Late Pliocene Quaternary Research Articles

Workshop report: PlioWest – drilling Pliocene lakes in western North America

Abstract. The Pliocene Epoch is a focus of scientific interest as a period of sustained global warmth, with reconstructed CO2 concentrations and a continent configuration similar to modern. Numerous studies suggest that the Pliocene was warmer and largely wetter than today, at least in the subtropics, which contrasts with the long-term hydroclimatic response of drying conditions predicted by most climate model simulations. Two key features of Pliocene warmth established from sea surface temperature reconstructions could affect dynamic changes that influence the hydrologic cycle: (1) a weaker Pliocene zonal gradient in sea surface temperature (SST) between the western and eastern equatorial Pacific resembling El Niño-like conditions and (2) polar-amplified Pliocene warmth, supporting a weaker Equator-to-pole temperature gradient. The distribution of wet conditions in western North America and the timing of late Pliocene–Quaternary aridification offer the potential to evaluate the relative roles of these two external forcings of the climate in western North America, with broader global implications for Mediterranean-type climate (MTC) regions. We convened a virtual ICDP workshop that spanned a 2-week period in September 2021, to choose optimal drill sites and legacy cores to address the overall scientific goals, flesh out research questions, and discuss how best to answer them. A total of 56 participants from 12 countries (17 time zones), representing a wide range of disciplines, came together virtually for a series of plenary and working group sessions. We have chosen to study five basins (Butte Valley, Tule Lake, Lake Idaho, Searles Lake, and Verde Valley) that span 7 ∘ of latitude to test our hypotheses and to reconstruct the evolution of western North American hydroclimate with special focus on the time ranges of 4.5–3.5 and 3–2.5 Myr. Although individual Pliocene lake records occur in many areas of the world, the western North American basins are unique and globally significant as deep perennial freshwater Pliocene lakes latitudinally arrayed in a MTC region and are able to capture a response to Pacific forcing. We propose new drill cores from three of these basins. During the workshop, we discussed the stratigraphy and subsurface structure of each basin and revised the chronological frameworks and the basin-to-basin correlations. We also identified the best-suited proxies for hydroclimate reconstructions for each particular basin and put forward a multi-technique strategy for depth–age modeling. Reconstructions based on data from these sites will complement the SST reconstructions from global sites spanning the last 4.5 Ma and elucidate the large-scale hydrological cycle controls associated with both global warming and cooling.

Long-term throw rates and landscape response to tectonic activity of the Tunka Fault (Baikal Rift) based on morphometry

Determining the fault displacement rates and the sequence of formation of intra-rift structures are essential aspects in the study of the evolution of intracontinental rifts. To better understand the development of the Tunka system of basins (Baikal Rift) and the influence of tectonics on landscape evolution, we conducted a morphometric analysis of the Tunka Fault and its transverse drainage network. We studied geomorphic parameters of 64 facets and 74 drainage basins within the Tunka mountain-front in the footwall of the Tunka Fault; these parameters include mountain front sinuosity, the ratio of facet height and width to base length, basin shape, hypsometric integral, asymmetry factor, and the valley width to height ratio. Our main objectives were to determine long-term throw rates for specific mountain front segments and estimate the timing of corresponding geomorphic structures, to characterize the geomorphological response of the transverse drainage systems to fault movements, and to understand the relationship between the morphometry and kinematics of different segments along the Tunka Fault. The analysis of the Tunka mountain front reveals evidence for strong tectonic control on its morphology. We found that the morphological features are strongly influenced by the Late Pleistocene – Holocene kinematic inversion along the eastern part of the Tunka Fault. The Late Pliocene–Quaternary throw rates estimated for specific geomorphic structures vary in the range of 0.8–1.0 mm year−1, which is compatible overall with the long-term throw rates of other basins of the Baikal Rift. Based on these rates, we estimate the age of fault-controlled subsidence of the Tunka and Khoytogol basins and Nilovsky Spur to be between 3.5 and 1.5 Ma. We also show that geomorphological response of the transverse drainage varies along the Tunka Fault, indicating a close relationship between fault kinematics and landscape response.

