3D stereo DIC data from analogue models exploring fault growth and rift propagation in rotational rift systems

This dataset includes surface 3D stereoscopic Digital Image Correlation (3D stereo DIC) images and videos of 9 analogue models on crustal scale rifting with a rotational component. Using a brittle-viscous two-layer setup, the experiments focused on near-surface fault growth, rift segment interaction and rift propagation. All experiments were performed at the Tectonic Modelling Laboratory of the University of Bern (UB). All models consist of a two-layer brittle-viscous set up with a total thickness of 6 cm. Thickness variations in ductile and brittle layers are expressed by the ratio RBD = brittle layer thickness/ductile layer thickness, which ranges from RBD = 1 to RBD = 3. The model set up lies on top of a 5 cm thick foam base with a trapezoidal shape with a height of 900 mm and a pair of bases of 310 mm and 350 mm. The foam block is sliced into segments such that 7 interlayered 0.5 cm thick plexiglass bars prevent foam collapse under the model weight. The foam base is initially compressed between the longitudinal side walls and homogeneously expands during the rotational opening. Applied velocities refer to the divergence of the sidewalls at the outermost point (i.e., furthest away from the rotation axis) and decrease linearly towards the rotation axis. These velocities vary from 10 mm/h over a total run time of 4 h up to 40 mm/h over a total run time of one hour, resulting in identical total extension of ca 13% (given an initial model width of 31 cm) for all models. Detailed descriptions of the experiments as well as monitoring techniques can be found in Schmid et al. (2021).