Deformation History Research Articles

Seismic Anisotropy Within the Subducting Northern Philippine Sea Plate, SW Japan, Using DONET Seafloor Observation Network

AbstractAnisotropy within subducted slabs carries important information about the deformation history of the slabs. Seismic waves propagating a long distance within a subducted slab can be utilized to invert for the slab anisotropy. The Dense Ocean Floor Network System (DONET) deployed near the Nankai trough are located in a suitable position to record seismic waves guided along the subducted northern Philippine Sea plate (nPSP). In this study, we perform the shear wave splitting analysis on local event data recorded by ocean bottom seismometers from DONET to measure the anisotropy within the subducting nPSP. The obtained fast axis is sub‐trench‐parallel with inferred strength of 1%–3% anisotropy, arising likely from the fossilized fabric formed during the seafloor spreading period and strengthened by trench‐parallel serpentinized hydrated faults. This result shows that the fossilized anisotropy of nPSP is preserved during the subduction.

Arc Crust Formation of Lesser Antilles Revealed by Crustal Xenoliths from Petit St. Vincent

Abstract The Lesser Antilles volcanic arc is known for its magmatic diversity and unusually abundant plutonic xenoliths. Xenoliths from Petit St. Vincent (Grenadines’ archipelago) are particularly interesting because of their textural and petrogenetic range. Here we combine petrographic observations, Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) analysis, major and trace element chemistry of xenoliths and lavas and geochemical and thermal modelling to explore the construction of arc crust beneath Petit St. Vincent. Petit St. Vincent xenoliths are dominated by calcic plagioclase, clinopyroxene and amphibole, and can be divided into two main categories, igneous and meta-igneous. Igneous xenoliths typically have cumulate textures; meta-igneous xenoliths range texturally from those that preserve vestiges of primary magmatic fabrics to intensely deformed varieties characterised by grain-size reduction and foliation development. Meta-igneous xenoliths also contain the most calcic plagioclase (An98–100). The presence of both meta-igneous and igneous xenoliths provides evidence for reworking of older arc crust and antecedent igneous intrusions. The latter have a protolith composition similar to high-MgO, low-Sr picrites and high-Ca, high-Sr ankaramites from the neighbouring islands of Petite Martinique and Grenada. The meta-igneous xenoliths derive from older, mafic arc crust present at the onset of subduction. Trace element chemistry and EBSD analyses of meta-igneous xenoliths are consistent with a complex history of re-melting and deformation mediated by chlorine-bearing H2O rich fluids (including melts). Thermal modelling supports crustal reworking through repeated magma intrusions and indicates that the observed thermal structure and thickness of crust beneath Petit St. Vincent could have developed on a timescale of approximately 4 million years at rates compatible with the regional arc magma flux. Based on evidence from thermodynamic models and exhumed ancient arc crust sections, Collins et al. (Nature Geoscience, 13, 331–338, 2020) have proposed that water-fluxed melting may be an important aspect of deep arc crust sections world-wide. Textures and mineralogy of xenoliths from Petit St. Vincent, including their characteristic high-An plagioclase, testify to such a process beneath an active, intra-oceanic arc.

Metamorphism of the Korvatundra Structure of the Lapland–Kola Orogen (Arctic Zone of the Fennoscandian Shield)

AbstractWe study the P–T conditions and age of metamorphic evolution of the rocks that make up the Korvatundra structure in the northeast of the Fennoscandian Shield. The rocks underwent progressive metamorphism of the amphibolite facies at 625–660 ºC and 8.7–8.8 kbar 1945 ± 34 Ma (Sm–Nd data). The pegmatite cutting the metamorphic paragenesis that formed at this stage has an age of 1917 ± 6 Ma (zircon U–Pb data). Metamorphic transformations after 1917 Ma are manifested locally as discrete zones of blastomylonites in the rocks of the northern part and some inner sites of the Korvatundra structure. Both local increases and decreases in temperature and pressure are possible in these zones. The formation of light titanite with an age of 1863 ± 44 Ma marks the next stage of shear strain. Low-temperature alterations (chloritization and silicification) took place in the zones of final deformations 1722 ± 5 Ma (Rb–Sr data). Beginning from 1.94 Ga, the general deformational and metamorphic history of the Korvatundra structure, Lapland Granulite Belt, and Tana Belt confirms the assumption of the formation of a single inverted metamorphic zoning within the Korvatundra structure and the overlying Lapland–Kolvitsa Collision Belt in the Paleoproterozoic. The obtained data supplement the idea of the Paleoproterozoic geodynamic evolution of the Lapland–Kola orogen.