Regressive periods of the Great Caspian

The Late Pliocene–Quaternary Great Caspian, in addition to the positive transgressive rhythmics shows regressions of different scales: balakhanskaya, domashkinskaya, tyurkyanskaya, venedskaya, chelekenskaya, chernoyarskaya, atel’skaya, enotaevskaya, mangyshlakskaya, and izerbashzkaya. In these periods, large-scale natural phenomena took place on the Caspian shelf, coasts, and adjacent inundated territories, including sea level drop, drying of a part of seabed, and change of landscapes and the sedimentation character. The neaped water area showed changes in water salt composition and temperature regime, along with a change in faunistic complexes. Different hierarchic state of sea level and different correlation with climate events on the surrounding territories was shown to take place during the regression with predominance of warm (interglacial) periods among them.

Tectonic and oceanographic control of sedimentary patterns in a small oceanic basin: Dove Basin (Scotia Sea, Antarctica)

AbstractDove Basin, a small oceanic domain located within the southern Scotia Sea, evidences a complex tectonic evolution linked to the development of the Scotia Arc. The basin also straddles the junction between the main Southern Ocean water masses: the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), the Southeast Pacific Deep Water (SPDW) and the Weddell Sea Deep Water (WSDW). Analysis of multichannel seismic reflection profiles, together with swath bathymetry data, reveals the main structure and sediment distribution of the basin, allowing a reconstruction of the tectonostratigraphic evolution of the basin and assessment of the main bottom water flows that influenced its depositional development. Sediment dispersed in the basin was largely influenced by gravity‐driven transport from adjacent continental margins, later modified by deep bottom currents. Sediments derived from melting icebergs and extensive ice sheets also contributed to a fraction of the basin deposits. We identify four stages in the basin evolution which – based on regional age assumptions – took place during the early Miocene, middle Miocene, late Miocene–early Pliocene and late Pliocene–Quaternary. The onsets of the ACC flow in Dove Basin during the early Miocene, the WSDW flow during the middle Miocene, and the SPDW during the late Miocene were influenced by tectonic events that facilitated the opening of new oceanic gateways in the region. The analysis of Dove Basin reveals that tectonics is a primary factor influencing its sedimentary stacking patterns, the structural development of new oceanic gateways permitting the inception of deep‐water flows that have since controlled the sedimentary processes.

Paleomagnetic study of Plio-Pleistocene sediments in the concentrated deformation zone along the eastern margin of the Japan Sea

Paleomagnetic results are presented for a concentrated deformation zone (CDZ) in a convergent plate boundary region along the eastern Eurasian margin. We sampled late Pliocene–early Pleistocene tuffs and clastic sediments of the Sasaoka Formation (∼750 m thick) in northeastern Honshu, Japan, to test whether the late Pliocene–Quaternary crustal deformation within the CDZ along the eastern margin of the Japan Sea was accompanied by rotation about a vertical axis. Rock magnetic experiments suggest that the principal magnetic carrier is magnetite in the fine tuffs, and magnetic iron sulfide in the fine sandstones. Pre-folding characteristic remanent magnetization was confirmed using a positive bootstrap fold test. We obtained 21 acceptable site-mean characteristic directions that include our preliminary published results, and which cover an interval from ca. 2.7 to 1.7 Ma on the basis of magnetostratigraphic correlations. An updated age–depth model is given, and this allowed us to make numerical age estimates for key interbedded tuff beds (tephras). A positive fold test also suggests that the Gojome syncline began to develop after 1.7 Ma, which means the folding began long after the initiation of late Pliocene crustal shortening in northeastern Honshu. After 100% unfolding, the overall mean direction (D = 359.7°, I = 54.9°, α95 = 6.7°) is indistinguishable from the geocentric axial dipole field direction, indicating that the Gojome syncline, the most prominent structural element in the study area, developed without vertical-axis rotation. A comparison of our results with Plio-Pleistocene directions reported from other areas reveals no paleomagnetically detectable rotation in or adjacent to the CDZ, except for local rotation near strike-slip faults in central Honshu.

