Fold Growth Research Articles

Buckling contributes to both coseismic uplift and long-term fold growth in active fold-thrust belts

Understanding the interplay among fault slip, fold growth, and earthquakes is crucial for assessing earthquake risk and deciphering the relationship between long-term and short-term deformation in fold-thrust belts. While fault-related folding theories have dominated previous studies, the role of the buckling process—characterized by bed-parallel contraction—in seismicity and fold development has been underreported. Herein, we attempt to address this issue through an examination of the 28 March 2019 M5.0 Mangya earthquake in the Shizigou anticline, western Qaidam Basin (northern Tibetan Plateau), based on 3-D seismic imaging data, interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) analysis, and borehole loggings. We show that this earthquake was not caused by slip along known faults, but by interbed slip due to buckling in the limb of the anticline, demonstrating for the first time that buckling could result in moderate earthquakes. The buckling process not only leads to coseismic uplift deviating from the folding crest induced by slip on the underlying fault, but also modulates the long-term geometric growth of the Shizigou anticline. Our findings underscore the significance of the buckling process in contributing to short-term coseismic slip and long-term fold growth in active fold-thrust belts.

Semaglutide 6-months therapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus restores adipose progenitors potential to develop metabolically active adipocytes

BackgroundNowadays type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) leads to population mortality growth. Today glucagon-like peptide type 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are one of the most promising glucose-lowered drugs with anorexigenic and cardioprotective effects. The present study aims to determine the effects of GLP-1 RA semaglutide 6-month therapy on T2DM patient metabolic parameters and adipose progenitor cell health. MethodsT2DM patients (N = 8) underwent clinical characterization and subcutaneous fat biopsy at start point and after semaglutide 6-month therapy. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) were isolated by enzymatic method. Cell proliferation analysis was performed by MTT and immunocytochemistry. White and beige adipogenesis was analyzed by BODIPY493/503 staining and confocal microscopy. Adipocyte’s metabolic properties were estimated by 3H- and 14C-based metabolic assays. Thermogenesis analysis was performed by ERthermAC staining and confocal microscopy. Protein markers were assessed by Western blotting. ResultsSemaglutide 6-month therapy demonstrated significant anorexigenic and glucose-lowering effects. However, insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR and M-index) was unchanged after therapy. Semaglutide 6-month therapy increased ADSC proliferation and white and beige adipogenesis. Moreover, lipid droplets fragmentation was observed in beige adipocytes. Both white and beige adipocytes after semaglutide therapy demonstrated 2–3 fold growth of glucose uptake without changes in insulin sensitivity. Newly formed white adipocytes demonstrated glucose utilization for active ATP synthesis, whereas beige adipocytes for canonical thermogenesis. ConclusionsOur study has revealed that semaglutide 6-month therapy has not only systemic anorexigenic effects, but can markedly improve adipose tissue health. We have demonstrated critical restoration of ADSC renewal functions, which potentially can be involved in semaglutide based weight loss.

In vitro culture of mechanically isolated murine primary follicles in the presence of human platelet lysate PLTMax.

To develop a system for the culture of murine preantral ovarian follicles using Human Serum Albumin (HSA) and Human Platelet Lysate (PLTMax). Mechanically isolated preantral follicles (N=146) were obtained from Swiss mice and cultured in DMEM:F12 medium for ten days in a 96-well plate with conical bottom. The medium was supplemented with penicillin, streptomycin, and equine chorionic gonadotropin. Additional proteins were tested in 4 test groups: G1: human serum albumin (HSA), G2: human platelet lysate (PLTM), and G3 and G4: HSA + PLTMax at lower and higher concentrations, respectively. Cellular vitality and oocyte morphology were evaluated on day 11 of culture. The highest follicular growth (3.4 fold) was achieved in HSA (G1), while a significantly lower (1.8 fold) growth was achieved in the presence of PLTM (G2, G4) and even further reduced (1.2 fold) when HSA and PLTM were combined (G3). Cellular vitality was close to 70-80% among the four groups, and the highest number of intact oocytes were found in G1. PLTM did not improve follicular development and oocyte maturation compared to HSA but preserved cell vitality.

