High P-wave Velocity Research Articles

Seismic Imaging of the Arctic Subsea Permafrost Using a Least-Squares Reverse Time Migration Method

High-resolution seismic imaging allows for the better interpretation of subsurface geological structures. In this study, we employ least-squares reverse time migration (LSRTM) as a seismic imaging method to delineate the subsurface geological structures from the field dataset for understanding the status of Arctic subsea permafrost structures, which is pertinent to global warming issues. The subsea permafrost structures in the Arctic continental shelf, located just below the seafloor at a shallow water depth, have an abnormally high P-wave velocity. These structural conditions create internal multiples and noise in seismic data, making it challenging to perform seismic imaging and construct a seismic P-wave velocity model using conventional methods. LSRTM offers a promising approach by addressing these challenges through linearized inverse problems, aiming to achieve high-resolution, subsurface imaging by optimizing the misfit between the predicted and the observed seismic data. Synthetic experiments, encompassing various subsea permafrost structures and seismic survey configurations, were conducted to investigate the feasibility of LSRTM for imaging the Arctic subsea permafrost from the acquired seismic field dataset, and the possibility of the seismic imaging of the subsea permafrost was confirmed through these synthetic numerical experiments. Furthermore, we applied the LSRTM method to the seismic data acquired in the Canadian Beaufort Sea (CBS) and generated a seismic image depicting the subsea permafrost structures in the Arctic region.

Magmatic underplating, plumbing system, and carbon-enhanced electrical conductivity in the Paraná Magmatic Province

The origin of large igneous provinces (LIPs) is still an enigma but likely involves magma storage and pathways spread throughout the crust, requiring indirect methods for its study. Here, we present 3-D resistivity models derived from the inversion of broadband (∼0.0001–3000 s) magnetotelluric data with 9–13 km lateral spacing in the central Paraná Magmatic Province, an expressive Early Cretaceous LIP in South America. Our results map in greater detail the previously interpreted LIP magma conduit and support, in contrast with seismological models, significant magmatic underplating to explain the observed conductivity near the LIP central axis. The potential axial lava feeder appears as a pair of crustal conductors (5–15 km; >0.1 S/m) parallel to the region of maximum thickness of both pre-volcanic sedimentary rocks and erupted tholeiitic basalts along an extension of at least 800 km. We propose the high conductivity is due to graphite films of precipitated carbon during the ascension of carbon-bearing fluids released by crystallizing magmas underplated at the base of the crust. The association of high conductivity with underplating is supported by high Vp/Vs ratios close to the conductive lineament, by a lower-crustal zone of high P-wave velocities at the basin axis attributed to mafic intrusions, and by a residual gravity high interpreted as gabbros underplated/intruded in the lower crust. Moreover, the conductive lineament is spatially associated with intracrustal high densities inferred from geoid inversion and upper-crustal high P-wave velocities. Early CO2 release during crystallization of underplated magma before eruption could explain the time gap between the Weissert ocean anoxic event and the volcanism. Our study advances in the controversial topic of magmatic intrusive components in the Paraná LIP with implications for LIP generation and paleo-climate studies.

The structure of the mantle transition zone and its implications for mantle upwelling beneath the central Tibetan plateau from triplicated P-waveforms modeling

The Tibetan plateau is considered as an ideal place for studying the continental collisions, tectonic movements and regional geodynamics. Although multiple episodes of igneous activities in Tibetan plateau have been suggested derived from mantle upwelling, their origins and corresponding geodynamic models remain vigorously debate. This study presents a high-resolution upper mantle velocity model of P-wave and its lateral variation beneath the central Tibetan plateau based on triplicated waveform modeling. The results show that, compared with IASP91 model, the 660-km discontinuity is deepened approximately 17–28 km from the Qiangtang terrane to the Beishan block. The lower mantle transition zone (MTZ) is characterized by high P-wave velocity anomalies (HVA) in range of 0.3%–0.9%. We infer that they are mainly related to the hydrous materials with low temperature in the lower MTZ. Besides, the depression of the 410-km discontinuity is about 6–15 km. A remarkable low velocity layer (LVL) is detected atop the 410-km discontinuity, exhibiting the thickness of 31–40 km and low P-wave velocity anomaly of −2.5% to −1.6%. This is against completely temperature-dominated origin of the LVL, and suggests that the material composition has also contributes. Additionally, we propose a new geodynamic model to demonstrate the asthenospheric upwelling beneath the Qiangtang and Songpan-Ganzi terranes, which suggests that the passively ascending water-enriched materials from the lower MTZ and their dehydration are responsible for the observed LVL atop the 410-km discontinuity, as well as the origin of the Cenozoic magmatic intrusion and volcanic eruption of the northern Tibet volcano in Pleistocene.

