Deformation structures in glaciolacustrine deposits of Khibiny and assessment of their seismogenic potential

Abstract

Extended horizons of 0.5–2-m-thick soft-sediment deformation structures, which were earlier described as the effects of strong earthquakes in the Late Pleistocene, are studied in glaciolacustrine deposits of the Khibiny massif (central part of the Kola Peninsula). The unstructured horizon of coarse-fragmental inclusions is found everywhere over the folds, which makes it possible to consider these structures as the result of debris flow impact on consolidated bottom sediments probably caused by glacial mudflow. Despite intense and instantaneous crumpling of sediments, no liquefaction or fluidization phenomena typical of seismites are recognized in the deformation structures. Thus, the new data on the genesis of folded horizons in glaciolacustrine sediments in the Khibiny massif does not confirm the high seismic potential of this region.