Exploring the Depths of Geological Mysteries

Defining the Formation Mechanism of Regional Scale-Folds

Delve into the intricate processes shaping our planet’s crust with our  research project, “Quantifying the mechanisms of deformation in external thrust belts for sustainable subsurface geo-resources and storage.”

Unveiling the Origins of Regional Scale-Folds

Our research project, launched in 2025, aims to unravel the complexities surrounding the formation of regional scale-folds. This study is pivotal in understanding the geological forces that have sculpted vast landscapes over millions of years. By examining these formations, we seek to gain insights into the Earth’s structural evolution and its broader implications on natural resource distribution and seismic activity.

Chronological Journey of Our Research

Track the key milestones and achievements of our project as we advance our understanding of geological formations.

Preparation and Data Gathering

  • Collected existing 1:50,000 geological maps (Geological Institute of Romania).

  • Identified main regional faults and folds for targeted fieldwork.

Fieldwork Phase

  • Conducted mapping in the Bistrița half-window south of Piatra Neamț.

  • Focused on Upper Cretaceous–Paleogene sediments  and Miocene sediments.

  • Collected data on:

    • Orientations of faults, shear zones, and shears.

    • Foliations in fault gouges and cleavages.

    • Superposed folds, hinge collapse, tilting, and rotations.

    • Kinematic indicators 

Kinematic Dataset Processing

  • Organized data by timing, superposition, and slip consistency.

  • Assigned confidence levels and quality ranks to kinematic indicators.

  • Grouped outcrops along the same structures for integrated analysis.

Strain Partitioning Analysis

  • Identified multi-scale strain distribution across coeval structures.

  • Recognized deformation not explainable by a homogeneous stress field.

  • Applied strain-partitioning approach instead of paleostress methods.

Structural Reconstruction

  • Reconstructed the gradual formation of scale-folds through rotations and tilting.

  • Used mechanisms such as fault-bend folding, décollement folds, hinge-collapse, and parasitic folds.

Regional Cross-Sections

  • Built surface-to-depth projections using borehole stratigraphy.

  • Incorporated limited seismic reflection data (reliable only at foreland platform and décollement level).

  • Acknowledged uncertainties in imaging steep, sub-vertical strata.

Innovative Methodologies

Key Research Features

Advanced Geophysical Techniques

Our research employs cutting-edge geophysical methods to analyze the intricate structures of regional scale-folds, providing unprecedented insights.

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Comprehensive Data Analysis

Utilizing state-of-the-art data analysis tools, we meticulously interpret geological data to understand the formation processes of these complex structures.

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Impact on Geology

Broader Implications

This study investigates the Bistrița half-window in the East Carpathians, focusing on faults, shear zones, and folds in Cretaceous–Paleogene and Miocene sediments. Field data on kinematic indicators reveal significant strain partitioning, with deformation distributed among coeval structures and modified by folding and rotations. Because of this complexity, a strain-partitioning approach was used to reconstruct the gradual formation of scale-folds. Surface-to-depth projections and cross-sections, constrained by borehole data, highlight uncertainties due to the poor seismic imaging of steep strata.