Multi-technique geodetic detection of onshore and offshore subsidence along the Upper Adriatic Sea coasts

• InSAR-GNSS-Levelling data cross-validation procedure. • Unprecedented 20-years window estimation of onshore deformation along the Upper Adriatic Sea coastal areas. • Cross-validated deformation detected at an offshore platform for hydrocarbon extraction activity. We assess about 20 years of onshore and offshore subsidence along a sector of the Upper Adriatic Sea (Italy) coastal areas affected by natural soil compaction and intense anthropogenic activities such as aquifers exploitation and hydrocarbons extraction. Our approach is based on the synergistic use of independent remote sensing and in-situ geodetic data to detect and spatially characterise the deformation pattern by cross-validating the different available measurements. We collect extensive datasets from i) SAR images provided by Envisat, Cosmo-SkyMed and Sentinel-1 missions, ii) GNSS measurements from continuous stations managed by public institutions, local authorities and private companies and iii) Leveling surveys. The cross-validation analysis shows good agreement among all the independent datasets, thus providing a reliable assessment of the ongoing deformation. We detect an onshore and offshore subsidence peak of about −1/-1.5 cm/yr in the proximity of the coastline, close to Lido di Dante and Fiumi Uniti villages, and at the present offshore platform. The outcomes highlight how the integration of different remote sensing and in situ geodetic techniques is successful to retrieve deformation history in time and space in complex areas, where different natural and anthropogenic sources concur to the overall deformation pattern. Moreover, such approach provides a robust support to modelling studies for hazard assessment in both inland and shoreline areas.

Deformation Control of Subway Stations under the Influence of the Construction of Deep and Large Foundation Pits with Composite Support Systems

The excavation depth of a deep and large foundation pit of a composite support system is 25.5 m, the minimum clear distance from the main structure of the station is 10.6 m and the closest distance to the entrance and exit structure is only 3.6 m. Relying on this project, numerical simulation, field monitoring and other methods are used to study the deformation law of the self-supporting system, the ground settlement and the subway station under construction. Then, the influence of different support parameters on the deformation of the subway station and track is analyzed, and the internal relationship between the deformation value of the station and track and the support parameters is further discussed. The main work and achievements are as follows: (1) Through field measurement and analysis, the deformation history of the station and track in the excavation is studied. The obtained results show that the interbracing + pile–anchor composite support structure has better control over the deformation of adjacent stations and tracks. Comparing the simulated value of station and track deformation with the measured data, it is concluded that the simulated and measured deformation trends remain consistent, and the maximum deformation value corresponds to the middle position of the foundation pit. This confirms the rationality and reliability of the composite support system model. (2) The analysis of the influence of different support parameters on the maximum deformation value of the subway station and track shows that the deformation of the station and track is less affected by the pile diameter of the retaining pile and the size of the interbracing section. It is greatly affected by the embedding depth of the retaining pile and the number of support channels. It is suggested that the optimal parameters should be a pile diameter of 1.0 m, embedding depth of 8 m, four interbracings and an interbracing section of 1.0 m × 1.0 m.

Geologic map of southern Panamint Valley, southern Panamint Range, and central Slate Range, California, USA

