Fig. 3: Deformation of the model with a crustal root and a laterally varying surface elevation since the late Eocene under the influence of basal tractions, free slip side boundaries, and non-uniform distribution of gravitational body forces.
From: The role of gravitational body forces in the development of metamorphic core complexes
a–f The evolution of crustal structure together with the magnitude of the finite plastic strain for the brittle upper crust at 35.5, 34, 32.5, 30, 25, and 5 Ma, respectively. Vectors represent the flow field through time. g–l The evolution of finite strain (values represent second invariant of strain tensor) magnitude through the brittle and ductile zones of the crust at 35.5, 34, 32.5, 30, 25, and 5 Ma, respectively. Cross-section (starting geometry) is at 38° N from ref. 37. Note that in experiment with a crustal root the weakening and damage of the brittle upper crust and the resulting accumulated plastic strain and plastic shear zones produce basins and ranges. A necking center below the highlands forms and remains active. Dip of the active shear zones is high at the onset of topographic collapse and evolves into low-angle detachment fault through time. Red areas on the left panels represent locations affected by erosion and sedimentation. Experiments start at 36 Ma and evolve to 0 Ma. Stages of evolution are given in Ma. Green dashed line represents the zoomed-in area for panels in Fig. 4.
