Abstract
Conditions for indentation and channelised flow are investigated with two-dimensional thermomechanical models of Alpine-type continental collision. The models mimic the development of an orogen at an initial central portion of weakened lithosphere 150 km wide, coherent with several geological reconstructions. We study in particular the role of lower crustal strength in developing peculiar geometries after 20 Ma of shortening at 1 cm/year. Crustal layers produce geometries of imbricate layers, which result from two contrasted mechanisms of either channelised ductile lateral flow or horizontal rigid-like indentation: - Channelised lateral flow develops when the lateral lower crust has a viscosity less than 10
| Original language | English |
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| Pages (from-to) | 169-187 |
| Journal | Tectonophysics |
| Volume | 387 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2004 |