Abstract This detailed geologic map and supplemental digital data set1 examine and demonstrate the complex deformational history and reactivation relationships of the southern Panamint Valley area (California, USA), from active transtension of the Walker Lane belt, Miocene extension of the Basin and Range, multiple Mesozoic events related to subduction, and Neoproterozoic extension. This collection of map data focuses on the geometry, kinematics, and relative timing of deformation to understand the deformation history and effects of structural reactivation. Andrew and Walker (2009) used these geologic mapping data to palinspastically restore the Fish Canyon area of the Slate Range to overlapping the western Panamint Range at Goler Wash. Neogene extension and subsequent dextral transtension has created a complex network of faults via partial reactivation of Mesozoic and Neoproterozoic structures and has separated the Slate Range from the Panamint Range. The Neogene fault system changes from south to north from dextral strike-slip along the southern Panamint Valley fault to oblique normal slip along the Emigrant fault at a triple junction with the sinistral-oblique normal Manly Pass fault. The Mesozoic deformation history is different in the two ranges across Panamint Valley. The Slate Range was the hanging wall to Jurassic and Cretaceous contractional deformation; this same deformation in the Panamint Range to the east was localized along the western range flank with the majority of the Panamint Range thus being in the footwall to Mesozoic contraction. The western Panamint Range preserves migmatitic fabrics and deformation due to Jurassic contraction and plutonism. The Goldbug fault, along the western Panamint Range, places Paleoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic rocks over Neoproterozoic to Cretaceous rocks. Jurassic contraction has top-to-the-northeast relative transport and the more discrete Cretaceous thrust faulting in the Panamint Range has top-to-the-east transport. The Butte Valley fault, previously recognized farther north of the map area in the Panamint Range, cuts Late Jurassic rocks and structures. Neoproterozoic to Cambrian sedimentary rocks with top-to-the-northeast contractional deformation occur as relative down-dropped block exposed east of the Butte Valley fault. The Butte Valley fault continues southward and is then deflected by Late Cretaceous thrust faulting on the Goldbug fault. Neoproterozoic deformation is more difficult to discern but is hypothesized to relate to abundant olistostromes mapped within the Kingston Peak Formation in the Panamint Range (i.e., Prave, 1999). This detailed geologic mapping and collection of structural data for the rocks in the southern Panamint Valley area were created using digital in-the-field geographic information systems software running on a field-hardened laptop computer. This map is a simplification of detailed geologic mapping data collected at 1:6000 scales and reduced to 1:20000 scale. Structural data includes kinematic and relative timing of deformation information.

Geologic map of central Panamint Range, California, USA

This detailed geologic map and supplemental digital data set1 examine and demonstrate the complex deformational history and reactivation relationships of the Panamint Range (California, USA), from active transtension of the Walker Lane belt, Miocene extension of the Basin and Range, to multiple Mesozoic events related to subduction, and Neoproterozoic extension. This collection of map data focuses on the geometry, kinematics, and relative timing of deformation to understand the deformation history and effects of structural reactivation. A minor portion of this geologic mapping data was presented in the analysis and figures of Andrew and Walker (2009). The Neogene extension and subsequent dextral transtension deformation has created a complex network of faults via partial reactivation of Mesozoic and Neoproterozoic structures. Structural data show oblique normal slip overprinting earlier normal slip along the western range flank fault of the western Panamint Range. Jurassic and Cretaceous deformation is localized along the western range on the Goldbug fault. The hanging wall of this fault preserves migmatitic fabrics and intense deformation due to Jurassic contraction. The Goldbug fault places Paleoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic rocks over Neoproterozoic rocks. The Jurassic contraction has top-to-the-northeast relative transport and the more discrete Cretaceous thrust faulting has top-to-the-east transport. A set of Late Cretaceous plutonic rocks and mylonitic gneisses derived from them, occur along the Goldbug fault and demonstrate the reactivated nature of this fault in the Late Cretaceous. New data for the Butte Valley fault show that this fault cuts Late Jurassic plutonic rocks and has normal slip. The Butte Valley fault ends northward at the linked sinistral slip Warm Spring Canyon fault, which was previously interpreted to be an intrusive contact. A previously unrecognized rim syncline structure occurs along the boundary of the Late Jurassic Manly Peak quartz monzonite. Neoproterozoic deformation is difficult to discern due to the overprinting deformations. Numerous Neoproterozoic deformation-related mass wasting deposits can be seen within this formation, including a set of conspicuous allochthonous deposits and clasts of older Beck Spring Dolomite that appear to be frozen in the process of breaking away from intact, normal thickness beds in the Surprise–Happy Canyons divide. This detailed geologic mapping and collection of structural data for the rocks in the central Panamint Range were created using digital in-the-field geographic information systems software running on a field-hardened laptop computer combined with an earlier set of field data that were digitized into the digital georeferenced database. This map is a simplification of detailed geologic mapping data collected at 1:2000–1:6000 scales and reduced to 1:20000 scale. Structural data include kinematic and relative timing of deformation information.

