Shale tectonics versus pure fault-related folding in southwestern Taiwan

What is it about?

The Gutingkeng Fault in southwestern Taiwan, associated with mud volcanoes, exhibits footwall uplift at a rate of 2 cm/yr. Field observations near the fault show well-preserved bedding on both sides, with no direct evidence of shale tectonics. However, a cross-section constructed using both surface and subsurface data suggests that fold growth and footwall uplift are primarily driven by the weak rheology of mudstone, layer thickening, and pore-fluid overpressure.

Featured Image

Photo by Maud CORREA on Unsplash

Photo by Maud CORREA on Unsplash

Why is it important?

We focused on characterizing structural geometries resulting from the interplay of shale tectonics and fault-related folding, as well as those formed exclusively by fault-related folding. This type of study is particularly important for understanding the complex geological setting of southwestern Taiwan, where active deformation processes may pause hazards to population and infrastructures.