Petrophysical properties and their influencing factors of carbonates in the fourth member of Sinian Dengying Formation, Sichuan Basin, SW China

Based on the measurements of petrological, petrophysical and elastic properties of the samples of different sedimentary facies in the fourth member of Sinian Dengying Formation (Deng 4 Member) in the Sichuan Basin, the diagenetic processes of reservoirs of different sedimentary facies and their controls on the petrophysical properties were discussed. The results show that cracks and mineral composition jointly control the petrophysical properties, and both are significantly influenced by sedimentary environment and diagenesis. The microbial dolomite of mound-shoal facies mainly experienced multi-stage dolomitization, penecontemporaneous dissolution, tectonic rupture and hydrothermal/organic acid dissolution processes, giving rise to cracks and dissolved pores. The grannular dolomite of inter-mound-shoal bottomland or dolomitic lagoon facies mainly underwent mechanical compaction, burial dolomitization and tectonic-hydrothermal action, creating cracks and intercrystalline pores. The diagenesis related to crack development increases the pressure- and saturation-dependent effects of samples, leading to significant decrease in the compressional wave impedance and Poisson’s ratio. Dolomitization changes the properties of mineral particles, resulting in a Poisson’s ratio close to dolomite. The muddy, siliceous and calcareous sediments in the low-energy environment lead to the decrease of impedance and the differential change of Poisson’s ratio (significantly increased or decreased). The samples with both cracks and dissolved pores show high P-wave velocity dispersion characteristics, and the P-wave velocity dispersion of samples with only fractures or pores is the lowest.

Coring tools have an effect on lithification and physical properties of marine carbonate sediments

Abstract. The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) JOIDES Resolution Science Operator typically uses an advanced piston corer (APC) in soft ooze and sediments and an extended core barrel (XCB) in firm sediments. The coring tool exchange typically occurs around the same depth in adjacent holes of the same site. However, during IODP Expedition 356, the coring tool switch occurred at different depths: IODP Sites U1463 and U1464 are marked by a stratigraphic interval (> 25 m thick) that was XCB cored in one hole and APC cored in other holes. Shipboard scientists remarked that APC-cored sediments were unlithified or partially lithified, while XCB-cored sediments were fully lithified. This difference in sedimentological description of the same formation seems to be an effect of coring technique. To provide further insight, we assessed the physical properties (bulk density, porosity, and P-wave velocity), downhole wireline logging data, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, and micro-computed tomography (µCT) scans of those intervals. We find systematic differences between the different coring techniques. XCB cores are characterized by systematically lower bulk density, higher porosity, and higher P-wave velocity than APC cores. Downhole logging data suggest that the original P-wave velocity of the formation is better preserved in XCB cores, despite the typical “biscuit-and-gravy” core disturbance (i.e. well-preserved core fragments surrounded by squelched core material). In conjunction with SEM and µCT images, we conclude that the APC tool destroyed early lithification by breaking cements between individual grains. Moreover, µCT images reveal denser packing and smaller pore volumes in the APC cores. These sedimentary changes likely occur when the APC pressure wave passes through the sediment. The destruction of grain-to-grain cements provides an explanation for the significantly lower P-wave velocities in APC cores. Interestingly, the gravy sections in XCB drilled cores mimic the destruction of early lithification and reduction of pore volume. We conclude that APC remains the tool of choice for recovering soft sediments, especially for paleoclimate purposes. However, for the study of lithification, XCB biscuits provide a more representative image of the formation. For the study of early diagenesis, further studies are required to ascertain the preservation of key sedimentary features using existing and new drilling tools.

Mapping bedrock topography: a seismic refraction survey and landscape analysis in the Laramie Range, Wyoming

Physical, chemical, and biological processes create and maintain the critical zone (CZ). In weathered and crystalline rocks, these processes occur over 10–100 s of meters and transform bedrock into soil. The CZ provides pore space and flow paths for groundwater, supplies nutrients for ecosystems, and provides the foundation for life. Vegetation in the aboveground CZ depends on these components and actively mediates Earth system processes like evapotranspiration, nutrient and water cycling, and hill slope erosion. Therefore, the vertical and lateral extent of the CZ can provide insight into the important chemical and physical processes that link life on the surface with geology 10–100 s meters below. In this study, we present 3.9 km of seismic refraction data in a weathered and crystalline granite in the Laramie Range, Wyoming. The refraction data were collected to investigate two ridges with clear contrasts in vegetation and slope. Given the large contrasts in slope, aspect, and vegetation cover, we expected large differences in CZ structure. However, our results suggest no significant differences in large-scale (>10 s of m) CZ structure as a function of slope or aspect. Our data appears to suggest a relationship between LiDAR-derived canopy height and depth to fractured bedrock where the tallest trees are located over regions with the shallowest depth to fractured bedrock. After separating our data by the presence or lack of vegetation, higher P-wave velocities under vegetation is likely a result of higher saturation.