Complex interactions fault fans developed in a strike-slip system: Kozan Fault Zone, Eastern Mediterranean Sea

Interpretation of high-resolution multichannel seismic reflection profiles shows that the Kozan Fault Zone is characterized by northeast–southwest-striking and mainly southeast-dipping planar faults which show significant normal-sense dip separations. Traced toward the southeast these faults progressively swing to assume an east–west trend along the northern margin of the Outer Cilicia Basin. The Kozan Fault Zone initially occupied a wide zone of distributed strike-slip translation in the Early Pliocene, but was subsequently concentrated into a narrowly focused strike-slip fault zone in the Late Pliocene and Quaternary. During the Late Pliocene, the Kozan Fault Zone propagated toward the southwest creating a restraining bend in the Cilicia Basin, and a new east–west oriented strike-slip fault (i.e., Silifke–Anamur Fault) in the Outer Cilicia Basin. Two additional fault fans with small normal-sense dip separations occur across the Kozan Fault zone, exhibiting spectacular examples of fault interferences and growth strata architectures. The east–west striking and south-dipping fault fan developed in the Early Pliocene, whereas the northwest–southeast striking and largely northeast dipping fault fan developed in the Late Pliocene. Each fan is composed of numerous listric faults which sole on bedding-parallel detachment surfaces at various levels within the Pliocene–Quaternary succession. These faults developed as the result of gravitational sliding of thick delta and prodelta successions supplied into the Cilicia Basin by the Göksu River. The change in the kinematic regime in the Kozan Fault Zone is reflected in the dynamics of the gravitationally collapsing mass, and the northwest–southeast striking and largely northeast dipping fault developed. A small angle between the strikes of these two fault fans prevented the lock-up of the east–west striking and south-dipping faults, so both faults set to remain active throughout the Late Pliocene–Quaternary.

Southern East Siberia Pliocene–Quaternary faults: Database, analysis and inference

This paper presents the first release of an Informational System (IS) devoted to the systematic collection of all available data relating to Pliocene–Quaternary faults in southern East Siberia, their critical analysis and their seismotectonic parameterization. The final goal of this project is to form a new base for improving the assessment of seismic hazard and other natural processes associated with crustal deformation. The presented IS has been exploited to create a relational database of active and conditionally active faults in southern East Siberia (between 100°–114° E and 50°–57° N) whose central sector is characterized by the highly seismic Baikal rift zone. The information within the database for each fault segment is organized as distinct but intercorrelated sections (tables, texts and pictures, etc.) and can be easily visualized as HTML pages in offline browsing. The preliminary version of the database distributed free on disk already highlights the general fault pattern showing that the Holocene and historical activity is quite uniform and dominated by NE–SW and nearly E–W trending faults; the former with a prevailing dip-slip normal kinematics, while the latter structures are left-lateral strike-slip and oblique-slip (with different proportion of left-lateral and normal fault slip components). These faults are mainly concentrated along the borders of the rift basins and are the main sources of moderate-to-strong (M ≥ 5.5) earthquakes on the southern sectors of East Siberia in recent times. As a whole, based on analyzing the diverse fault kinematics and their variable spatial distribution with respect to the overall pattern of the tectonic structures formed and/or activated during the late Pliocene–Quaternary, we conclude they were generated under a regional stress field mainly characterized by a relatively uniform NW–SE tension, but strongly influenced by the irregular hard boundary of the old Siberian craton. The obtained inferences are in an agreement with the existing models of the development of the Baikal region.

Late Pliocene–Quaternary evolution of redox conditions in the western Qaidam paleolake (NE Tibetan Plateau) deduced from Mn geochemistry in the drilling core SG-1

