Articles | Volume 16, issue 10
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-1041-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-1041-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Numerical investigation of parameters influencing back-thrust development in outer wedge fronts of fold-and-thrust belt systems
Saeed Mahmoodpour
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Geothermal Technologies, Technical University of Munich, Munich, 80333, Germany
Florian Duschl
Geothermal Technologies, Technical University of Munich, Munich, 80333, Germany
Michael C. Drews
Geothermal Technologies, Technical University of Munich, Munich, 80333, Germany
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This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Solid Earth (SE).
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We assessed the suitability of a 3D micro-scanner to determine the envelope volume of irregular shaped rock samples. The device was evaluated regarding its representation of surface characteristics and its reproducibility in comparison to the commonly used envelope density analyzer. The 3D scanner is deemed a non-destructive alternative based on the lower variation in the measured values. It performs best for smooth surfaces, while recessed angles or shiny surfaces increase inaccuracy.
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We investigate geophysical properties and the distribution of vertical stress, which is defined by the weight of the rock column above a certain location in the subsurface, in the upper 5 km of the North Alpine Foreland Basin in Germany. Our results help us to understand the present-day geological configuration and to improve safety for subsurface use, such as deep geothermal energy production in the study area.
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The carbonates of the Malm are the main reservoir rocks for hydrothermal heat and power generation in southern Germany. To better understand these buried rocks, the carbonates exposed in northern Bavaria are often investigated. As the petrophysical properties of carbonates strongly depend on their subsidence history and maximum burial depth, we will investigate this issue by analyzing mudstones, which indirectly store this type of information and are found just below the Malm carbonates.
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Short summary
In some situations where the crust plates collide into each other, they deform by creating folds and thrusts. Based on the development direction of the thrusts, they are categorized into fore- or back-thrusts. We use numerical simulation to investigate their development over geological timescales. We examine the importance of rock strength, friction, displacement type, and geometry on back-thrusting with regard to the final geometry of the deformation, along with the distribution of porosity and stresses.
In some situations where the crust plates collide into each other, they deform by creating folds...