Fault mechanics and the kinematics of block rotations

Research Article| September 01, 1986 Fault mechanics and the kinematics of block rotations Amos Nur; Amos Nur 1Department of Geophysics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Hagai Ron; Hagai Ron 1Department of Geophysics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Oona Scotti Oona Scotti 1Department of Geophysics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Amos Nur 1Department of Geophysics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305 Hagai Ron 1Department of Geophysics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305 Oona Scotti 1Department of Geophysics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305 Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 01 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (1986) 14 (9): 746–749. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1986)142.0.CO;2 Article history First Online: 01 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation Amos Nur, Hagai Ron, Oona Scotti; Fault mechanics and the kinematics of block rotations. Geology 1986;; 14 (9): 746–749. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1986)142.0.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 In many strike-slip tectonic settings, large rotations (up to 100°) of crustal blocks have been inferred from paleomagnetic data. These blocks are bounded by sets of parallel faults, which accommodate the relative motion between the blocks as regional deformation progresses. Simple geometrical considerations require that the faults must also rotate. In this paper we show that on the basis of mechanical considerations, the amount of fault rotation permissible under a stationary stress field is limited to 20° to 45°. Consequently, block rotations that are larger than 40° or 45° require more than one set of accompanying faults to accommodate the block rotation. Examples of such multiple sets with 40° to 45° between them, as predicted by the model, were recognized in Sistan, Iran; in Yerington, the Lake Mead area, Nevada; and in southern California. 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.