@article{PAR00007388, title = {{N}umerical models of lithospheric deformation forming the {S}outhern {A}lps of {N}ew {Z}ealand}, author = {{G}erbault, {M}uriel and {H}enrys, {S}. and {D}avey, {F}.}, editor = {}, language = {{ENG}}, abstract = {{C}ompression of the entire continental lithosphere is considered using two-dimensional numerical models, in order to study the influence of the lithospheric mantle on the geometry of continental collision in its initial stages. {T}he models are based on the central section of {N}ew {Z}ealand {S}outhern {A}lps, where continental collision has occurred along the {A}lpine {F}ault since about 7 {M}a. {T}hey incorporate brittle-elastic-ductile rheology, heat transfer, surface processes, and fault localisation. {T}he models are compared to the surface relief, the {GPS} convergence velocity, the measured electrical conductivity, and the geometry of the crustal root imaged from seismic velocity measurements. {T}he crustal deformation is characterized by localized uplift at the plate boundary ({A}lpine {F}ault) and by two secondary zones of faulting. {O}ne is located about 60 to 80 km east of the {A}lpine {F}ault, at the start of upper crust bending (or tilting), and the other is located about 100 to 130 km east of the {A}lpine {F}ault as a result from shear strain propagating to the surface through the ductile lower crust. {T}he observed asymmetric shape of the crustal root is best reproduced for a mantle lithosphere strength of the order of 200 {MP}a, and an intermediate rate of strain-softening. {A} lower strength of the mantle lithosphere can produce symmetric thickening, but provides an amplitude of the crustal root too small when compared to observations. {T}he observed 20 km offset between the maximum in surface relief and the crustal root was not satisfactorily reproduced. {T}his offset is most likely due to the three dimensionality of oblique collision in {N}ew {Z}ealand {S}outhern {A}lps.}, keywords = {{N}ew {Z}ealand {S}outhern {A}lps ; collisional tectonics ; thermo-mechanical models ; {NOUVELLE} {ZELANDE}}, booktitle = {}, journal = {{J}ournal of {G}eophysical {R}esearch {B} : {S}olid {E}arth}, volume = {108}, numero = {{B}7}, pages = {{ETG} 5--15--18}, year = {2003}, DOI = {10.1029/2001{JB}001716}, URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/{PAR}00007388}, }