12.520 Geodynamics

Problem set 1

Problem 6 (15%)

We can define the "lithostatic stress" at a depth d below the surface of rock of density r as:

Suppose, in addition to this lithostatic stress, there is a small tectonic stress, t, superimposed, as given below. . Write both the deviatoric stress s^devand the nonlithostatic stress s^nlfor the given stress tensors: i)

ii)

Solution:

Remembering that a deviatoric stress is

and a nonlithostatic stress is

we can write for each case:

ii)

iii)

Previous| back | next problem