Himalayan Orogen : foreland interaction

Abstract

The collision between the Indian and Asian plates was simulated to analyse the stress pattern in the Indian litosphere. we used Finite Element Method (FEM) for the 3D modelling of the Indian landmass. The results of the modelling show a systematc variation in the values of both the tensile and compresive stress throughout the Indian lithosphere from the hinterland of the Himalaya through the toe up to the distal part of the Ganga plain foreland basin. The distribution of the tensile stresses suggest the Lesser and Outer Himalayas are tectononically most active regions and are highly prone to seismic activity in the near future causing shallow-focus earthquakes as well as landslides.