Geologic map of Slate Range Crossing area, California, USA

This detailed geologic map and supplemental digital data set1 examine and demonstrate the complex Neogene–Quaternary deformation in the Slate Range Crossing area (California, USA) of the active dextral transtension of the Death Valley region and Walker Lane belt. This map integrates the late Cenozoic structures and geologic units with the Mesozoic geologic units and deformation as a data set to examine the controls on reactivation of older structures. These geologic data were collected to study pre-, syn-, and post-kinematic rocks to examine the deformation history of the area and to find palinspastic markers to examine the late Cenozoic fault displacement and displacement history across Panamint Valley to the east, as reported in Andrew and Walker (2009). The study focused on defining the Miocene and Pliocene rocks and deposits and examining lateral changes and depositional sources of clasts. There are two different volcanic-sedimentary sequences in this area. A Miocene section contains mafic to felsic volcanic units, numerous debris-flow to laharic deposits, and several associated conglomerates and breccias containing exotic clasts. The exotic clasts are matched to rocks in the Panamint Range on the east side of Panamint Valley as reported in Andrew and Walker (2009) as displacement vectors for palinspastic reconstructions. These Miocene strata ubiquitously dip eastward 20–40º. A younger volcanic-sedimentary sequence contains relatively thin mafic lava flows and associated locally derived, coarse-grained mass wasting deposits. These younger basaltic lavas generally have gentle dipping lava flow features and foliation. Numerous faults cut the different age deposits allowing a chronology of Neogene to Quaternary faulting; additionally, there are numerous fabrics associated with Jurassic contraction and Cretaceous(?) dextral shear. The area near Slate Range Crossing has a conspicuous zone of earthquake foci; this study found that some of this seismic activity coincides with a zone of southwest-striking, moderately dipping to the north, sinistral-oblique normal faults, which cut across the northernmost Slate Range. These faults form a structural boundary between the Argus and Slate Ranges and link the fault networks in Panamint Valley with those in Searles Valley. This mapping and structural data demonstrate the two-stage Neogene fault history of the Walker Lane belt deformation in this area and show that regional tilting of rocks occurred after ca. 13 Ma and before ca. 4 Ma; this eastward down-tilting appears to be a discrete event and may mark the change from extension to transtension. This detailed geologic mapping and collection of structural data for the rocks in the eastern Argus and northern Slate Ranges and Panamint Valley were created using digital in-the-field geographic information systems software running on a field-hardened laptop computer. This map is a simplification of detailed geologic mapping data collected at 1:6000 scale and reduced to 1:20000 scale. Structural data includes kinematic and relative timing of deformation information.

The development of the eastern Orpheus rift basin, offshore eastern Canada: A case study of the interplay between rift-related faulting and salt deposition and flow

The salt-rich Orpheus rift basin, part of the eastern North American (ENAM) rift system, formed during the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic prior to opening of the Atlantic Ocean. Using a dense grid of 2D seismic-reflection lines, data from nearby wells, and information from adjacent ENAM rift basins, we have established a tectonostratigraphic framework, identified key structural elements, and reconstructed the deformation history for the eastern part of the basin. Our work shows that a series of E-striking, S-dipping faults with normal separation bound the basin on the north. Deformation within the basin is complex with forced folds above deep-seated intrabasin faults, detachment folds, detached thrust faults, and salt diapirs. The synrift evaporite sequence consists of an older massive salt unit that underlies a younger unit with two distinct interfingering facies. Facies A, consisting of salt and interbedded sedimentary rocks (likely shales), developed near the border-fault system and its relay ramps. Facies B, consisting of massive salt with few interbedded sedimentary rocks, developed toward the basin center. The youngest synrift unit accumulated exclusively within minibasins near the northern border-fault system. Based on location, this youngest synrift unit likely consists of coarse-grained and poorly sorted alluvial-fan or talus-slope deposits shed from the footwall. All synrift units are intruded by igneous sheets likely associated with the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province and, thus, are mostly Late Triassic in age (or possibly older). The border-fault system profoundly affected deposition within the eastern Orpheus rift basin by providing pathways for clastic sediment input into the salt-rich basin. These depositional patterns subsequently influenced deformation associated with lateral salt flow during minibasin formation. In regions with interbedded salt, detachment folds and thrust faults developed, whereas salt walls and stocks developed in regions with more massive salt.

Response and mechanism of a tunnel subjected to combined fault rupture deformation and subsequent seismic excitation

In this study, sophisticated numerical methods and constitutive models were used to study the effect of combined fault rupture deformation and subsequent seismic excitation on a tunnel. The weakening of the rock-tunnel interface under relative dislocation and degradation of the concrete material in the tunnel liner were considered. The deformation response and failure mechanism of the tunnel subjected to combined fault rupture deformation and subsequent seismic excitation were investigated. The time histories of the relative deformation, the plastic strain, and the tensile strain of the tunnel were studied. The performance of the “joint” design was numerically verified, followed by a detailed parametric study that aimed to provide deep insight into the design factors of the technique of “flexible jointing”. The influences of some important factors were investigated, such as the range of the joints, length of the segments, and length of joint.

