Programs

Trishear3D is a program to run 3D trishear models. Trishear3D is based on the pseudo-3D algorithm of Cristallini and Allmendinger (2001), and the true-3D algorithm of Cristallini et al. (2004). Trishear3D can model the geometry and finite strain of compressional and extensional fault propagation folds, fault bend folds, rollovers, and lateral fault propagation.

Geometry and strain data can be visualized in a 3D plot which can be sliced along any orientation and queried for strain. Geometry and strain are also displayed in tables which can be exported to reservoir or fracture generation modeling software. Trishear3D is a great tool to investigate the effects of temporal and spatial variations of fault parameters on the geometry and strain field of the associated fold.

Trishear3D is freeware for non-profit, academic purposes. To use the program for consulting, please contact me at nfcd@mac.com.

Download 2.8 MB

version 4.4, June 12, 2009

SSPX is a program to calculate strain/strain rate from displacement/velocity data in two and three dimensions. SSPX is a full fledged inverse modeling program to calculate best fitting deformation tensors given displacement or velocity vectors at a minimum of three points in two dimensions, or four points in three dimensions.

SSPX works equally well on small deformation problems such as computing strain rates from Global Positioning System (GPS) data, and large deformation problems such as computing the strain in a highly deformed discrete element model (DEM). SSPX was made for geologists, but it can be used by anyone interested in computing strain/strain rate from displacement/velocity data.

SSPX is based on StrainSimPro, a program by Richard Allmendinger to compute strain rates from GPS data. More information about SSPX can be found in Cardozo and Allmendinger (2009). SSPX is freeware for non-profit, academic purposes. To use the program for consulting, please contact Nestor Cardozo at nfcd@mac.com or Richard Allmendinger at rwa1@cornell.edu.

Download 3.3 MB

version 2.8, May 7, 2009

Structural geology deals to a great extent with the operation of vectors and tensors. OSXGeoCalc is a calculator for vectors (lines, planes, and oriented drillcore data), and tensors (strain and stresses).

Lines and planes can be visualized in a stereonet, and strains and stresses in a Mohr diagram. Multiple computations can be executed using text files. Besides being a great tool to learn the fundamental concepts of vectors and tensors and their application in structural geology, OSXGeoCalc is a powerful tool to perform simple operations on thousands of vectors or tensors.

OSXGeoCalc was made for geologists, but it can be used by anyone interested in vectors and tensors and their application in the natural sciences. OSXGeoCalc is freeware for non-profit, academic purposes. To use the program for consulting, please contact me at nfcd@mac.com.

Download 2.9 MB

version 2.7, May 13, 2009

The subsidence of a sedimentary basin can be attributed to three processes: tectonic subsidence, water and sediment loading, and sediment compaction. These three components of subsidence can be estimated from a stratigraphic section using a procedure called "Backstripping" (Allen and Allen, 1990). Backstripping removes from each sedimentary layer, the effects of sediment compaction, water and sediment loading. Thus extracting from the section, the tectonic subsidence curve.

OSXBackstrip is a program to perform "1D Airy backstripping with exponential reduction of porosity". Stratigraphic units can be easily entered in a table, backstripping and tectonic subsidence plots and tables can be rapidly produced. Plots can be edited, sent to drawing programs, or saved for publications. Multiple sections can be backstripped and compared.

OSXBackstrip is freeware for non-profit, academic purposes. To use the program for consulting, please contact me at nfcd@mac.com.

Download 0.7 MB

version 2.6, May 13, 2009

The displacement profile of the surface of the earth under crustal loads (i.e. mountain chains), can be well reproduced by an "elastic" or "flexural" model. In this model, the uppermost layer of the earth (i.e. the elastic lithosphere) responds to crustal loads as an "elastic" beam, floating in a weaker, fluid-like foundation (i.e. the astenospheric mantle, Turcotte and Schubert, 1982).

OSXFlex2D is a program that implements the "elastic", "flexural" model. Crustal loads can be entered and plotted, the profile of deformation produced by these loads can be computed and visualized in plots and tables. Plots can be edited, sent to drawing programs, or saved for publications. Multiple load profiles can be computed and compared.

OSXFlex2D is freeware for non-profit, academic purposes. To use the program for consulting, please contact me at nfcd@mac.com.

Download 1.0 MB

version 2.7, May 18, 2009