Structural styles in the Nankai accretionary prism's outer unit. An insight into the deformation mechanisms of a young fold and thrust belt

Abstract

In this paper we intend to reveal the architecture and structural styles in the outer unit of the Nankai accretionary prism, using a 672 km2 seismic survey that was acquired by the Japanese Government in 2006 in order to infer the origins of some major tsunamigenic earthquakes. Understanding deformation mechanisms and the distribution and morphology of the thrust sheets and faults is essential for the oil and gas industry and for academic study as well, as scientists intend to prevent the impact of devastating hazards that appear often in active tectonic settings, such as subduction zones.