On the shear modulus and thermal effects during structural relaxation of a model metallic glass: Correlation and thermal decoupling

Pd40Ni40P20 (at.%) samples with different enthalpy states were fabricated through high-pressure torsion or sub-Tg annealing of the as-cast material. Subsequently, the underlying structural relaxation was studied by in-situ shear modulus measurements and modulated differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that high-pressure torsion leads to shear modulus softening and an increase of the nonreversible exothermic enthalpy, indicating a significant structural rejuvenation, while sub-Tg annealing causes shear modulus hardening and a decrease of the nonreversible exothermic enthalpy. The reversible endothermic effect which can reflect the fractional change of supercooled liquid with temperature was found to be almost identical for all samples, and independent of deformation or thermal history. The total heat flow can be well correlated with the shear modulus within the framework of interstitialcy theory. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the structural relaxation below Tg decouples into internal stress relaxation and β-relaxation. In addition, this work indicates that the processes of α-relaxation and β-relaxation in the metallic glass are of similar structural origin but occur on different spatial scales.

Deformation, thermochronology and tectonic significance of the crustal-scale Cubatão Shear Zone, Ribeira Belt, Brazil

Crustal-scale shear zones are key structures in orogenic belts linked to the assembly of West Gondwana. The Cubatão Shear Zone (CSZ) represents a significant segment of a crustal-scale transcurrent shear zone system that cuts Paleoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic units in the Ribeira Belt (SE Brazil). Despite its tectonic importance, the relationship between transcurrent deformation and orogenesis is still controversial. This work aims to understand this relationship by integrating the transcurrent deformation history of the CSZ with regional orogenic processes through structural analyses, phase-equilibria modelling, and zircon and apatite U-Pb-REE analyses. The results indicate that the CSZ developed within a transpressional setting with a dominant subhorizontal stretching lineation at medium-temperature conditions of 460–520 °C and 4.5–9.5 kbar, consistent with quartz recrystallisation microstructures indicative of subgrain rotation recrystallisation. Igneous-type apatite from the mylonites of the CSZ record ages of ca. 610–570 Ma, which are interpreted as reset ages due to ductile deformation at medium-temperature conditions. Zircon U-Pb geochronology indicates that mylonites are sourced from the Juquiá Granite and the Atuba Complex. The CSZ activity is coeval with the main period of activity of other ductile shear zones from the Ribeira Belt, as indicated by available geochronological data. This age interval coincides with the main period of other regional shear zones activity, voluminous granitic magmatism, regional metamorphism and convergence of the cratons surrounding the Ribeira Belt, indicating active participation of the transcurrent shear zones in the orogenic processes that built up West Gondwana.

Kinematics and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology of the Lincang-Inthanon tectonic belt: Implication for Cenozoic tectonic extrusion of SE Asia

Abstract The Lincang-Inthanon tectonic belt is a major tectonic boundary within the southeastern Tibetan Plateau and Indo-China Peninsula, which are typical examples of tectonic extrusion in SE Asia. The Lincang strain zone, Lancang-Gengma fault, and Inthanon metamorphic complex make up this nearly N–S-striking tectonic belt, which separates the Baoshan–Shan Thai and Simao-Indochina terranes. New petrographic, structural, and mica 40Ar/39Ar geochronological studies were conducted to reveal their deformation styles and constrain the timing of their tectonic evolution. W–E-directed compression related to the subduction of the Paleotethyan Ocean with subsequent continental collision and sinistral ductile shearing in the early Oligocene are recorded along the Lincang strain zone. The Lancang-Gengma fault zone switched from sinistral shearing to dextral motion in the late Cenozoic and shows a deformation history similar to that of the parallel Red River fault. The Inthanon metamorphic complex may have experienced crustal shortening in the early Cenozoic, followed by sinistral transtension in the early Miocene. The Lincang-Inthanon tectonic belt shows many lithological, tectonic evolutionary, and metamorphic similarities with the Gaoligong, Chongshan, and Ailaoshan–Red River shear zones. Therefore, the sinistral shearing along the Lincang-Inthanon tectonic belt and the Chongshan shear zone in the north, which may have initiated since the early Oligocene, played an important role in adjusting differential extrusion and rotation of the Baoshan–Shan Thai and Simao-Indochina terranes. Our results delineate the regional tectonic framework and provide insights into the characteristics and geodynamics of intracontinental deformation in the eastern India-Eurasia oblique convergence zone.