Fluvial styles during fold growth: An example from the eastern segment of the Qiulitage and Yakeng folds, southern Tian Shan, China

Geomorphological evidence provides significant information on the processes that govern lateral propagation of a growing active anticline. Within actively developing fold-and-thrust belts evidence can be recorded in Quaternary landforms and the drainage network. In the Kuqa fold-and-thrust belt (KFTB), located in the southern foothills of the Tian Shan mountains, we investigate the topographic and fluvial geomorphic records of the eastern part of the Qiulitage and of the Yakeng anticlines. In this study, using a morphometric approach, including the analysis of anomalies in the spatial patterns of river channels, topographic profiles along anticline crests, and the geometry of wind gaps, we speculate on the lateral propagation of these folds. We extract the drainage network related to the growth of the Yakeng and Qiulitage folds from the beginning onset of the folding (5.5 Ma ago) to its acceleration in the Late Quaternary. We examine 15 rivers and their catchments crossing the eastern segment of Qiulitage and the Yakeng anticlines.Our results demonstrate how the ridges along the eastern segment of Qiulitage and Yakeng folds feature (1) an anticline ridge with decreasing relief from the topographic crest to the plunging ends of the ridges, (2) alternating wind gaps and water gaps from west to east, (3) a drainage system closely controlled by folding and differential uplift, (4) a decrease in drainage basin maturity towards the east only, and (5) fluvial features that provide age constraints. We then document the evolution of the drainage network and provide insights on the growth history of the eastern Kuqa fold-and-thrust belt from its nucleation to its growth acceleration. The connections between the topography and the drainage allow us to present an integrated model that could explain their lateral and vertical fold growth along the two folds along their leading edges.

Toward Adaptive Manufacturing Development: Implementation of Artificial Intelligence for Identifying Leather Defects

Artificial intelligence was the powerful approach that was proven to be impactful for solving several problems. In the leather inspection cases, artificial intelligence also contributed some research works that effected for leather inspection process. In this research, we employed NasNet architecture conducted by using fine-tunning transfer learning method to distinguish the types of leather defects. We used 3600 images that was distributed into six classes which are folding marks, grain off, growth marks, loose grains, pinhole and non-defective. Our proposed solution successfully achieved accuracy for training data is 0.9788 with loss of 0.0198. While the maximum accuracy in validation data is 0.8059 with loss of 0.2126. In the testing data, our experiment obtained accuracy of 0.8603 with loss of 0.1603. These results indicated that our proposed solution was suitable to recognize the characteristics of leather defects and suitable to distinguish them.

Oleic-acid functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles with a hydroxyapatite core enhanced growth of the hydrocarbon degrader Dietzia maris at oil–water interfaces

Rapid biodegradation of poorly water-soluble hydrocarbons as nonaqueous (oil) phases in contaminated aquatic environments is enabled by attachment of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria to the oil–water interface. Herein, we report the synthesis of nanoparticles comprising a hydroxyapatite (Ca5(PO4)3(OH)) core encapsulated in a mesoporous silica shell and surface-modified with oleic acid (OA–nHAP@MSN) for targeted binding at the oil–water interface and to supply P to bacteria at the interface. P is an essential and often limiting nutrient for bacteria in hydrocarbon-contaminated environments. In microcosm experiments, where the hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria, Dietzia maris strain NWWC4, and OA–nHAP@MSN were inoculated in mineral media in contact with pure liquid hexadecane (sole C source), there was 419.6–fold growth at the hexadecane-water interface, compared to 31.2-fold in identical, but NP-free microcosms. The continuous release of P from the hydroxyapatite core in OA–nHAP@MSN to water was demonstrated in separate experiments in well mixed batch systems and was found to be pH-sensitive. Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy showed significantly larger cell aggregates and dense biofilms in the OA–nHAP@MSN–amended systems, compared to NP-free systems. Our results demonstrate a strategy for enhancing oil–spill bioremediation using NPs targeting nutrient supply to hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria at oil-water interfaces.