Mechanical Characteristics and Permeability Characteristics of Dry-Hot Rock Mass.

As a rock mass with shallow burial, high temperature, and large-scale development, the study of its mechanical and seepage characteristics plays an important role in the efficient development of geothermal energy. With the development of geothermal energy in China, a breakthrough has been made in the exploration of dry-hot rocks, and the realization of efficient development of dry-hot rocks has become the focus of attention. Systematic research on rock mechanics and seepage characteristics of dry-hot rocks has become a key research topic. Granite is the most typical dry-hot rock. In this paper, granite in the Qinghai area is selected as the research object, and experiments on physical characteristics, mechanical parameters, and seepage characteristics of granite are carried out to study the effects of different depths and temperatures on mechanical parameters and seepage characteristics of granite. The results show that the physical parameters of granite in Qinghai do not change obviously with the increase of depth, and granite has the characteristics of low water absorption and low porosity. At the same time, the parameters of water absorption and porosity at different depths are close, and the dispersion is small, so the rocks are very dense. The rocks have relatively high P-wave velocity and low S-wave velocity, and the elastic wave velocity changes little at different depths. With the increase of confining pressure, the strength of granite rock increases. Under different confining pressures, the rock shows brittle failure characteristics after the peak stress. According to Hoek-Brown and Mohr-Coulomb strength curves, the strength value is 173.52 MPa. After high temperature treatment, a complex fracture network is formed in the granite. With the increase of temperature, the permeability and porosity of the granite increase continuously, and 500°C is the temperature threshold. When the temperature is lower than 300°C and the stress is less than 30 MPa, the granite has negative Poisson's ratio, and the permeability and effective stress of dry-hot rocks are piecewise linear functions. The research results provide theoretical guidance for fracturing of dry-hot rocks and exploitation of geothermal energy.

Geophysical evidence for lithospheric scale asymmetry and inherited mantle in the SE Brazilian-Angola and Newfoundland-Iberia rifted margins

Rift systems in the central South Atlantic and the southern Northern Atlantic margins exhibit anomalous wide ocean-continent transitions, extreme thinning of the continental crust, and scarce volcanism indicative of low magmatic budgets during rifting and breakup, characteristic of magma-poor rifted margins. While numerous studies investigated the crustal architecture at these magma-poor rifted margins, the nature of the underlying mantle lithosphere remains virtually unknown. In this work, we have interpreted seismic tomography and electromagnetic data with the aim of comparing large-scale aspects and mantle geophysical anomalies at these conjugate rifted margins. The data exhibits low electrical conductivity and high P-wave velocity in the mantle underlying the Iberia and the Angolan margins, while the Newfoundland and SE-Brazil margins show a lack of high-velocity mantle and exhibit higher electrical conductivity. The P-wave tomography values at middle lithospheric depths are suggestive of an oceanward lateral continuity of rigid lithospheric mantle at both the Iberian and Angola margins that may correspond to an anomalous mantle. Rifting-induced delamination at the onset of Atlantic opening is supported by previous geochemical studies. In addition, low electrical conductivity areas may indicate dry mantle conditions, which can be caused by inherited subcontinental mantle, and/or pre-to syn-rift magmatic extraction. A lack of high-velocity and high electrical conductivity in the mantle under the Newfoundland and Santos-Campos margins suggest a relatively weaker and newly formed mantle, in agreement with the removing and/or initial absence of a strong middle-to-lower inherited lithosphere beneath those margins. Therefore, the geophysical observations support different types of the nature of the middle mantle lithospheres flooring the two conjugate, magma-poor rifted margins.

