`Crack–seal', slip: a new fault valve mechanism?

Abstract

This paper presents a new model of fault development in carbonate rocks involving a crack–seal–slip sequence. The structures of sheared calcite veins from the Les Matelles outcrop, Languedoc (S. France), and the observations used to construct this new model which integrates aspects of `crack–seal' evolution of calcite-filled veins with concepts of fault valve behaviour are described. In our model, hydraulic mode I reopening of an oblique pre-existing vein in an overall strike-slip stress regime is accompanied by precipitation of calcite, but significant fault slip cannot occur initially despite this obliquity because the ends of the pre-existing structure limit further reopening propagation beyond the tips. The rate of aligned calcite precipitation keeps pace with the rate of dilation of the structure, so that calcite cement essentially seals the system. Stress concentrations at the tips are allowed to rise with reopening until failure of the tip zone results in branch crack formation, triggering both slip along the vein and hydraulic pressure drop. This is followed by sealing within the branch cracks. Such a crack–seal–slip cycle may be repeated several times, as evidenced by fault-perpendicular calcite vein growth interlayered with calc-mylonite lamellae within these structures. Later cycles will become less pronounced because strength recovery of the sealed branch cracks does not regain the initial strength of the intact rock. This model could apply at various scales, and could be a mechanism for triggering earthquakes.