Continental collision

Continental collision occurs after the closure of an intervening ocean and is responsible for the formation of the highest and most spectacular mountain chains of our planet. Here, deep portions of the lithosphere are exhumed, stimulating the scientific appetite of many geologists.

Numerical simulations can help in interpreting the huge amount of collected geological data in terms of a single dynamic model that account for many of the processes occurring simultaneously in these complex tectonic settings.

I investigate structural, metamorphic and magmatic patterns of post-subduction collisional orogens in either advancing (Alps, Himalayas) or retreating (Northen Apennines, Fig. 1) settings (Faccenda et al., 2008; Faccenda et al, 2009) by using I2VIS (developed by Taras Gerya, ETH Zurich), a sophisticated 2D petrological-thermomechanical code.

Figure 1 - 2D numerical example of a retreating collisional zone,

analogous to the case of the Northern Apennines

(from Faccenda et al., 2009, EPSL)

Publications:

1. Faccenda M., Minelli G., Gerya T.V. Numerical modeling of active advancing and retreating post-subduction collision controlled by rheological weakening of the subduction channel. Earth Plant. Sci. Lett. 278,3-4, 337-349 (2009).
2. Faccenda M., Gerya T.V., Chakraborty S. Styles of post-subduction collisional orogeny: Influence of convergence velocity, crustal rheology and radiogenic heat production. Lithos 103, 1-2, 257-287, doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2007.09.009 (2008).