Regional-scale 3D modelling in metamorphic belts: An implicit model-driven workflow applied in the Pennine Alps

Leveraging a high resolution geological and structural dataset acquired over decades of fieldwork, we build the 3D structural model of a portion of the highly deformed core of the Alpine orogen, in the Northern Aosta Valley. The model represents tectonic contacts separating the tectono-metamorphic u...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of structural geology 2024-03, Vol.180, p.105045, Article 105045
Main Authors: Arienti, Gloria, Bistacchi, Andrea, Caumon, Guillaume, Dal Piaz, Giovanni, Monopoli, Bruno, Bertolo, Davide
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
3D implicit modelling
Alpine tectonic contacts
Earth Sciences
Metamorphic mountain belt
North-western alps
Pennine alps
Regional 3D model
Sciences of the Universe
Tectonics
Citations: Items that this one cites
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Leveraging a high resolution geological and structural dataset acquired over decades of fieldwork, we build the 3D structural model of a portion of the highly deformed core of the Alpine orogen, in the Northern Aosta Valley. The model represents tectonic contacts separating the tectono-metamorphic units outcropping along the section between Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa, and it covers an area of ca. 1500 km2. The input source data include original 1:10,000 geological surveys synthetised in a 1:75,000 tectonic map, and a dense database of structural stations. After a first orientation statistics study of the structural field database, our workflow develops through structural interpretation in vertical cross-sections that allow including in the modelling process structural drivers such as crosscutting relationships, interference patterns, kinematic constraints and fold morphology from detailed field studies. Three-dimensional interpolation on a tetrahedral mesh using the implicit Discrete Smooth Interpolator method follows, using also foliation and fold axes data as interpolation constraints. After describing the workflow and the model, we discuss the difficulties of modelling in polydeformed metamorphic complexes. In particular, we address the issue of modelling shear zones, refolded, isoclinal and/or recumbent folds and dense networks of faults, that characterise the geology of the Northern Aosta Valley. •We build a new regional 3D structural model of the Northern Aosta Valley (Italy).•We apply the implicit modelling approach to metamorphic mountain belts.•We model hierarchical tectonic contacts, polyphasic folds and networks of faults.
ISSN:0191-8141
1873-1201
DOI:10.1016/j.jsg.2023.105045