Finite extension and low-angle normal faulting

Research Article| January 01, 1992 Finite extension and low-angle normal faulting Donald W. Forsyth Donald W. Forsyth 1Department of Geological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Donald W. Forsyth 1Department of Geological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912 Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (1992) 20 (1): 27–30. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1992)020<0027:FEALAN>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 Email Permissions Search Site Citation Donald W. Forsyth; Finite extension and low-angle normal faulting. Geology 1992;; 20 (1): 27–30. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1992)020<0027:FEALAN>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 Andersonian theory for infinitesimal strains predicts that normal faults will form at high angles to the surface in extensional terranes. In contrast, low-angle normal faults are sometimes observed on which tens of kilometres of slip has occurred, and moderate-angle faults with slip of 5 to 15 km are common. A simple extension of the theory to account for the stresses required to drive finite deformation shows that low angles are preferred for large extension on individual faults. The formation of low-angle faults may require inhomogeneities in stress or material properties, but once slip begins on a low-angle fault it is likely to continue, whereas slip on high-angle faults is likely to end after modest slip, to be replaced by the formation of new high-angle faults. 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.