The mechanics of emplacement of huge thrust sheets to form mountain belts has remained one of the most poorly understood aspects of tectonics. It has been long recognized that fluids have played a critical role in the emplacement process through the reduction of the tectonic stress but the exact explanation of how this happens remains unsolved. Attempts at physical modeling of this phenomena have been insightful but have lacked a realistic consideration of hydrologic and thermal conditions. This project will construct models that address the above issues that will predict fluid pressures along fault zones and within fault bounded blocks. Results will have important implications for the development of most mountain belt systems of the world.