Ultracompact single-nanowire-morphed grippers driven by vectorial Lorentz forces for dexterous robotic manipulations

Ultracompact and soft pairwise grippers, capable of swift large-amplitude multi-dimensional maneuvering, are widely needed for high-precision manipulation, assembly and treatment of microscale objects. In this work, we demonstrate the simplest construction of such robotic structures, shaped via a single-nanowire-morphing and powered by geometry-tailored Lorentz vectorial forces. This has been accomplished via a designable folding growth of ultralong and ultrathin silicon NWs into single and nested omega-ring structures, which can then be suspended upon electrode frames and coated with silver metal layer to carry a passing current along geometry-tailored pathway. Within a magnetic field, the grippers can be driven by the Lorentz forces to demonstrate swift large-amplitude maneuvers of grasping, flapping and twisting of microscale objects, as well as high-frequency or even resonant vibrations to overcome sticky van de Waals forces in microscale for a reliable releasing of carried payloads. More sophisticated and functional teamwork of mutual alignment, precise passing and selective light-emitting-diode unit testing and installation were also successfully accomplished via pairwise gripper collaborations. This single-nanowire-morphing strategy provides an ideal platform to rapidly design, construct and prototype a wide range of advanced ultracompact nanorobotic, mechanical sensing and biological manipulation functionalities.

Numerical examination of the geomorphic indicators for lateral fold growth

Fold-and-thrust belts (FTBs) develop widely in and around active orogenic belts on Earth. With the accumulation of structural shortening, thrust-related folds can grow by increasing their amplitudes and lengths, providing insights into the structural evolution of FTBs. Investigations of fold growth patterns and landscape responses through time and space have important implications for hydrocarbon exploration and geo-hazard assessment. Evidence for lateral fold propagation (i.e., increase in length) usually comes from geochronological constraints based on differences in onset timings along strike. However, these traditional methods are time consuming and economically costly. Alternatively, previous studies have proposed the use of geomorphic features to investigate the lateral fold propagation, including spatial variations in the patterns and densities of river channels, the configuration of the topographic profile along the fold crest, and the occurrence of wind gaps. However, such analyses are based on morphological features of present-day landscapes, which still need process-based validations. Here, we conduct a series of landscape evolution models to reproduce fold growth and their associated geomorphic adjustments. Our results show that deflected rivers and inflected fold-crest elevation profile with decreasing gradient are reliable evidence of lateral fold propagation. The location of propagation is in accordance with the distribution of crest-profile slope breaks and the position where river deflection began. Then, we apply these findings to two natural examples located at the deformation fronts of the Tian Shan (NW China). Results suggest that 1) the Kashi anticline has experienced lateral propagation both westwards and eastwards; and 2) that the Yaken anticline has experienced accelerated tectonic uplift as well as eastwards propagation. These findings are supported by the constraints from geochronological dating and quantitative structural analysis. Future work that integrates folding mechanisms may provide novel insights into landscape response to complex deformation in active FTBs.

Geomorphic Indicators of Folds Lateral Growth Using Satellite Images

Visual interpretation of satellite images is a very significant technique to recognize and interpret structural features, which indicate lateral growth of folds, the origin of folds, and dating of folds using the exposure dating method. In this study, Landsat 8 (ESSRI) and Google Earth images are used to recognize structural features at Pira Magroon, Surdash, and Azmar anticlines in the Sulaimaniyah vicinity, Kurdistan Region, north of Iraq. The mentioned anticlines are outstanding geomorphological and structural features in the Sulaimaniyah vicinity. The recognized and interpreted structural features include: en-echelon folding, domes, and Neotectonic indication. All these features are discussed in detail with many images to show the discussed cases, most of the interpreted data and presented figures are never mentioned previously.

Analysis of the toxic mechanisms of fluoxastrobin on the earthworm (Eisenia fetida) using transcriptomics

Fluoxastrobin (FLUO), one of the best-selling strobilurin fungicides, could prevent fungal diseases from oilseed crops, fruits, grains, and vegetables. The widespread use of FLUO leads to the continuous accumulation of FLUO in soil. Our previous studies have demonstrated that FLUO exhibited different toxicity in artificial soil and three natural soils (fluvo-aquic soils, black soils, and red clay). The toxicity of FLUO was greater in natural soil than the artificial soil, specifically, showed the highest toxicity in fluvo-aquic soils. To better investigate the mechanism of FLUO toxicity to earthworms (Eisenia fetida), we selected fluvo-aquic soils as representative soil and used transcriptomics to study the gene expression in earthworms after FLUO exposure. The results demonstrated that the differentially expressed genes in earthworms after FLUO exposure mainly presented in pathways involving protein folding, immunity, signal transduction, and cell growth. It may be the reason why FLUO exposure stressed the earthworms and affected their normal growth activities. The present study fills gaps in the literature regarding the soil bio-toxicity of strobilurin fungicides. It also sounds the alarm for the application of such fungicides even at the low concentration (0.1 mg kg−1).