Structural Setting of the Sixtymile Gold District, Yukon, Canada: Insights into Regional Deformation and Mineralization from Field Mapping and 3D Magnetic Inversion

The Sixtymile gold district, Yukon, Canada has been mined for placer gold since the late 19th century. However, increasing demand for gold has prompted exploration of new lode deposits. Previous studies in the nearby Klondike gold district have shown correlation between placer deposits and bedrock occurrences. Poor bedrock exposure and a complex deformation history, however, make it difficult to determine structural controls on gold mineralization. Through structural analysis involving mesoscopic-scale field observations of fractures, faults, foliation, and folds, and 3D geophysical inversion, the goal of this study was to determine the structural setting of the Sixtymile district to enhance discovery success. Structural measurements in the Glacier Creek, Miller Creek, Bedrock Creek, and Sixtymile River areas show the relationships among the orientations of foliation, fractures, and veins. In most localities, veins are found both parallel and at high angles to foliation, and there is generally a weaker correlation between fractures and veins compared to between foliation and veins. This correlation between foliation and veins is corroborated by inferred gold-bearing horizons from gold assay data. Outcrops of oblique reverse and strike-slip faults, possibly related to a larger-scale thrust-zone, and to the left-lateral Sixtymile-Pika Fault, respectively, were documented for the first time in this study. The results of the 3D probabilistic inversion of total magnetic intensity data for magnetic susceptibility show that magnetic susceptibility highs are preferentially associated with volcanics, but also point to possible intrusive bodies or hydrothermal alteration zones associated with mineralization. A geologic cross-section through the lithologies demonstrates highly variable deformation styles, including extensive folding, possibly indicative of a multiphase deformational history necessitating further, more detailed investigations of the area.

Hanging-wall deformation at the active Sierra Palomera extensional fault (Jiloca basin, Spain) from structural, morphotectonic, geophysical and trench study

The NNW-SSE trending Sierra Palomera fault is characterized as an active, nearly pure extensional fault with mean transport direction towards N230°E, consistent with the ENE-WSW extension trajectories of the recent to present-day regional stress field. Its macrostructure is described from surface geology and magnetometric and electromagnetic surveys, which have allowed identifying two subsidiary, nearly parallel normal faults (antithetic and synthetic, respectively). The structural contour map of an extensive planation surface, dated to 3.8 Ma, provides a maximum fault throw s.s. of 330 m for the main fault (480 m including bending), and a net slip rate of 0.09–0.10 mm/a (0.13–0.15 mm/a including bending). Trench study focussed on the subsidiary antithetic fault shows evidence of its activity during Middle-Late Pleistocene times, offsetting ca. 2.5 m the slope of a well-preserved alluvial fan. Detailed analysis and retrodeformation of the antithetic fault and other minor ruptures in the trench has allowed defining seven deformation events. The lack of a consistent age model for the involved sedimentary sequence makes them almost meaningless in terms of paleoseismic history. However, geometry and sequential development of meso-scale faults (intermediate between seismic-scale and analogue models) allows unravelling the extensional deformation history within the hanging-wall block of the Sierra Palomera fault. Progressive rupture patterns reveal shifting from dominantly synthetic to dominantly antithetic faulting, suggesting both kinematical control linked to rollover growth, and dynamical control by the regional stress field.

Reconstructing the southern Pelagonian domain in the Aegean Sea: Insights from U-Pb detrital zircon analysis, lithostratigraphic and structural study, and zircon (U-Th)/He thermochronology on Amorgos Island (SE Cyclades, Greece)