Insights into the relationship between the Red Sea rift-related structures and the seismo-volcanic activity in Harrat Lunayyir, Saudi Arabia: A seismic tomography study

Harrat Lunayyir is one of the youngest Cenozoic volcanic fields in western Saudi Arabia, which in 2009 experienced a seismic swarm of about 34,000 events with a maximum magnitude of M5.4. Many studies debated about the relationship of a depicted shallow-level magma intrusion with the Red Sea rifting and the channelized northward flow from the Afar mantle plume. In this study, a detailed seismic tomography inversion for the P- and S-wave velocities, and the Poisson’s ratio structures beneath Harrat Lunayyir and the adjacent Red Sea offshore area is presented. The tomographic images showed evidence of magma intrusions beneath the Lunayyir Swarm Area (LSA) characterized by low P- and S-wave velocity and high Poisson’s ratio anomalies down to 21 km depth. These anomalies are in juxtaposition with some high-velocity anomalies attributed to remnants of solidified magma intrusions relevant to previous episodes of volcanicity. Beneath the Red Sea, the lithospheric mantle structure is clearly observed as a high P-wave velocity high-Poisson’s ratio anomaly at a depth of 20–40 km. Traces of high-Vp anomalies with anomalous Poisson’s ratio are observed in the area between the Red Sea and the LSA suggesting that a channel of hot lithospheric mantle material may link the Red Sea rift structure with the LSA. We suggest that the Red Sea drifting and its related processes in the Zabargad Shear Zone might have significantly contributed to the early formation of the Lunayyir volcanic field and could possibly have in an impact on any magmatic activity in the future.

The structure of sedimentary basins of Antarctica and a new three-layer sediment model

We use geophysical data together with a recent subglacial bedrock map (BEDMACHINE model) to obtain and investigate a new three-layer sediment model for Antarctica that locally improves the global sediment model. We provide a combined, continuous, sediment model for Antarctica and surrounding oceans by joining such improved continental sedimentary model with an existing global one (GlobSed). Our results reveal large differences between sedimentary basins for Antarctica due to their age and origin. The maximum thickness of sediments is reached under Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf and off the Weddell Sea coast (10–12 km); further offshore, towards the ocean, the thickness of sediments drops to 4–5 km. We divide the sediment cover into three layers to distinguish material with different velocities. The lower sediment layer (deeper than 7 km) with high P-wave velocities (4.0–4.9 km/s) is found only for Lambert Rift and Filchner-Ronne basin. The middle layer (2–7 km) has large variations for different sedimentary basins: 3.5–3.7 km/s for Lambert Basin; 4.0–4.3 km/s for Ross, Byrd and Bentley basins; 3.3–4.0 km/s for Filchner-Ronne Basin. The upper sediment layer (0–2 km) has large velocity variations, from 2.0 km/s for Ross and Lambert basins (young sediments) to 4.7 km/s for Dronning Maud Land basins. We suggest that P-wave velocities larger than 4 km/s represent old, compacted sediments which belong to the Beacon Supergroup; about 3 km/s refer to Mesozoic (rifted?) sediments; and less than 3 km/s relate to young Cenozoic sediments. According to this criterion, Dronning Maud Land, Bentley and Byrd basins belong to the Beacon Supergroup, while more complex and thicker Ross, Lambert and Filchner-Ronne basins contain sediments from Beacon Supergroup in the middle or lower layer, respectively. Other sedimentary basins with more moderate velocities possibly belong to the East Antarctic Rift System which formed later during Gondwana breakup.

Distribution of oceanic crust in the Enderby Basin offshore East Antarctica

SUMMARY Seismic reflection and refraction data were collected in 2007 and 2012 to reveal the crustal fabric on a single long composite profile offshore Prydz Bay, East Antarctica. A P-wave velocity model provides insights on the crustal fabric, and a gravity-constrained density model is used to describe the crustal and mantle structure. The models show that a 230-km-wide continent–ocean transition separates stretched continental from oceanic crust along our profile. While the oceanic crust close to the continent–ocean boundary is just 3.5–5 km thick, its thickness increases northwards towards the Southern Kerguelen Plateau to 12 km. This change is accompanied by thickening of a lower crustal layer with high P-wave velocities of up to 7.5 km s–1, marking intrusive rocks emplaced beneath the mid-ocean ridge under increasing influence of the Kerguelen plume. Joint interpretations of our crustal model, seismic reflection data and magnetic data sets constrain the age and extent of oceanic crust in the research area. Oceanic crust is shown to continue to around 160 km farther south than has been interpreted in previous data, with profound implications for plate kinematic models of the region. Finally, by combining our findings with a regional magnetic data compilation and regional seismic reflection data we propose a larger extent of oceanic crust in the Enderby Basin than previously known.

