The recent crustal stress state of Germany - results of a new geomechanical–numerical model

Knowledge of the recent crustal stress state is crucial for a better understanding of crust stability. However, the amount of available stress data in Germany is low. Therefore, a reliable and comprehensive prediction of the complete stress tensor is not possible with these only. However, 3D geomechanical-numerical models, which represent the geometry of the subsurface and its mechanical properties and are calibrated to stress data, allow a continuum-mechanics based prediction of the complete stress tensor and its lateral and vertical variability. A new geomechanical-numerical model of Germany provides new insights into the recent crustal stress field. In contrast to previous models, an improved geological model with a significantly higher stratigraphic resolution is used, a high vertical resolution of ~40 m allows a better mechanical representation of individual units and mechanical inhomogeneities and new data records are used for calibration.

The results provide a comprehensive prediction of the complete stress tensor for Germany and can be used for a wide range of scientific questions and applications. Examples are the prediction of the fracture potential, the slip tendency of faults or as boundary conditions for small-scale models usable for example for engineering applications.