Oblique convergence, indentation and rotation tectonics in the Taiwan Mountain Belt: Insights from experimental modelling
Resource
Earth and Planetary Science Letters 121 (3-4): 477-494
Journal
Earth and Planetary Science Letters
Journal Volume
121
Journal Issue
3-4
Pages
477-494
Date Issued
1994
Author(s)
Abstract
Experimental modelling allows one to describe the development and kinematics of structures in mountain belts formed during oblique convergence. In the collision geometry of the Taiwan mountain belt, the Chinese continental margin is oriented about N60°E, whereas the N16°E Philippine Sea plate backstop is moving toward the Eurasian plate in the N55°W direction. Sandbox experiments have been conducted to simulate the Cenozoic arc-continent collision in Taiwan with a foreland-dipping backstop. The kinematics of deformation comprises a combination of compression and rotation which locally result in a partitioning between thrusting and wrenching. The experimental modelling shows that the faults or shear zones are rotated around the indentation point of the backstop by transcurrent and bookshelf faulting. An overall clockwise rotation (or right-lateral movements) occurs to the north of the indentation point and anticlockwise rotation occurs to the south of the indentation point. Oblique indentation and rotation structures can be demonstrated by (1) the crescent shape of the thrust wedge, (2) pull-apart structures induced by strike-slip tectonics, and (3) bookshelf-type strike-slip faulting resulting from the block rotation around the indentation point. © 1994.
SDGs
Type
journal article