Inversion of extensional sedimentary basins: A numerical evaluation of the localisation of shortening

摘要: Abstract Geological observations show that extensional sedimentary basins may be inverted by shortening long after they formed. This is counterintuitive because, unlike young basins, are no longer underlain a warm weak mantle. We examine processes control whether in using numerical approach to model the formation of continental basin, postrift cooling, and response imposed shortening. Extension our models leads symmetric basin. Shortening inverts basin uplift sediments reverse reactivation normal shear zones. find localisation domains promoted (1) short phase allows up while preventing upper mantle from cooling too much, (2) strain weakening zones extension, which helps their contraction, (3) synrift mechanically have low thermal conductivity, (4) irregularities crust Moho geometry were created extension help focus deformation during inversion. Once starts, surface erosion strongly promotes further old thermally strong can still if associated with zones, and/or crustal mechanical irregularities.