A GENERAL MODEL FOR THE GROWTH OF DETACHMENT FOLDS

Several equations have been proposed to describe the evolution of detachment folds justified primarily by geometrical relationships rather than physical mechanisms. In this work I describe a general quantitative model for the growth of detachment folds based on the conservation of mass principle and other fundamental principles governing the kinematics and dynamics of deformable bodies.

The parameters controlling fold growth are obtained from empirical observations in fold-and-thrust belts around the world. It is shown that detachment folds undergo allotropic growth and that symmetrical structures, when they normalized by their amplitude and wavelength, they fall along a universal profile.

The model also provides with the basis to understand energy fluxes and energy transformations involved in the process. Expressions for the change in heat flow and heat content during folding are derived. The transformation of work into heat is also addressed.