Manganese (Mn) in lake sediments reacts strongly to changes of redox conditions. This study analyzed Mn concentrations in oxides, carbonates, and bulk phases of the calcareous lacustrine sediments of a 938.5-m-long core (SG-1) taken from the western Qaidam Basin, well dated from 2.77Ma to 0.1Ma. Comparisons of extractions from diluted hydrochloric acid, acetic acid and citrate–bicarbonate–dithionite demonstrate that variations of Mn concentrations from acetic acid leaching (MnHOAc) are mostly responsible for Mn (II) fluctuations in the carbonate phase. Taking into account the relevant processes during weathering, transportation, deposition and post-deposition of Mn-bearing rocks, we conclude that Mn input from catchment weathering and paleolake redox condition provide the primary controls on variations in the Mn records of carbonate and oxide phases. We propose MnHOAc as a new sensitive indicator of paleolake redox evolution and catchment-scale climate change. The MnHOAc variations show a long-term upward decreasing trend, indicating a long-term decrease of Mn input from catchment weathering associated with increasing oxygen content in the paleolake bottom water. The great similarities of the MnHOAc record with other regional and global records suggest that paleolake redox changes and climatic drying in the Qaidam Basin may be largely related to global cooling.

Structural records of the Late Cretaceous–Cenozoic extension in Eastern China and the kinematics of the Southern Tan-Lu and Qinling Fault Zone (Anhui and Shaanxi provinces, PR China)

Our study of the Late Cretaceous–Cenozoic extension in Eastern China is a kinematic analysis of faults (≈1500 striated fault data, 175 stress solutions at 90 sites) that has permitted us to separate stress fields belonging to six tectonic events. A WNW–ESE extension (1) has affected Eastern China from the Campanian to the Late Palaeocene–Early Ypresian. Under this extension, the Qinling (QLFZ) and Southern Tan-Lu (STLFZ) Fault Zones have been dextral transtensional fault zones. A first transpressional event (2) (NNE–SSW shortening) has occurred during the Late Ypresian–Lower Lutetian; the QLFZ and the STLFZ have been dextral transpressional fault zones. A NE–SW extension (3) has affected the Weihe graben during the Palaeogene; after a second transpressional event (4), the NE–SW extension (5) has been rejuvenated during the Late Miocene and the QLFZ has been a normal fault zone again and the STLFZ a sinistral transtensional fault zone; synrift subsidence has occurred in the Weihe graben. The second transpressional event (4) (WNW–ESE shortening) has occurred during the Late Oligocene–Early Miocene, during a period of uplifting and exhumation. At that time, the STLFZ and the QLFZ have become sinistral transpressional fault zones. A period of extension (6) has taken place during the Late Pliocene–Quaternary; the extensional direction has trended ≈NNW–SSE; during this event, the QLFZ has been a sinistral transtensional fault zone and the STLFZ a dextral transtensional fault zone. These results are compared with those previously published in order to evaluate the regional significance of these tectonic events.

Late Quaternary geology of the Tunka rift basin (Lake Baikal region), Russia

The objective of this research is to obtain a better understanding of the evolution of the Tunka rift basin, part of the Baikal rift zone, and how it relates to the overall geologic history of the region, particular for the Quaternary period. The tectonically active Baikal rift zone began forming over 50million years ago and continues today. In the Tunka basin, during the Oligocene and Middle Pliocene, relatively weak tectonic disturbances took place and thick accumulations of organic-rich sands, silts, and clays were deposited in lacustrine–marshy subtropical environments. Tectonism increased between the Miocene and Pliocene and thick units of coarse alluvium and floodplain sediments were deposited. During the Late Pliocene–Quaternary, tectonism formed basins that are now filled with a variety of coarse clastic materials. Early and Middle Pleistocene sediments are poorly exposed, covered by widespread Late Pleistocene deposits. Three Late Pleistocene sedimentary facies dominate: boulder–pebble gravels (proluvial, glacial fluvial, and alluvial sediments), alluvial sand, and loess-like sediments with associated slope deposits altered by post-depositional wind erosion. The relationship between these complexes, including radiocarbon and other chronological data and fauna and flora remains, indicates that they began forming c. 70000yr ago. Paleosols, glacial deposits and cryogenic material indicate that at times the climate was cool or cold. During the early Late Pleistocene renewed tectonism took place causing increased deposition of coarse sediments. The middle Late Pleistocene deposits consist mostly of sandy, floodplain alluvium. By the end of the Late Pleistocene–Holocene, alluviation was reduced and replaced by a high degree of erosion and aeolian deposition.