Characrerization Of Arba Minch University General Hospital, Construction Site, Using Seismic Refraction Method In Arba Minch Town Of Southern Ehiopia

Geophysical investigation using seismic refraction method was conducted for engineering characterization of the foundation conditions of Arba Minch University General Hospital, Construction Site located in Arba Minch town, Sothern Ethiopia. The principal objective of the research was studying the suitability of the foundation earth materials underlying the site, where hospital is established. The seven refraction seismic spreads, seismic velocity models interpretation have provided valuable geotechnical information incorporated with available geologic information in the study area. Interpretation of geophysical data revealed that the subsurface geology of the area is composed of three layers. The topsoil consisted of clay, silt and sand mixtures having a 1-4 m thickness and 255-510 m/s p-wave velocity ranges are mapped over the whole area. The second layer attributed to the highly weathered and fractured vesicular basalt is characterized by 948-1802 m/s P-wave velocity range and revealed somewhat undulating morphology. The depth extent of this layer varies from about 10m on the North West end and southeastern parts and to about 27m around the central part. The third layer occurred in the depth range of 10-27m is characterized by greater than 2550m/s average high p-wave velocity and it is due to moderately weathered and fractured basaltic bedrock, which is deeper near to the center of the profiles and gets shallower towards North West end and southeastern portions. Besides, analyses of collected data have suggested the possible locations of minor structural discontinuities (maybe local fractures).The geophysical results show that the bedrock is found at shallow depth in the northwestern end and southeastern part of the study area, whereas in the central part of the survey area the bedrock is found relatively at high depth. Therefore, setting the building foundation is more recommended in the southeastern part of the construction site.

Investigations of Coal-Rock Parting-Coal Structure (CRCS) Slip and Instability by Excavation

Slip and instability of coal-rock parting-coal structure (CRCS) subjected to excavation disturbance can easily induce coal-rock dynamic phenomena in deep coal mines. In this paper, the failure characteristics and influencing factors of CRCS slip and instability were investigated by theoretical analysis, numerical simulations, and field observations. The following main results are addressed: (1) the slip and instability of CRCS induced by excavation are due to stress release, and the damage of the rock parting is partitioned into three parts: shear failure zone, slipping zone, and splitting failure zone from inside to outside with slip; (2) the slip and instability process of CRCS is accompanied by initiation, expansion, and intersection of shear and tensile cracks. The development of the cracks is dominated by shear behaviour, while the tensile crack is the main factor affecting fracture and instability of CRCS; and (3) slip and instability of CRCS are characterized by stick-slip first and then stable slip, accompanied with high P-wave velocity and rockburst danger coefficient based on microseismic tomography.

Lithological, petrophysical, and seal properties of mass-transport complexes, northern Gulf of Mexico

Mass transport complexes (MTCs) are one of the most sedimentologically and seismically distinctive depositional elements in deep-water depositional systems. Seismic reflection data provide spectacular images of their structure, size, and distribution, although a lack of borehole data means there is limited direct calibration between MTC lithology and petrophysical expression, or knowledge of how they may act as hydrocarbon reservoir seals. In this study, we evaluate the lithological and petrophysical properties, and seismic characteristics of three deeply-buried (>2300 m/7546 ft below the seabed), Pleistocene MTCs in the northern Gulf of Mexico. We show that: (i) MTC lithology is highly variable, comprising a mudstone-rich debrite matrix containing large (4.5 km3/1.08 mi3), deformed, sandstone-rich blocks; (ii) MTCs are generally acoustically faster and are more resistive than lithologically similar (i.e. mudstone-dominated) slope deposits occurring at a similar burial depth; (iii) MTC velocity and resistivity increase with depth, likely reflecting an overall downward increase in the degree of compaction; and (iv) the lowermost 15-30 m (49-98 ft) of the MTCs, which represent the basal shear zones, are characterised by relatively high P-wave velocity and resistivity values, likely due to shear-induced over-compaction. We conclude that detailed analysis of petrophysical data, in particular velocity and resistivity logs, may allow recognition of MTCs in the absence of high-quality seismic reflection data, including explicit identification of the basal shear zone. Furthermore, the relatively thick basal shear zone, rather than the overlying and substantially thicker MTC itself, may form the primary permeability barrier and thus seal for underlying hydrocarbon accumulations.

