Articles | Volume 16, issue 10
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-1041-2025
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-1041-2025
Research article
 | 
08 Oct 2025
Research article |  | 08 Oct 2025

Numerical investigation of parameters influencing back-thrust development in outer wedge fronts of fold-and-thrust belt systems

Saeed Mahmoodpour, Florian Duschl, and Michael C. Drews

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Cited articles

Adwan, A., Maillot, B., Souloumiac, P., Barnes, C., Nussbaum, C., Rahn, M., and Van Stiphout, T.: Understanding the stress field at the lateral termination of a thrust fold using generic geomechanical models and clustering methods, Solid Earth, 15, 1445–1463, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1445-2024, 2024. 
Albertz, M. and Lingrey, S.: Critical state finite element models of contractional fault-related folding: Part 1. Structural analysis, Tectonophysics, 576, 133–149, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2012.05.015, 2012. 
Albertz, M. and Sanz, P. F.: Critical state finite element models of contractional fault-related folding: Part 2. Mechanical analysis, Tectonophysics, 576, 150–170, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2012.06.016, 2012. 
Bilotti, F. and Shaw, J. H.: Deep-water Niger Delta fold and thrust belt modeled as a critical-taper wedge: The influence of elevated basal fluid pressure on structural styles, Aapg. Bull., 89, 1475–1491, https://doi.org/10.1306/06130505002, 2005. 
Bonini, M.: Deformation patterns and structural vergence in brittle-ductile thrust wedges: An additional analogue modelling perspective, J. Struct. Geol., 29, 141–158, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2006.06.012, 2007. 
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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.
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