A new perspective on evolution of the Baikal Rift

A new model is suggested for the history of the Baikal Rift, in deviation from the classic two-stage evolution scenario, based on a synthesis of the available data from the Baikal Basin and revised correlation between tectonic–lithological–stratigraphic complexes (TLSC) in sedimentary sections around Lake Baikal and seismic stratigraphic sequences (SSS) in the lake sediments. Unlike the previous models, the revised model places the onset of rifting during Late Cretaceous and comprises three major stages which are subdivided into several substages. The stages and the substages are separated by events of tectonic activity and stress reversal when additional compression produced folds and shear structures. The events that mark the stage boundaries show up as gaps, unconformities, and deformation features in the deposition patterns. The earliest Late Cretaceous–Oligocene stage began long before the India–Eurasia collision in a setting of diffuse extension that acted over a large territory of Asia. The NW–SE far-field pure extension produced an NE-striking half-graben oriented along an old zone of weakness at the edge of the Siberian craton. That was already the onset of rift evolution recorded in weathered lacustrine deposits on the Baikal shore and in a wedge-shaped acoustically transparent seismic unit in the lake sediments. The second stage spanning Late Oligocene–Early Pliocene time began with a stress change when the effect from the Eocene India–Eurasia collision had reached the region and became a major control of its geodynamics. The EW and NE transpression and shear from the collisional front transformed the Late Cretaceous half-graben into a U-shaped one which accumulated a deformed layered sequence of sediments. Rifting at the latest stage was driven by extension from a local source associated with hot mantle material rising to the base of the rifted crust. The asthenospheric upwarp first induced the growth of the Baikal dome and the related change from finer to coarser molasse deposition. With time, the upwarp became a more powerful stress source than the collision, and the stress vector returned to the previous NW–SE extension that changed the rift geometry back to a half-graben. The layered Late Pliocene–Quaternary subaerial tectonic–lithological–stratigraphic and the Quaternary submarine seismic stratigraphic units filling the latest half-graben remained almost undeformed. The rifting mechanisms were thus passive during two earlier stages and active during the third stage. The three-stage model of the rift history does not rule out the previous division into two major stages but rather extends its limits back into time as far as the Maastrichtian. Our model is consistent with geological, stratigraphic, structural, and geophysical data and provides further insights into the understanding of rifting in the Baikal region in particular and continental rifting in general.

Geophysical evidence for cyclic sediment deposition on the southern slope of Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea

Gravity flow deposits form a significant component of the stratigraphic record in ancient and modern deep-water basins worldwide. Analyses of high-resolution 3D seismic reflection data in a predominantly slope setting, the southern slope of Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea, reveal the extensive presence of gravity flow depositional elements in the Late Pliocene−Quaternary strata. Three key elements were observed: (1) mass transport deposits (MTDs) including slumps and debris flows, (2) turbidity current deposits including distributary channel complexes, leveed channel complexes and avulsion channel complexes, and (3) deep-water drapes (highstand condensed sections). Each depositional element displays a unique seismic expression and internal structures in seismic profiles and attribute maps. Based on seismic characteristics, the studied succession is subdivided into six units in which three depositional cycles are identified. Each cycle exhibits MTDs (slump or debris) at the base, overlain by turbidities or a deep-water drape. The genesis of these cycles is mainly controlled by frequent sea-level fluctuations and high sedimentation rates in the Late Pliocene–Quaternary. Moreover, tectonics, differential subsidence, and paleo-seafloor morphology may have also contributed to their formation processes. The present study is aimed to a better understanding of deep-water depositional systems, and to a successful hydrocarbon exploration and engineering-risk assessment.

