Modelling Erosional Fold and Thrust Belts

My previous Master research addressed how large-scale recumbent fold-nappes such as observed in several mountain belt forelands, form and grow. This work has been realized during my Master 2nd degree, which I completed in 2010, and I published the results in Journal of the Geological Society, London (Perrin et al., 2013). During this work, I benefited from the collaboration with Jacques Malavieille and Stéphane Dominguez in the Geosciences Laboratory at University of Montpellier II, France (learn more about the Laboratoire de Modélisation Analogique here).

By combining geological observations and analog modeling we were able to highlight first order parameters that allow folding in thrust wedges, and to construct an evolutionary model of the formation and growth of recumbent fold nappes.

Kinematic model of folding. The curved line with circles represents the plastiline with displacement indicators.

Brittle/Plastic multilayer with erosion and decollement. (Digital screen indicates the amount of shortening in cm)