Thin-skinned deformation is a style ofdeformation inplate tectonics at aconvergent boundary which occurs with shallowthrust faults that only involves cover rocks (typicallysedimentary rocks), and not deeperbasement rocks.[1]
The thin-skinned style of deformation is typical of manyfold and thrust belts developed in the foreland of a collisional zone or back arc of a continentalvolcanic arc. This is particularly the case where a good basaldecollement exists, usually in a weaker layer like ashale,evaporite, or a zone of high pore fluid pressure.[2] This was first described inRocky Mountains of theUnited States, as part of theSevier Orogeny.[3]
In the rock record, this will increase the influence of more surficial rocks, which usually includessedimentary rocks. Typically, repeated sections of the same rock are seen over and over as thrust faults, coming up from the decollement, stack the same layer on top of itself. The sediments that are created by this type of deformation are typicallylithic sandstones.
