Style of deformation and tectono-sedimentary evolution of fold-and-thrust belts and foreland basins: From nature to models

Abstract : Orogenic systems, including their external fold-and-thrust belts and foreland basin systems, generally evolve from the inversion and imbrication of former continental margins. Continental margins are characterized by displaying along-strike variations in the degree of inherited regional extension (i.e., from limited lithospheric stretching to full necking, leading to mantle exhumation and oceanic accretion). These differences have a fundamental impact on the pre-shortening thermal state of the lithosphere and on structural style development.