Influence of décollement-cover thickness variations in fold-and-thrust belts: Insights from centrifuge analog modeling

Centrifuge analog modeling incorporating thickness variations of décollement and overlying sedimentary cover is used to study thrust-wedge evolution on salt-detached contractional systems involving tapered cover. From simpler, layer-cake 3D décollement-cover sequences, our models constrain wedge evolution: a more advanced front, where the thicker, promotes differential frontal translation triggers vertical axis rotation several hinterland anticlines which appear towards thinner area. In all cases, level strongly sheared tends migrate laterally toward areas. Models are compared with previous under normal gravity natural example South Pyrenean Central salient. All in all, we conclude that -cover basin architecture, as sole factor, can determine formation thrust salient formed by increasing structural curvature (progressive arc). • Moon Sand™ stands proper upper crust rocks. Upon contraction, migrates areas thinner. Along-strike thinning trends result Contraction covers leads Thrust salients Pyrenees partly explained variations.