Late Pliocene–Quaternary evolution of outermost hinterland basins of the Northern Apennines (Italy), and their relevance to active tectonics

We examine the tectonic evolution and structural characteristics of the Quaternary intermontane Mugello, Casentino, and Sansepolcro basins, in the Northern Apennines fold-and-thrust belt. These basins have been classically interpreted to have developed under an extensional regime, and to mark the extension-compression transition. The results of our study have instead allowed framing the formation of these basins into a compressive setting tied to the activity of backthrust faults at their northeastern margin. Syndepositional activity of these structures is manifested by consistent architecture of sediments and outcrop-scale deformation. After this phase, the Mugello and Sansepolcro basins experienced a phase of normal faulting extending from the middle Pleistocene until Present. Basin evolution can be thus basically framed into a two-phase history, with extensional tectonics superposed onto compressional structures. Analysis of morphologic features has revealed the occurrence of fresh fault scarps and interaction of faulting with drainage systems, which have been interpreted as evidence for potential ongoing activity of normal faults. Extensional tectonics is also manifested by recent seismicity, and likely caused the strong historical earthquakes affecting the Mugello and Sansepolcro basins. Qualitative comparison of surface information with depth-converted seismic data suggests the basins to represent discrete subsiding areas within the seismic belt extending along the axial zone of the Apennines. The inferred chronology of deformation and the timing of activity of normal faults have an obvious impact on the elaboration of seismic hazard models.

Miocene–Quaternary structural evolution of the Uyuni–Atacama region, Andes of Chile and Bolivia

We describe the Miocene–Quaternary geological–structural evolution of the region between the Salar de Uyuni and de Atacama, Andes of Chile and Bolivia. We recognized four main tectonic events based on fold geometry, fault kinematics and stratigraphic data. The oldest event, of Miocene age, is characterized by folding and reverse faulting of the sedimentary successions with an E–W direction of shortening in the northern part of the studied area and a WNW–ESE shortening in the southern part. The following two events, of Pliocene age, are characterized by lower shortening amounts; they occurred first by reverse faulting with a NW–SE-trending greatest principal stress ( σ 1, computed with striated fault planes) and a vertical least principal stress ( σ 3), followed by pervasive strike-slip faulting with the same NW–SE-trending σ 1 and a horizontal NE–SW σ 3. The fourth event, dating to the late Pliocene–Quaternary is characterized by normal faulting: the σ 3 still trends NE–SW, whereas the intermediate principal stress σ 2 exchanged with σ 1. Volcanism accompanied both the contractional, transcurrent and extensional tectonic phases. The Mio–Pliocene compression appears directly linked to a rapid convergence and an apparently important coupling between the continental and oceanic plates. The E–W to WNW–ESE direction of shortening of the Miocene structures and the NW–SE σ 1 of the Pliocene structures seem to be more linked to an intra-Andean re-orientation of structures following the WNW-directed absolute motion of the South-American Plate. The extensional deformations can be interpreted as related to gravity forces affecting the highest parts of the volcanic belt in a sort of asymmetrical (SW-ward) collapse of the belt.

Pliocene-quaternary orogeny in the Central Tien Shan

Formation of mountains of the Central Tien Shan is usually explained by the isostatic response of the crust to its shortening caused by the India-Eurasia collision. The rise of the region in the period from Oligocene to Late Pliocene (2 myr ago) reached ∼700 m on average, which corresponds to the isostatic response. For the last 2 myr (Late Pliocene–Quaternary), the rate of rise increased by an order of magnitude. This is proved by the coarsening of Cenozoic molasse up the sections, acceleration of cutting of drainage systems into ridges, and formation of new ridges within basins. In the Quaternary, most of intermontane basins underwent uplifting, though not so intense. The average rate of lateral crustal shortening increased ∼2–2.5 times only, and the contribution of this process to the Late Pliocene-Quaternary orogeny was no more than 10%. The acceleration of rise was caused mainly by the convective replacement of the mantle lithosphere by the less dense asthenosphere. This was due to the quick softening of the mantle lithosphere as a result of the infiltration of active fluid from the lower mantle. Such accelerations of crustal uplifting took place in the Pliocene and Quaternary in many continental regions. This evidences that mantle processes, first of all, the full or partial replacement of the mantle lithosphere by the asthenosphere, played an important role in the formation of mountains.

