COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH: Strain Distribution within the Lewis Thrust Sheet and Northern Sawtooth Thrust Belt: Compatibility with Critical Wedge Model

[405557] Mitra该合作项目将通过对蒙大拿州西北部Lewis逆冲板的岩石进行综合现场和实验室研究，测试公认的褶皱和逆冲带发育的临界楔理论。根据该理论，应变应在冲断带内随沉积棱柱的几何形状而变化。该地区的地层学是众所周知的，适合对该模型进行测试。确定变形前元古代、古生代和下中生代沉积盆地的几何形状，并与模型预测的应变量和分布进行比较。无论现有理论是否成立，研究结果对其他褶皱和冲断带，以及类似构造环境下油气储量的预测和开采都具有深远意义。

9405557 Mitra This collaborative project will test the generally accepted critical wedge theory for the development of fold and thrust belts, by an integrated field and laboratory study of rocks in the Lewis thrust sheet in northwest Montana. According to the theory, strain should vary within the thrust belt as a function of the geometry of the sedimentary prism. The stratigraphy of the area is well known and lends itself to a test of the model. The geometry of the pre- deformational Proterozoic, Paleozoic and lower Mesozoic sedimentary basins will be determined and the amount and distribution of strain will be compared with that predicted by the model. Whether the existing theory is upheld or not, the results will have far- reaching significance for other fold and thrust belts, and for the prediction and recovery of oil and natural gas reserves in similar tectonic settings.