Rock probes and seismic methods to constrain the structure, composition and evolution of the deep crust beneath North China Block

<p indent="0mm">Deep continental crust archives critical information on the bulk crustal composition as well as its formation. It is commonly the inherent zone for complex crust-mantle interaction. Unlike the shallow crust, the deep crust is generally inaccessible for direct geological sampling. Instead, knowledge of the deep crust can be obtained from a combination study of geophysical techniques and “lithoprobe” (deep crustal fragments entrained in magmatic outcrops). Wide-angle reflection/refraction seismic profiles have the highest resolution on crustal velocity structure and provide information on the averaged present-day nature of large deep crust domains; “lithoprobe”, instead, give detailed information of locality-specific deep crustal sections through determining the physical and chemical properties, dating the formation and alteration ages and constraining the melting and equilibration depths of the xenoliths. Here, the two methodologies are integrated to constrain the crustal structure on the North China Block. The seismic crustal structure model of the block is compiled from all available seismic wide-angle reflection/refraction profiles and receiver function results. The model parameters include Moho depth, <italic>V</italic>p velocity and thicknesses for four crustal layers (sedimentary cover, and the upper, middle and lower crust). The crust as a whole is thin (&lt; <sc>36 km)</sc> in the eastern part relative to the western part <sc>(38−44 km).</sc> In addition, the crust is shown to have a thick upper and middle crust and a relatively thin (typically <sc>&lt;5 km)</sc> lower mafic crust; no spatial variations in average crustal <italic>V</italic>p velocity and densities are observed. The average crustal <italic>V</italic>p and density for the whole North China Block are <sc>6.33−6.37 km/s</sc> and <sc>2.72−2.78 g/cm³,</sc> respectively. The overall absence of high P-wave velocity layer and the relatively low average <italic>V</italic>p and density indicate that the block has an intermediate to felsic bulk crustal composition. In contrast, regional crustal xenoliths include mafic to felsic granulites and amphibolites and rare eclogite xenoliths (e.g., Xinyang and Xuhuai), indicating the presence of thick lower crust (e.g., <sc>&gt;45 km)</sc> at that time. Meanwhile, mafic xenoliths in Hannuoba and Nüshan show strong mafic underplating at the lower crust in the Meso-Cenozoic while no high-velocity layer is shown in the seismic crustal model. These inconsistences can be explained by the fact that the two methodologies tap the crustal information at different timeslices and dimensions and be complementary to understand the chemical and physical structure of the deep crust. Therefore, the combination study of petrological and geochemical of the crustal xenoliths and geophysical observations can provide essential information on making and destroying the deep continental crust through time.

An Awakening Magmatic System beneath the Udina Volcanic Complex (Kamchatka): Evidence from Seismic Unrest of 2017–2019

Abstract —The Udina volcanic complex located in the southeastern part of the Klyuchevskoy group of volcanoes in Kamchatka remained dormant for several thousand years, but the magmatic system beneath the area may be awakening judging by seismic unrest. Seismicity in the area is characterized by data from permanent regional seismic stations and campaign local stations, as well as by data of the Kamchatka earthquake catalog. Seismic activity having nucleated at shallow depths in the vicinities of the Udina volcanoes since October 2017 may reflect a beginning cycle of volcanism. The earthquakes are mainly long-period (LP) 0.5–5 Hz events, which are commonly attributed to the movement of viscous magma and resonance phenomena in magma conduits. Such earthquakes may be a response to inputs of new magma batches to the plumbing system that feeds the volcanoes and thus may be precursors of volcanic unrest. Seismic campaigns of May–July 2018 near the Udina complex provided more rigorous constraints on earthquake coordinates and origin depths and showed that most of the earthquakes originated within 5 km beneath the Bolshaya Udina Volcano. Seismic tomographic inversion using the LOTOS code revealed a zone of high P-wave velocities, low S-wave velocities, and a high vP/vS ratio directly beneath the volcano. Such a combination of parameters typically occurs in active volcanic areas and marks intrusion of partially molten magma and/or liquid fluids. The velocity anomaly detected in 2018 is shallower than that recovered in 2014–2015. The seismic evidence, along with the available geological and geophysical data, record the movement of viscous magma related to the Udina feeding system in the middle crust, which is implicit proof for connection between the intermediate crustal and deep mantle magma sources renewed after a long lull.

Middle-crust accumulation of hornblendite and pyroxenes from slab- and mantle wedge-derived magmas and recharge of high-18O felsic magma collectively generated the Hadanxun arc magmas, northern East Junggar