Evolution of Prolagus sardus (Ochotonidae, Lagomorpha) in the Quaternary of Sardinia Island (Italy)

An analysis of Prolagus sardus (?late Middle Pleistocene-Holocene) fossil material from five sites of Monte Tuttavista karst fossiliferous complex (?late Pliocene–Quaternary, North-Eastern Sardinia, Italy) is performed here. The opportunity to study abundant material of primitive to advanced P. sardus populations allowed recognition of morphological differences in P. sardus populations for the first time. Moreover, an asymptotic size increase of P. sardus dentition has been evidenced, isometric with the corresponding postcranial skeleton (only available for three fossil sites). An anagenetic evolutionary pattern has been proposed for this species. Several morphological characters of P. sardus dental occlusal surface show a clinal variation that allowed arrangement of the analyzed fossil sites in relative chronological order. These biochronological results may help in age determination of other more problematic Sardinian (and possibly Corsican) Quaternary fossil assemblages.

Late Pliocene–Quaternary tectonics in the frontal part of the SE Carpathians: Insights from tectonic geomorphology

The Romanian East Carpathians display large-scale heterogeneities along the mountain belt, unusual foredeep geometries, significant post-collisional and neotectonic activity, and major variations in topography, mostly developed in the aftermath of late Miocene (Sarmatian; ∼11 Ma) subduction/underthrusting and continental collision between the East European/Scythian/Moesian foreland and the inner Carpathians Tisza-Dacia unit. In particular, the SE corner of the arcuate orogenic belt represents the place of still active large-scale differential vertical movements between the uplifting mountain chain and the subsiding Focşani foredeep basin. In this key area, we have analysed the configuration of the present day landforms and the drainage patterns in order to quantify the amplitude, timing and kinematics of these post-collisional late Pliocene–Quaternary vertical movements. A river network is incising in the upstream a high topography consisting of the external Carpathians nappes and the Pliocene–Lower Pleistocene sediments of the foreland. Further eastwards in the downstream, this network is cross-cutting a low topography consisting of the Middle Pleistocene–Holocene sediments of the foreland. Geological observations and well-preserved geomorphic features demonstrate a complex succession of geological structures. The late Pliocene–Holocene tectonic evolution is generally characterised by coeval uplift in the mountain chain and subsidence in the foreland. At a more detailed scale, these vertical movements took place in pulses of accelerated motion, with laterally variable amplitude both in space and in time. After a first late Pliocene uplifting period, subsidence took place during the Earliest Pleistocene resulting in a basal Quaternary unconformity. This was followed by two, quantifiable periods of increased uplift, which affected the studied area at the transition between the Carpathians orogen and the Focşani foreland basin in the late Early Pleistocene and the late Middle to late Pleistocene. Both large-scale deformation events affected the western Focşani basin flank, tilting the entire structure with ∼9° during the late Early Pleistocene and uplifted it as a block during the early Late Pleistocene. The late Early Pleistocene tilting resulted in ∼750 m uplift near the frontal monocline and by extrapolation in a presumed 3000 m uplift near the central parts of the Carpathians. The late Middle to late Pleistocene cumulative uplift reaches ∼250 m and correlates with a contemporaneous progradation of the uplifted areas towards the Focşani Basin. The uplifting events are separated by a second Quaternary unconformity. On the whole, the late Pliocene–Quaternary evolution of the Carpathians orogen/Focşani basin structure indicate large-scale differential uplift during the latest stages of a continuous post-collisional orogenic evolution.

Thérèse Mound: a case study of coral bank development in the Belgica Mound Province, Porcupine Seabight

High-resolution seismic profiles, swath bathymetry, side-scan sonar data and video imageries are analysed in this detailed study of five carbonate mounds from the Belgica mound province with special emphasis on the well-surveyed Thérèse Mound. The selected mounds are located in the deepest part of the Belgica mound province at water depths of 950 m. Seismic data illustrate that the underlying geology is characterised by drift sedimentation in a general northerly flowing current regime. Sigmoidal sediment bodies create local slope breaks on the most recent local erosional surface, which act as the mound base. No preferential mound substratum is observed, neither is there any indication for deep geological controls on coral bank development. Seismic evidence suggests that the start-up of the coral bank development was shortly after a major erosional event of Late Pliocene–Quaternary age. The coral bank geometry has been clearly affected by the local topography of this erosional base and the prevailing current regime. The summits of the coral banks are relatively flat and the flanks are steepest on their upper slopes. Deposition of the encased drift sequence has been influenced by the coral bank topography. Sediment waves are formed besides the coral banks and are the most pronounced bedforms. These seabed structures are probably induced by bottom current up to 1 m/s. Large sediment waves are colonised by living corals and might represent the initial phase of coral bank development. The biological facies distribution of the coral banks illustrate a living coral cap on the summit and upper slope and a decline of living coral populations toward the lower flanks. The data suggest that the development of the coral banks in this area is clearly an interaction between biological growth processes and drift deposition both influenced by the local topography and current regime.