In the Attic-Cycladic Crystalline Complex (Aegean Sea, Greece), following early syn-convergence exhumation processes, the extensional tectonics resulted in the extreme denudation of the upper plate, preserved today in a few places. The Cycladic Blueschist Unit (CBU) and the underlying Cycladic Basement and the Basal Units have been exhumed in the footwall of detachment systems, juxtaposed against the Pelagonian-derived hanging wall fragments. Traditional views accept that Amorgos Unit occupies a structurally lower position, correlated to the Basal Unit. This study presents lithostratigraphic and structural data, integrated with detrital zircon MDA, provenance analyses, and (U-Th)/He ages, showing a new investigation of the paleogeographic and structural position of Amorgos in the Cycladic archipelago.The low-grade metamorphosed Amorgos Unit presents a tripartite lithostratigraphy: a basal metaconglomerate, a middle carbonate sequence with shallow-water to pelagic facies, and an Eocene (meta)flysch. An HP/LT metabasite huge block is incorporated within the metaconglomerate either by gravitational movements as an isolated olistolith or tectonic processes as a slice during the early deformation stage. Detrital zircon U-Pb analysis on the meta-siliciclastic deposits revealed that the basal metaconglomerate shows a dominant Ediacaran input with Mid-Permian and Precambrian MDAs for the matrix and the high-grade clasts, respectively. The metaflysch shows Paleozoic affinity (e.g., mainly Pelagonian-sourced) and Triassic-Jurassic MDAs. The deformation history of Amorgos includes an early-stage top-to-NW thrusting in the retro-wedge setting of the Late Eocene–Oligocene subduction zone and a late-stage top-to-SE extensional low- and high-angle normal faulting. Zircon (U-Th)/He ages reveal an Early–Mid Miocene (18–14 Ma) exhumation below ∼ 200 °C. Similarities on lithostratigraphy, structural inventory, exhumation history, and structural position of Amorgos Unit with the Santorini Detachment System Pelagonian hanging wall imply their close spatial relationship. From all the above, we propose that Amorgos belongs to the upper plate of the CBU and is paleogeographically located at the southern Pelagonian margin.

Deep learning based phase transformation model for the prediction of microstructure and mechanical properties of hot-stamped parts

Hot stamping of boron steel is an effective way for weight reduction of automobiles parts, but suffers from the loss of mechanical properties due to incomplete martensitic transformation. Different from general heat treatment, phase transformation in hot stamping relates to both thermal loading path and deformation history. Unfortunately, the existing models have difficulty in capturing the history-dependent phase transformation behavior of boron steel under hot stamping conditions. In the present work, the gated recurrent unit (GRU) are combined with fully connected neural network (FCNN) to capture the coupling effect of both nonlinear strain history and thermal loading path on phase transformation. A unified deep-learning based phase transformation (DLPT) model is developed to integrate both diffusive and diffusionless transformation to cover all feasible thermo-mechanical loading path in hot stamping process. A hybrid driven thermo-mechanical-metallurgical (TMM) framework is developed by integrating the DLPT model into general TMM framework, which providing a novel approach for two-scale simulation of hot stamping process. A comprehensive database of phase transformation is constructed for model training based on well-designed thermo-mechanical loading experiments to cover hot stamping conditions, and the optimal topology of neural network in DLPT model is obtained by training on this database. The accuracy and reliability of DLPT model is systematically demonstrated by dieless hot V-bending and hot stamping of T-shaped parts besides CCT and DCCT tests. The net effect of local plastic strain on subsequent phase transformation is clarified with accuracy by dieless V-bending with the removal of disturbing factors. Non-uniform distribution in hardness of the final hot stamped parts can be predicted with the DLPT model successfully, which is better in accuracy than in case of working with the conventional model.

The Early Cretaceous Zaduo Granite, Eastern Qiangtang Terrane (China)—An Attempt to Constrain its Paleolatitude and Tectonic Implications

The Eastern Qiangtang Terrane is an orogenic-like belt around the Eastern Himalayan syntaxis (EHS). The deformation history of this terrane must be known to understand how the EHS region responded to the Lhasa-Qiangtang collision and the closure of the Bangong-Nujiang Ocean (BNO). Here, we present a new paleomagnetic investigation on an Early Cretaceous granite (∼126 Ma) in the Zaduo area, Eastern Qiangtang Terrane. Petrographic observations reflect crystallization from primary melts with only limited subsequent alteration (chloritization of biotite). Magnetite appears to be the dominant carrier of the characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) based on stepwise demagnetization of the natural remanent magnetization, supplemented by detailed rock magnetic measurements, including magnetization versus temperature, and acquisition curves of the isothermal and anhysteretic remanent magnetization. End-member modeling of those acquisition curves helped to constrain the paleomagnetic analysis. The inconsistent demagnetization behavior between alternating field (AF) demagnetization at high levels and thermal demagnetization was attributed to the development of gyroremanent magnetization in the AF demagnetization generated by fine-grained single domain magnetite. The ChRM directions from 92 granite samples in geographic coordinates yield an average of declination (Dg) of 2.6° and inclination (Ig) of 38.6° (precision parameter k = 51.4, and 95% confidence cone α95 = 2.1°). The amount of tilting of the granite is poorly constrained which makes proper correction rather tedious. We compared the expected bedding attitudes (Strikeexp = 43.1°, Dipexp = 46.1°) derived from published data (Huang et al., 1992;Tong et al., 2015) with the average observed bedding attitudes (Strikeobs = 54°, Dipobs = 32°) of the Middle-Upper Jurassic sandstones of the Yanshiping Group that was intruded by the Early Cretaceous granite. The discrepancy between the expected and measured bedding attitudes implies that the strata of the Yanshiping Group in the Zaduo area were already tilted prior to the intrusion of the ∼126 Ma Zaduo granite, which was attributed to the Lhasa-Qiangtang collision and the closure of the BNO. The collision led to a series of geological events, such as the tilting of the strata, the ophiolite emplacement, the development of a peripheral foreland basin, and the magmatic activity gap. The tilting/folding of the strata was generally delayed by the layer parallel shortening processes during the early stages of the deformation, thus suggesting an older Lhasa-Qiangtang collision (i.e., >126 Ma).