Secondary-ion mass spectrometric U-Pb age and δ18O and laser-ablation multi-collector ICP-MS εHf (t) of zircons, mineral chemistry and whole-rock geochemistry and Nd-Sr isotopes of the Hadanxun intrusive complexes and Bieli'atun pluton, northern East Junggar were analyzed in this study. The Hadanxun intrusive complexes were intruded during Carboniferous (324.8–323.1 Ma) and Early Permian (290.0–281.3 Ma). The Carboniferous intrusive complex varies from diorite (with entrained block of hornblendite cumulate), monzodiorite through quartz monzonite/monzonite to monzogranite. The Early-Permian intrusive rocks include gabbro/dioritic rock, quartz monzonite/monzonite with anorthosite, entrained block of feldspathic pyroxenite and alkali-feldspar granite. The Carboniferous intrusive rocks exhibit decreasing MgO, TFe2O3, TiO2, CaO, Sr and V with increasing SiO2. Their rare earth element (REE) distribution patterns are concave-up and steeply-dipping with decreasing Dy/Yb and primitive-mantle normalized NbN/TaN. These characteristics can be modeled with two stage fractional crystallization early of hornblendite and late of feldspar-dominated minerals. These rocks all plot within adakite field in the Sr/Y vs. Y diagram, suggesting derivation from subducting oceanic-slab.The Early-Permian intrusive rocks with pronounced Nb, Ta and Ti negative anomalies and depleted isotopic compositions manifest arc affinity with derivation from slab fluid-metasomatized mantle wedge. The feldspathic pyroxenites exhibit negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 0.57–0.78), flat HREE distribution pattern with relative enrichment of HREE, significant negative Sr, P anomalies and REE = 157.8–186.7 ppm and Zr = 97.9–177. Just the opposite, the anorthosite and quartz monzonite/monzonite manifest remarkable positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 1.27–1.47), steep REE distribution pattern with depleted HREE, positive Sr, P anomalies and REE = 167–189.8 and Zr = 92.9–141. The complementarity of the two categories of rock with high REE and Zr suggests that they have equilibrated via a crustal melt-buffered liquid. In the quartz monzonite/monzonite, extensive K-, Na-metasomatism of plagioclase and metasomatism of hornblende into biotite suggest mixing of K-, Na- and Si-rich felsic magma into Al-, Ca-rich magma. Quantitative modeling can reproduce the complementarity of the two categories of rock with alkali-feldspar granite as Stage 2 residual melt. Underplating coupled with interaction of high-18O fluid caused hydrogen metasomatism and partial melting of juvenile lower-crust generating K-, Na- and Si-rich felsic magma. The latter was replenished to magma plumbing system and drove the preceding magma to ascend together. Meanwhile, the felsic magma mixed with pyroxene crystal mush in the upper stream and Al-, Ca-rich derivative magma in the down stream. This eventually formed lower cumulate beneath upper cumulate at emplacement, i.e. feldspathic pyroxenite (cumulus pyroxenes cemented by mesoperthite) beneath quartz monzonite/monzonite plus anorthosite of the Hadanxun main pluton. Al-in-hornblende barometry and two-pyroxene thermobarometry reveal that hornblendite (population 1 hornblendes: 26–22 km depth; population 2: 20–18 km) and pyroxenite (23–16 km) cumulates constitute high P-wave velocity body (27 to 15 km depth) in the middle crust of northern East Junggar, whereas fragment of hornblendite and symplectitic pyroxenes (18–8 km) record decompression when they were brought through magma plumbing system. The Hadanxun intrusive rocks including mixed product i.e. quartz monzonite/monzonite exhibit clustered εNd (t) (6.2–6.6) and (87Sr/86Sr)i (0.7037–0.7040) that are much more depleted than the Armantai ophiolite and Chinese-Altay continental-crustal materials. This precludes Early-Paleozoic oceanic crust and continental-crustal materials from Chinese Altay as source rock. The K-, Na- and Si-rich felsic melt was derived from newly-underplated material.Three post-Carboniferous intrusions (weighted mean zircon δ18O = 6.96‰–7.65‰) that are controlled by Kalaxiangeer fault system (F3, F4) record significant δ18O increase over Carboniferous intrusions (3.64‰–6.42‰) that are away from F3 and F4. However, both of them exhibit rather depleted Nd-Sr-Hf isotopic compositions. This does not reveal significant compositional change in the lower-crustal source rock during Early Permian that would have occurred if the northern East Junggar arc terrain had collided with the Chinese-Altay continental-margin. Rather, the latter two were joined by strike-slip such that high-18O fluid from the Chinese Altay could migrate to the northeastern East Junggar. Incorporation of the fluid or fluid-interacted crustal material increased δ18O of the post-Carboniferous intrusions.