Looking at fault reactivation matching structural geology and seismological data

We investigate fault reactivation that occurred during the 1997 Colfiorito seismic sequence (central Italy), matching detailed structural geology, precise earthquake locations and mechanical models of fault interaction. The Colfiorito area, within the Northern Apennines, is characterised by a relatively recent inversion of the tectonic stress field from compression (late Miocene), to extension (late Pliocene–Quaternary). In September–October 1997 the area experienced a protracted seismic sequence consisting of six moderate magnitude earthquakes (5<Mw<6), that ruptured SW-dipping normal fault segments. The two main ruptures of the sequence show opposite directions of rupture propagation and are segmented by a strike-slip fault inherited from the compressional tectonic phase. Late in the sequence this strike-slip fault nucleated an Mw=4.3 event and an associated aftershock sequence, which we present as an example of reversal of fault slip direction. Plotting the strike-slip events on a detailed geological map, the left-lateral strike-slip fault imaged by aftershock distribution and focal mechanisms, strictly corresponds to the mapped N10° right-lateral strike-slip structure inherited from the compressional tectonic phase. The two different data-sets for this strike-slip fault show the same geometry but opposite kinematics. We analyse the coseismic elastic static stress changes due to the occurrence of the normal fault events in order to investigate the mechanical coupling and interaction between the NW–SE oriented normal fault system and the intervening N10° inherited fault. We show that the elastic stress perturbation increased on the shallow portion of the activated volume where the N10° structure is located, and promoted its reactivation with a strike-slip motion. The different amount of slip experienced along the two normal faults responsible for the greater mainshocks favoured the left-lateral strike-slip kinematics.

Late Cainozoic ostracod faunas and paleoenvironmental changes at ODP Site 1148, South China Sea

Ostracod faunas from ODP Site 1148 in the South China Sea have been analyzed quantitatively in order to understand paleoenvironmental changes in the late Cainozoic deep water. More than 2000 core samples were taken from the Oligocene to Quaternary section, of which 725 contained ostracods and yielded at least 100 species. Krithe dominates the faunas throughout the Oligocene–Quaternary sequences, indicating that deep-sea conditions had existed since the earliest Oligocene (ca. 34.5 Ma). This suggests that the spreading of the South China Sea Basin predates the Oligocene. Three distinct ostracod assemblages have been recognized and their respective faunal turnover reflects a change in paleodepth from the upper bathyal (<1500 m) in the early Oligocene (ca. 34.5–27 Ma) and lower bathyal (1500–2500 m) in the late Oligocene to early middle Miocene (26–14 Ma) to a depth similar to the present (>2500 m) since the late middle Miocene (14 Ma to the present). Intervals when ostracods become very rare are at 28.5–27, 20–18.2 and 13–2.8 Ma. The earliest of these intervals was probably related to the high surface productivity and the depletion of oxygen content in bottom water, while intervals were the product of enhanced carbonate dissolution. Measures of evolutionary activity (origination, extinction and diversity) have been applied to detecting the environmental change and their relationship to global events. Five peaks of evolutionary activity occurred in the Oligocene (P18, P21a and P22) and in the earlier mid-Miocene N8 and late Pliocene–Quaternary N21–N22, respectively. The peaks in P18 and P21a are the possible response respectively to the global cooling events Oi-1 and Oi-2, which occurred in the early Oligocene. The marked increase in extinction, origination and diversity was synchronous with the major enrichment in benthic δ 18O in the late Pliocene N21, suggesting a reaction of the ostracod faunas to the rapid cooling of the bottom water and the initiation of the North Hemispheric Glaciation during the period of 3–2.5 Ma.