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Abstract

Abstract: The elasticity theory of dislocations is used in geosciences since the end of the 1950's to model movements on faults and the resulting deformation field around them. The method has been developed into many different directions: Starting from strike-slip dislocations, other types of sources have been included. Besides static deformation also the dynamics of wave propagation were treated. After elastic media, inelastic solids were considered. Research proceeded from homogeneous to layered earth models. This paper tries to outline recent developments by other scientists and the author to provide an impression of the state of the art concerning three-dimensional models for crustal deformation in layered media. The main topic is the calculation of subsurface deformation above and below the source - an approach important for any extension of models into depth and especially for modelling data from borehole measurements. Further topics are the treatment of (i) elliptical fault planes with varying slip instead of rectangular planes with constant slip, (ii) fault arrays influencing graben and basin formation, (iii) applications including gravity effects, bending of the lithosphere, and erosion. Additional keywords: review, Neigungen, sphaerische numerische Modelle, Subduktion, Ueberblicksartikel