Open fractures in cohesive powder with sand layers (Structural Geology)

An experiment with pure gypsum powder to test the applicability of this powder for the formation of open fractures. The inclusion of sand layers in cohesive Hemihydrate (CaSO4 • ½ H2O) powder leads to much wider and complex deformation zones (compare with http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmgYBsHuVHk). The sand layers smear into structures similar to clay smears (compare with http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhWwdPJbDTQ) in these zones.

This movie is taken from the MSC-thesis of Heijn van Gent. See for more information: van Gent, H. W., Holland, M., Urai, J. L. & Loosveld, R. 2010. Evolution of fault zones in carbonates with mechanical stratigraphy - insights from scale models using layered cohesive powder. Journal of Structural Geology - Special publication: Faulting and fracturing of carbonate rocks: New insights into deformation mechanisms, petrophysics and fluid flow properties 32 (9), 1375-1391. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2009.05.006

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Fault
• analogue model
• Structural Geology
• Heijn van Gent
• Hemihyrate
• open fautling
• dilational faulting
• hybrib mode failure

[StrucGeology]

Yes, we tried to model structures like the East African Rift, or faults in carbonates.

[GeologyLogic]

Little mini horst and graben hahah. With mini listric faulting.