Evidence of blind thrusting in the frontal part of the Central Himalaya and its significance for rupture evolution and size of a medieval earthquake

The central Himalaya has remained the prime focus for paleoseismic investigations to decipher the timing and extent of past great earthquakes. Several damaging earthquakes in the medieval period have been reported from the central Himalaya from historical data and paleoseismic studies, but their source and rupture extent remain debated. Results of paleoseismic investigation near longitude 84°E along the Himalayan frontal thrust in the Central Himalaya, south of the Chitwan intermontane valley, in northern Bihar, India are presented in this study. Trench excavated at the base of a frontal scarp near the Sofa temple in the Manguraha-Mahajogin Village reveals evidence for folding of the young sediment sequences in the interval between 600 and 1600 CE. We associate this folding with blind thrusts in the subsurface that may have been incremented in one or more earthquakes during this interval. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that other ruptures may be present in the area. It is not possible from our data to determine whether deformation at Sofa Temple site occurred in the 1100, 1255, 1344 or 1505 earthquakes. Therefore, we explore various scenarios that may have produced the deformation. It is possible that incremental fold growth occurred during all four earthquakes. But, in the most likely scenario, if the fold growth occurred in 1100 CE and was associated with rupture during that earthquake at other locations along the MFT, it would require an earthquake of magnitude ∼8.9 ± 0.2. While co-seismic offsets associated with the 1100 CE and 1255 CE event have been recorded at nearby trench locations, the lack of surface ruptures at the site of the present Sofa temple trench highlights on the need to investigate lateral heterogeneities in the Himalayan décollement that could lead to inconsistencies along the rupture plane.

A Case of Giant Dermoid Cyst at Sacrococcygeal in Adult at “X” Hospital in Bandung

Dermoid cysts are benign tumors that can be found anywhere in the body. There is no dermoid cysts clear data yet in Indonesia. In the spine, these tumors generally occur in the lumbar region and are often accompanied by congenital spinal dysrafism and/or dermal sinus passages. Dermoid cysts arise from abnormal growth of the ectodermal folds during pregnancy. Its incidence is 0.7 – 1.8% of all central nervous system tumors. The aim of reported this case is to highlight the role of a diagnostic and evaluate the surgical outcome. A 47 year old female patient with a lump in the sacrococcygeal area measuring 20 x 18 x 16 cm, with hard and soft consistency. MRI images show a hypo and hyperintense mass without spinal deformity. After the tumor was removed, the patient was allowed to go home for the 2nd day without complications. In conclusion, extraspinal dermoid cyst is a rare case that requires special diagnostic and surgical modalities to provide better clinical results.

Analyzing drainage basin orientation and its relationship to active fold growth (Handun anticline, Zagros, Iran)

Combinations of tectonic geomorphological criteria are frequently used to detect vertical and lateral growth of fold structures in tectonically active settings due to their low cost and relative ease of application. The purpose of this study is to analyze the morphometric properties of drainage basins developed into the flanks of a growing anticline to explore the active tectonic growth patterns of the fold. We target the Handun anticline in the Zagros Simply Folded Belt due to it being an actively growing fold structure with a high variability of drainage basin morphologies across different parts of the fold.57 drainage basins were characterized in terms of their orientation using a newly defined drainage basin orientation (DBO) index, in combination with a set of standard tectonic geomorphological metrics (drainage basin area [Ba], slope [S], asymmetry factor [AF], hypsometric integral [HI], basin shape [Bs], crescentness index [CI], sinuosity of the main drainage [Smd], drainage density [Dd], drainage density of 1st-order streams [Dd1], drainage frequency [Df] and sinuosity of anticline divide [Sad]). Indices were synthesized for spatial comparison between western, central and eastern zones of the growing fold.Results show that the DBO is strongly correlated with its CI, Smd, and Ba. In terms of spatial distribution, the central zone is characterized by higher values of DBO, Ba, S, CI, Smd, and Sad. These contrast with the western and eastern zones (fold plunge regions), which are characterized by higher values of Dd, Dd1, and Df. Of note is the southern limb of the anticline, which is characterized by larger drainage basins, and higher values of AF, CI, and Smd. This suggests higher lateral erosion on the southern fold flank. In contrast, drainage basins with steeper S, and greater DBO and elongation are found on the northern limb, suggesting dominance of vertical erosion. This contrasting south-north erosion pattern suggests that the northern fold flank is actively steepening, and presenting a more youthful topography, with lower and spatially focused erosion that is increasing with time. Overall, high values of the newly proposed DBO metric relate to the presence of a curved and/or an asymmetric forked drainage pattern, and also to the trend of faults and fractures across the fold. These structures are typically oriented oblique to the fold axis, with further modification into a semi-annular drainage pattern developed around a salt diapir.

