Gravity-induced stresses near topography of small slope
Topographic modification of gravity-induced near-surface stresses results in significant departures from a lithostatic state. A perturbation scheme provides approximate analytic solutions for plane strain of an elastic half-space with an irregularly shaped free surface of small characteristic slope. The leading order effect of the topography is equivalent to that of a distributed normal load on a plane boundary, and the correction is due to a distributed shear traction on a plane boundary. Topography can exert a strong influence on the state of stress in the upper crust. An analytical solution to a relevant class of problems in elastostatics is presented: the gravity-induced stress field in a half-space with an irregularly shaped free surface. The analysis also is extended to consider the effect of topography on the stresses due to a far-field tectonic compression or tension. Motivation for this study stems from a broad range of problems in geology and geophysics. 20 references.
- OSTI ID:
- 5016013
- Journal Information:
- J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 86:B10; ISSN JGREA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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58 GEOSCIENCES
580100* -- Geology & Hydrology-- (-1989)
580200 -- Geophysics-- (-1989)
CONTINENTAL CRUST
CORRELATIONS
EARTH CRUST
ENGINEERING
GEOLOGIC STRATA
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOLOGY
GEOPHYSICS
GRAVITATION
RESERVOIR ENGINEERING
STRESS ANALYSIS
STRESSES
TOPOGRAPHY