Schöpfer, Martin P. J.Martin P. J.SchöpferChilds, ConradConradChildsWalsh, John J.John J.Walsh2011-07-192011-07-192006 Elsev2006-05Journal of Structural Geology0191-8141http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3025Existing conceptual growth models for faults in layered sequences suggest that faults first localise in strong, and brittle, layers and are later linked in weak, and ductile, layers. We use the Discrete Element Method (DEM) for modelling the growth of a normal fault in a brittle/ductile multilayer sequence. The modelling reveals that faults in brittle/ductile sequences at low confining pressure and high strength contrast localise first as Mode I fractures in the brittle layers. Low amplitude monoclinal folding prior to failure is accommodated by ductile flow in the weak layers. The initially vertically segmented fault arrays are later linked via shallow dipping faults in the weak layers. Faults localise, therefore, as geometrically and kinematically coherent arrays of fault segments in which abandoned fault tips or splays are a product of the strain localisation process and do not necessarily indicate linkage of initially isolated faults. The modelling suggests that fault tip lines in layered sequences are more advanced in the strong layers compared to weak layers, where the difference in propagation distance is most likely related to strength and/or ductility contrast. Layer dependent variations in fault propagation rates generate fringed rather than smooth fault tip lines in multilayers.2221482 bytesapplication/pdfenThis is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Journal of Structural Geology. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Journal of Structural Geology Volume 28, Issue 5, May 2006, Pages 816-833 DOI#:10.1016/j.jsg.2006.02.003.Fault growthDiscrete element methodFault refractionFault tip lineMohr circlesStress and strain pathsFaults (Geology)Geological modelingStrains and stressesJournal Article28581683310.1016/j.jsg.2006.02.003https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/1.0/