. First, I constrain the geometrical and kinematic development of a fault network on the Exmouth Plateau, NW of Australia and find that faults establish their near-final lengths within the first 7.2 Myrs. I find that the magnitude of D-L scatter reflects fault maturity, with minor inactive faults exhibiting lower D-L ratios than larger, mature faults. Using numerical models, I also show that fault patterns are established early during rifting, within <100 kyrs of rift initiation, with individual faults exhibiting scaling ratios consistent with those characterising individual earthquake ruptures. With time, these faults growth to exhibit D-L ratios similar to those observed within global D-L datasets. Using these models I show that the behaviour of strain accumulation is highly transient, migrating along- and across- strike due to competing stress interactions. The distribution of strain accommodated by the fault network is best described by a gamma scaling law, indicating that small to moderate faults are power law scaling, but that large faults are bound to a characteristic upper limit. Rheological factors, such as the distribution of initial strain and strain weakening, exert the biggest control on fault patterns. My research has provided an improved quantification and characterisation of the kinematics and timescales of normal faulting, and the role played by various rift parameters. My work may allow for future inversion of rift parameters using fault network observations alone.
Version
Open Access
Editor(s)
Bell, Rebecca
Jackson, Christopher
Date Issued
2022-10
Date Awarded
2022-10
Citation
2022
Advisor
Bell, Rebecca
Jackson, Christopher
Sponsor
Natural Environment Research Council (Great Britain)
Grant Number
NE/R01051X/1
Publisher Department
Earth Science & Engineering
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Source
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)