Strain Partitioning along Terrane Bounding and Intraterrane Shear Zones: Constraints from a Long-Lived Transpressional System in West Gondwana (Ribeira Belt, Brazil)

Abstract Shear zones are zones of localized high strain accommodating differential motion in the lithosphere and impacting the crustal rheology and deformational history of orogenic belts. Although terrane bounding shear zones are widely studied, intraterrane shear zones and their tectonic significance, especially in association with supercontinent assembly, is a largely unexplored topic. The Ribeira Belt (SE Brazil), a Neoproterozoic-Cambrian orogenic belt from West Gondwana, is dissected by a crustal-scale NE-trending transcurrent shear zone system that juxtaposes composite terranes. Despite its extensive coverage and complexity, this shear zone system remains poorly investigated. In this paper, we explore the thermal and deformational regimes, and timing of ductile shearing using a multiscale approach combining structural analysis derived from remote sensing and field-based structural data, microstructures, quantitative structural analysis, and multimineral U–Pb geochronology (zircon, titanite, monazite, and xenotime). Our data, combined with previously published data, indicate a transitional northeastward increase in metamorphic conditions from lower greenschist to granulite facies conditions (from 250–300 to 750–800°C), reflecting the different crustal levels that are exposed. Vorticity and finite strain data indicate a complex strain regime with varied contributions of pure and simple shear and oblate-shape ellipsoids in strike-slip shear zones and prolate-shaped ellipsoids in dip-slip reverse shear zones. The strain set suggests that all shear zones were developed under subsimple shear deformational regimes involving thrusting and folding followed by wrench tectonics. The pure shear component of deformation was accommodated in folded domains between shear zones. Geochronological data suggest intermittent ductile shear zone activations from ca. 900–830 to 530 Ma, partially coeval with at least two major episodes of terrane accretion at 850–760 Ma and 610–585 Ma. The spatial and temporal record of shear zones within the Ribeira Belt indicates that some relate to assembly of the belt and represent either terrane bounding structures (e.g., Itapirapuã shear zone) or intraterrane structures (e.g., Ribeira, Figueira, and Agudos Grandes shear zones), whereas others are terrane bounding, postcollisional shear zones (e.g., Taxaquara shear zone) reactivated in an intracontinental setting (560–535 Ma).

Complete deformation history of the transition zone between oblique and orthogonal collision belts of the SE Tibetan Plateau: Crustal shortening and rotation caused by the indentation of India into Eurasia

The successive indentation of India into Eurasia generated the orthogonal collisional E–W Himalaya–Tibet and the oblique collisional N–S SE Tibetan Plateau along the frontal and eastern edges of the indenter, respectively. An understanding of the complete crustal deformation history of both regions is needed to reconstruct the processes involved in this indentation. Geological mapping and structural analysis of the transitional zone between these collisional belts reveal two stages of structures with different geometries. The earlier of these stages involves structures with an unusual structural association consisting of en échelon aligned overturned dome-and-thrust pairs within a background of open folding, most likely representing the early development of a fold-and-thrust system. The later structures consist of an association of N–S-trending thrust-and-tear-faults and open folds. Combining stratigraphic data from this region with the results of previous research indicates that the earlier structures formed at 60−48 Ma, whereas the later structures formed between the early Miocene and ca. 5 Ma. This information combined with geological and paleomagnetic data for the region allows reconstruction of the complete crustal deformation history of the oblique collisional belt, which consists of early and late stages of crustal shortening separated by a middle stage involving the ∼80° clockwise rotation of the crust. The spatiotemporally variable crustal deformation of the oblique collision belt combined with the long-lived N–S crustal shortening of the orthogonal belt outline a consistent tectonic scenario within a single geodynamic system that enables the reconstruction of the indentation of India into Eurasia.