The life-cycle and restoration of the human vocal fold.

To better understand the challenges of designing therapies to treat damaged vocal fold lamina propria, it is essential to understand the biophysical and pathophysiological mechanisms involved in vocal fold development, maintenance, injury, and aging. This review critically analyses these points to try and direct future efforts and new strategies toward science-based solutions. MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and Wed of Science databases were used to identify relevant literature. A scoping review was performed following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews checklist. The layered arrangement of the vocal fold, develops during early childhood and is maintained during adulthood unless injury occurs. The stellate cells of the macular flava are likely to be important in this process. The capacity for vocal fold regeneration and growth is lost during adulthood and repair results in the deposition of fibrous tissue from resident fibroblasts. With advancing age, viscoelastic tissue declines, possibly due to cell senescence. Strategies aimed at replacing fibrous tissue within the vocal folds must either stimulate resident cells or implant new cells to secrete healthy extracellular protein. Injection of basic fibroblast growth factor is the most widely reported therapy that aims to achieve this. The pathways involved in vocal fold development, maintenance and aging are incompletely understood. Improved understanding has the potential to identify new treatment targets that could potentially overcome loss of vocal fold vibratory tissue.

Tectonic deformation and landscape evolution inducing mass rock creep driven landslides: the Loumar case-study (Zagros Fold and Thrust Belt, Iran)

Several landscape evolution models have been proposed so far to explain the dynamic feedback between Earth surface processes and tectonics in the Zagros Mountains. Nevertheless, the relationship among time-dependent rock mass deformations, landscape evolution rates, and tectonics in triggering large rock landslides is still poorly studied in this region and worldwide.To fill this gap, here we focus on the previously unknown Loumar landslide affecting the NE flank of the Gavar anticline (Zagros Mountains) through a multi-perspective methodology which includes SAR Interferometry, geomorphometry, linear temporal inversion of river profiles and field survey for independent OSL dating of geomorphic markers of landscape evolution.We estimated that at 93 +21/−16 ka the backlimb of the Gavar fault-propagation fold reached limit equilibrium conditions for the slope failure, caused by an acceleration in the fold growth. The growth of a minor fold also induced the abandonment of a meandering canyon and the river migration to a new narrow gorge. The fluvial downcutting kinetically released the limestone strata that started to deform through Mass Rock Creep (MRC). The MRC process accumulated inelastic strain until 5.52 ± 0.36 ka, when the slope evolved into a failure causing the partial occlusion of the valley and the generation of a pond.The obtained creep timespan of 104–105 years since the initiation of the MRC process is consistent with the typical lifespan of gravity-induced slope deformations in non-glaciated regions. For this reason, such an approach can be used for the reconstruction of slow deforming slope evolution to predict the hazard of slopes prone to massive rock slope failure, linking it to the MRC stages.

Interference of Small RNAs in Fusarium graminearum through FgGMTV1 Infection.

