3-D numerical model of the flexural isostatic response to extension induced by crustal scale listric normal faulting

Abstract

The flexural isostatic response of the lithosphere, induced by listric normal faulting, is modeled by assuming that simple- shear extension takes place in the brittle upper crust while the lower crust and upper mantle extend in pure shear. The partial differential equation describing the equilibrium state under the action of applied loads provides simple analytical expressions for computing the flexural isostatic response 3-D. An example using an analytically defined curvilinear normal fault is provided.