Seismic constraints on a remnant Mesozoic forearc basin in the northeastern South China Sea

The northeastern of the South China Sea (SCS) has undergone tectonic inversion from a Mesozoic convergent continental margin to a Cenozoic divergent continental margin. The remnant subduction-related structures, such as volcanic arc and forearc basin, likely preserve key clues to reveal the dynamic mechanism of this tectonic inversion. We applied ocean bottom seismometers (OBS) data, combining with multi-channel seismic data, gravity data, drilling data, and petrologic observations, to reveal geophysical and structural features of the Dongsha Basin, a Mesozoic basin in the northeastern SCS. The Mesozoic strata are characterized by large thickness (~1–8 km), relatively high P-wave velocities (3.5–5.5 km/s), high densities (2.55–2.65 g/cm3), alternating folds, and thrust faults, which are significantly different from the features of Cenozoic strata. The Dongsha Basin is flanked by a Mesozoic granitic arc to the northwest and an inferred Palaeo-Pacific subduction zone to the southeast, indicating that it is geographically located in the Mesozoic forearc region. Considering the similar Mesozoic strata detected in the southern margin of the SCS and the contemporaneous accretionary complex outcrops observed in the Palawan Continental Terrane, we propose that the Mesozoic strata in these two regions originated from a common Mesozoic forearc basin, which was broken by the forearc rifting and subsequently separated by the spreading of Cenozoic SCS. Accordingly, a continuous Palaeo-Pacific subduction system is reconstructed, including the “arc-forearc-accretionary wedge” tectonic sequences. Reviewing the mechanisms of forearc rifting globally and the retreat of volcanic arcs onshore South China, we speculate that rollback of the Palaeo-Pacific subduction slab might be one of the causes for the forearc rifting and the initial extension of the SCS.

Updated Antarctic crustal model

We use seismic data together with a subglacial bedrock relief from the BEDMAP2 database to obtain a new three-layer model of the consolidated (crystalline) crust of Antarctica that locally improves the global seismic crustal model CRUST1.0. We collect suitable data for constructing crustal layers, analyse them and build maps of the crustal layer thickness and seismic velocities. We use the subglacial relief according to a tectonic configuration and then interpolate data using a statistical kriging method. The P-wave velocity information from old seismic profiles have been supplemented with the new shear-wave velocity models. We adjust the thickness of crustal layers by multiplying a total crustal thickness by a percentage ratio of each individual layer at each point. Our results reveal large variations in seismic velocities between different crustal blocks forming Antarctica. The most pronounced differences exist between East and West Antarctica. In East Antarctica, a high P-wave velocity (vP > 7 km/s) layer in the lower crust is absent. The P-wave velocity in the lower crust changes from 6.1 km/s beneath the Lambert Rift to 6.9 km/s beneath the Wilkes Basin. In West Antarctica, a thick mafic lower crust is characterized by large P-wave velocities, ranging from 7.0 km/s under the Ross Sea to 7.3 km/s under the Byrd Basin. In contrast, velocities in the lower crust beneath the Transantarctic and Ellsworth-Whitmore Mountains are ~6.8 km/s. The P-wave velocities in the upper crust in East Antarctica are within the range 5.5–6.4 km/s. The upper crust of West Antarctica is characterized by the P-wave velocities of 5.6–6.3 km/s. The P-wave velocities in the middle crust vary within 5.9–6.6 km/s in East Antarctica and within 6.3–6.5 km/s in West Antarctica. A low-velocity layer (5.8–5.9 km/s) is detected at depth of ~20–25 km beneath the Princes Elizabeth Land.

An integrated approach for identification of seawater intrusion in coastal region: A case study of northwestern Saudi Arabia

Seawater intrusion of the northwestern Saudi Arabia, has been investigated through integrated geophysical techniques of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), seismic refraction tomography (SRT), and time-domain electromagnetic (TDEM). These geophysical measurements were conducted along three parallel NW-SE profiles. Then, processed and interpreted with geotechnical data of four boreholes drilled in the studied area. The results indicate the presence of seawater intrusion at shallow depths between 4 and 10 m below the ground level. These results reveal three layers, which are used here to identify the seawater invasion zone in the study area. 1) The topmost layer with moderate resistivity (14–40 Ω.m) and low P-wave velocity (less than 1000 m/s) indicates a man-made fill and extends down to 5 m depth. 2) The second layer with low resistivity (3–14 Ω.m) corresponding to partially saturated fractured sandstone with P-wave velocity varies between 1000 and 2500 m/s. It is 5-m thick, filled with silty sand and gravel, and contains saline water. 3) The third layer with extremely low resistivity (less than 1 Ω.m) and high P-wave velocity (greater than 2500 m/s) and composed of hard, massive, slightly weathered sandstone. This third layer represents an invaded zone that is highly saturated with seawater. These subsurface characteristics were correlated well with the identified lithological variations obtained from the boreholes.