Deformation mechanisms of compressional overlapping area in strike-slip fault zone: Insights from experimental simulation

Abstract

As an intense deformation region, the compressional overlapping areas of strike-slip faults play a crucial and significant role in influencing fault propagation, seismic activity, and the formation and distribution of hydrocarbon reservoirs. Hence, enhancing the comprehension of detailed microscopic deformation mechanisms lays the foundation for a better understanding of the macroscopic deformation, constituting the core issue of this study. Compressional en échelon fault model experiments were conducted, combining with acoustical and optical measurements to simulate fault interactions and mechanical coupling within fault systems. The experimental results manifest that three distinct episodes of derived faults were observed during the interaction of pre-existing faults. Firstly, a group of derived faults extends from the ends of the overlapping area, conjugating with the pre-existing en échelon faults. Secondly, the fault consisting of a series of secondary fractures propagates from the ends of the overlapping area towards the interior, leading to a complete destruction of the overlapping area. Thirdly, another group of faults extends from the ends of the overlapping area, forming a rhombic region in conjunction with the two pre-existing faults. Furthermore, the analysis of the strike-slip rate distribution along two en échelon faults showed significant heterogeneity. Specifically, the segments with relatively low strike-slip rate were inferred to be locked zones, which are likely to act as nucleation points for future emergent deformation events. These simulation results contributed to understanding the issues such as the mechanical coupling between Garlock and San Andreas fault systems, the linkage fault development in the branching zones of the North Anatolian Fault Zone, and the kinematic intersection geometry between the Danghenan Shan and Altyn Tagh faults.