An improved incremental shortening calculation method of the shear fault-bend fold

Abstract

Shear fault-bend folds, a common feature of fault bend folds in foreland fold-and-thrust belts, originate in the early deformation stage. Building upon Suppe's geometric model of 'shear fault-bend folding,' we present refined calculation formulas for total shortening, incremental shortening, and the shear coefficient specific to these folds, as well as ideas to verify model parameters. The practicality and versatility of our refined approach are confirmed through case studies of the Pakuashan anticline in Taiwan and the Tugulu anticline in North Tian Shan. This improved incremental shortening calculation formula, conserves the bed length and eliminates errors of the widely used shortening calculation formula, is crucial for understanding deformation processes and assessing seismic risks shear fault bend folding. To obtain more precise incremental shortening calculations, it should further refine the geometric and kinematic models of shear fault bend folding in the future.