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Thrust tectonics: a personal view

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2009

Robert W. H. Butler
Robert W. H. Butler
Affiliation:
Department of Geological Sciences, Science Laboratories, The University of Durham, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
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Abstract

The structure of fold and thrust belts has been studied for just over one hundred years and has been the subject of a recent international conference at Toulouse, in May 1984. This article reviews some of the recent advances in thrust tectonics from a personal viewpoint, in the light of the Toulouse meeting. Key tools in correctly interpreting thrust systems are the use of balanced (restorable) cross-sections and the resolution of three dimensional fault systems. These analytical methods are now being widely developed and applied to numerous orogenic belts with many surprising results. While our understanding of foreland thrust belts is now probably better than any other structural environment, there is still great uncertainty as to the emplacement-driving mechanisms of these belts. Future work will try to solve these and other outstanding problems and apply the new analytical methods to the interior parts of thrust belts in efforts to restore entire orogens.

Type
Articles
Information
Geological Magazine , Volume 122 , Issue 3 , May 1985 , pp. 223 - 232
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1985

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