Small RNA (sRNA) plays a central role in RNA silencing in fungi. The genome of Fusarium graminearum gemytripvirus 1 (FgGMTV1) is comprised of three DNA segments: DNA-A, DNA-B, and DNA-C. DNA-A and DNA-B are associated with fungal growth and virulence reduction. To elucidate the role of RNA silencing during the interactions of fungi and viruses, the sRNA profiles of F. graminearum in association with FgGMTV1 were established, using an FgGMTV1-free library (S-S), a library for infection with the DNA-A and DNA-B segments (S-AB), and a library for infection with the DNA-A, DNA-B, and DNA-C segments (S-ABC). A large amount of virus-derived sRNA (vsiRNA) was detected in the S-AB and S-ABC libraries, accounting for 9.9% and 13.8% of the total sRNA, respectively, indicating that FgGMTV1 triggers host RNA silencing. The total numbers of sRNA reads differed among the three libraries, suggesting that FgGMTV1 infection interferes with host RNA silencing. In addition, the relative proportions of the different sRNA lengths were altered in the S-AB and S-ABC libraries. The genome distribution patterns of the mapping of vsiRNA to DNA-A and DNA-B in the S-AB and S-ABC libraries were also different. These results suggest the influence of DNA-C on host RNA silencing. Transcripts targeted by vsiRNAs were enriched in pathways that included flavin adenine dinucleotide binding, protein folding, and filamentous growth.

Research performance of the GCC countries: A comparative analysis of quantity and quality

Given the increased focus on scientific research in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, it is important to have a thorough bibliometric study about their research productivity and its progress over a long period of time. Using the world's largest bibliometric database (Scival/Scopus), we analyzed the research output of the GCC countries, from 1996 to 2020, in various disciplines. We considered raw metrics of quantity (number of articles) and quality (citations, citations/article, and Field-Weighted Citation Impact -FWCI), and then normalized them to population size, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD), and number of researchers. Over the past 25 years, the GCC countries have witnessed an increase in research productivity, with Saudi Arabia having the highest research output (ca. 38,000 articles for 2020) and Qatar having the highest fold growth (77.6-fold increase). The GCC countries had diverse research portfolios with varying growth over the years across almost all disciplines. When normalized to population size or GDP, growth rates were dampened for all GCC countries. The increased research output in the GCC was coupled with a high percentage of international collaborations and a reasonable increase in the quality of publications. While the research performance in the GCC countries has promisingly enhanced, it remains low compared to that of international countries (Switzerland, Singapore, and Canada) which have remarkable research productivity. Considering the GCC's economic standings and the potential for further growth, the GCC countries would need increased investment in scientific research and in human capital to be able to catch up with the highest international standards in research.

Ground Penetrating Radar of Neotectonic Folds and Faults in South-Central Australia: Evolution of the Shallow Geophysical Structure of Fault-Propagation Folds with Increasing Strain

Using ground penetrating radar (GPR) we investigate the near surface (~0–10 m depth) geophysical structure of neotectonic fault-propagation folds and thrust faults in south-central Australia in varying stages of fold and fault growth. Variations in neotectonic fold scarp heights are interpreted to reflect variations in accumulated slip on the underlying reverse faults. Fold scarps on the Nullarbor and Roe Plains are characterized by broad, asymmetric morphologies with vertical displacements of ~5 to ~40 m distributed over 1 to 2 km widths (~0.5 to ~4 m per 100 m). Within increasing scarp height there is an increase in the frequency and spatial density of strong reflector packages in the hanging wall that are attributed to material contrasts imposed by co-seismic fracturing and associated lithological and weathering variations. No evidence for discrete faulting is found at scarp heights up to 40 m (maximum relief of 4 m per 100 m). Where the principal slip zone of a fault ruptures to the surface, scarp morphologies are characterized by steep gradients (ca. 10 m per 100 m). Discrete faulting is imaged in GPR as structural lineaments, abrupt changes in the thickness of reflector packages with variations of amplitude, and/or hyperbolic diffraction packages indicative of the disturbance of reflector packages. Geophysical imaging of subtle changes in the shallow geological structure during growth of fault-propagation folds can be conducted using GPR informing the identification of locations for invasive investigations (e.g., trenching).

