3D discrete kinematic modelling applied to extensional and compressional tectonics

The 3D simulation of coupled backward and forward deformation of geological layers is a new step in basin modelling. Although this problem could be addressed with either mechanical or kinematic approaches, the mechanical approach remains too complex to be addressed properly. The kinematic model described here allows a geologically valid path, which takes into account an incremental evolution in time. To obtain a better description of 3D geometries, the model uses a full hexaedric discretization and the discrete neutral surface of each layer is used when performing the flexural slip deformation. An application to a synthetic geological case is then proposed, to study the behaviour of the structure in compressional and extensional contexts.