Fold formation in Kurdish Zagros (N Iraq)

Analysis of seismic sections and wells near the frontal folds of Iraqi Kurdistan (Low- and Highly folded zone) document the interplay of folds, faults and possible mechanisms of their generation.Serial sections from 3D seismic volume in the Low folded zone are interpreted based on calibration wells. Sections display fold evolution from low amplitude kinked monocline to high amplitude ramp folding. The fold continues towards the exposed Safeen anticline with a subvertical limb. These lowland sections can also be considered as the lateral growth segment of Safeen anticline.Three geoseismic sections through frontal folds were constructed with variable quality seismic and dips, formation tops from surface and from mountains wells. These sections show tight anticlines with thrust faults cutting to near surface on both limbs; remnant normal faults; a subvertical southern limb crossed by flat thrusts; and a Triassic ductile core.Sections suggest that this part of Zagros is built of two ‘rigid’ units: an upper, Mesozoic-Neogene and a lower, Paleozoic one, separated by a ductile detachment along the lower Triassic. The upper unit is prone to folding and faulting, the lower one to faulting. The detachment in-between comprises the Kurrachine C, lower Triassic Beduh and Mirga Mir formations, and potentially the top members of Permian Chia Zairi formation. Detachment is possibly dominated by evaporites. Our detachment is thicker than only Beduh-Mirga Mir detachment proposed by recent reconstructions of others.Folds are initiated as detachment folds above thickened parts of the Lower Triassic, then evolve into ramp folds. Ramp is formed by the merger of flat thrusts with pre-existing steep earlier normal faults that affect the Mesozoic section. Shear and drag beneath these ramps lead to steepening of the southern limb and to fault propagation. A basal flat thrust is the final element of this fault propagation stage. Underlying rigid Paleozoic can form imbricates that push the Triassic detachment upwards, creating passive folds. These Paleozoic imbricates dip to the south and not to the north, as suggested by reconstructions of others. Finally, strike slip shear documented at outcrops also contributes to the final fold form.Own and others' surface geological observations, indications from seismic and radiometric data suggest that fold generation started in Late Cretaceous, continued in the Paleogene in internal Highly folded zone. In our study area only Late Neogene fold growth can be documented, which is in harmony with 5–8 Ma uplift dates of others. Others’ geomorphologic work suggests fold lateral growth is a quick process. We propose that regional folds, such as Safeen anticline grow in distinct short periods separated by longer quiet intervals.

10Be dating of the Kuitun River terraces in the northern Chinese Tian Shan foreland: Insights into fluvial evolution and tectonic shortening pattern

Characterizing active deformation of a piedmont structure is particularly helpful for understanding the dynamics of deformation of its adjacent active orogenic belt. This work focuses on fluvial geomorphology of the Kuitun River, which flows northwards out of the high mountains and perpendicularly cuts the E-W-striking Dushanzi anticline, a structure of the outermost fold-and-thrust belt in the northern Chinese Tian Shan foreland. Four episodes of alluvial fan development (fans F1–F4, sequentially younger in abandonment age) were identified. Based on the fluvial geomorphological framework constructed by these four alluvial fans, six terraces (terraces T1–T6, sequentially increasing height above the riverbed) were then defined. The topographic analyses and 10Be dating of these alluvial landforms show that the Kuitun River originally flowed northwestwards before at least 80 ka. Subsequent rock uplift caused by fold growth could have resulted in an eastward deflection, after which the river began to flow northeastwards to construct fan F2. At ~67 ka, accumulation of fan F2 ended, and the Kuitun River deflected westwards to flow northwards and began to construct fan F3. The final stabilization of the Kuitun River channel occurred at ~13 ka due to intense river incision forced by climate change, when the river began to incise a 200-m deep canyon and form a flight of strath terraces flanking the valley. By using geomorphic surfaces as the references, the Late Pleistocene and Holocene shortening rates of the Dushanzi anticline were estimated to be 0.71 + 0.17/−0.16 mm/yr (over the past ~67 kyr) and 1.6 + 0.39/−0.37 mm/yr (over the past 13 kyr), respectively. When combined with the long-term shortening rate of ~0.44 mm/yr since initiation of fold growth, it is inferred that the Dushanzi anticline likely experienced an acceleration of deformation during the late Quaternary. With respect to the entire orogenic belt, both fluvial geomorphic records and GPS surveys indicate that most of N-S crustal shortening (likely >70%) across the Tian Shan has been absorbed in the piedmonts of the range, a typical active orogenic belt in the interior of Asia.