NNW-SSE Faults Research Articles

Relocation of earthquake clusters show seismogenic transverse structures in the Inner Northern Apennines (Italy)

The Inner Northern Apennines (Italy) are a region with a dominant N-S to NNW-SSE fault system, but dissected and offset by several E-W to NE-SW trending structures and lineaments. The knowledge about the nature of these transverse structures, their origin, activity and role in current tectonic motions is limited and debated. To better establish the location, subsurface shape, and kinematics of faults related to the Livorno-Empoli lineament, one of the major transverse structures in the Northern Apennines, we analysed the seismicity in western Tuscany. In the Viareggio Basin we identified and relocated two distinct earthquake clusters as well as calculated 12 new focal mechanisms. The results show that the clusters consisted of several swarms from the years 2006, 2015, 2016 and 2021. The events had a depth between 2 and 15 km and were located along a NE-SW oriented, SE dipping fault system dissecting the Viareggio Basin. Focal mechanisms show oblique normal slip. We interpret the fault system to form a connection between the Viareggio Basin and the Lucca Basin to the east as well as continuing offshore. The results show that the transversal faults of the Inner Northern Apennines are seismogenic, with the length, position and onshore to offshore nature of the fault suggesting reactivation of pre-existing structures.

Complex monogenetic volcano in karst setting: Lechmine N'kettane volcano (Middle Atlas, Morocco)

The Lechmine N'kettane is a Quaternary volcano, located within the Middle Atlas Volcanic Field (MAVF) in central Morocco. It is built on the faulted contact between Liassic limestone and Plio-Quaternary fluvio-lacustrine deposits. In map-view it consists of an elliptical maar crater, surrounded by a tephra ring, within which a scoria cone is nested in its northern crater zone.The Lechmine N'Kettane volcano is monogenetic in the sense of its small eruptive product volume and lack of evidence of significant time breakthrough it grows. The volcano formed from an eruptive locus that migrated laterally and vertically within the short duration of the eruption in a zigzagging pattern, along a complex set of generally NE-SW and NW-SE-trending faults. It represents a perfect example of how a volcano form and evolve under the influence of a combination of specific factors such as the lithological characteristics of the substrate, its hydrogeological parameters, magma flux and the local structural framework of the country rocks.The petrographic, granulometric and morphological (including terrain modelling) analyses of the Lechmine N'kettane pyroclastic deposits show that it was constructed in four eruptive phases with variable eruptive styles. The first, relatively dry, phreatomagmatic phase, that took place on a NE-SW fault in the northeastern part of the crater, was generated by the interaction between the ascending basaltic magma with meteoric water in the karst aquifer hosted by the Liassic limestone. The second phase is represented by a magmatic scoria fallout deposit whose explosion locus moved westward, along the same NE-SW fault. During the third phase, the explosion center migrated southward, along a NNW-SSE fault, and produced the last phreatomagmatic event by interaction of magma and water-saturated Plio-Quaternary sediment. The fourth eruptive phase is a purely scoria event, corresponding to the construction of the nephelinitic scoria cone in the northwestern part of the tephra ring. Between eruptive products formed in respective eruptive phases no evidence was recognized to establish significant time gaps between their formation.

High resolution magnetic anomalies, volcanism and tectonics of the active “La Fossa” vulcanic system (Vulcano island) and Lipari island (South Italy)

In this paper we present the new high-resolution magnetic anomaly map of the La Fossa Caldera system and Lipari island (Southern Italy), obtained by merging two low-altitude aeromagnetic surveys. In these islands a variegated ensemble of magnetic anomalies develops in the north-south direction. The La Fossa Caldera is characterized by very high-intensity and short-wavelength magnetic anomalies, related to mafic intrusive/effusive sources, mainly aligned along the NNW-SSE and NS faults. Instead, the Lipari island is characterized by lower intensity anomalies related to sources with more evolved chemistry, elongated in the NE-SW, NNE-SSW and EW of the subordinate faults. Both the two sets of structures belong to the Tindari-Letojanni strike slip fault-system, a regional lineament along which the southern side of the Aeolian Archipelago is emplaced. The study identifies three distinctive magnetic zones on the Lipari island: the southern, the central, and the north-western ones. The southern zone is characterized by negative magnetic monopoles in correspondence with the younger rhyolitic domes and a Curie Isotherm upwelling. The central part of the island has an average lower intensity of positive anomalies, corresponding to the less evolved products of the intermediate Lipari volcanic epochs. The north-western side is characterized by higher intensity anomalies related to older volcanic epochs. The interplay among strike-slip tectonics, chemistry of the uprising magmas, and the thermal setting has contributed to the overall anomaly pattern in this sector of the Aeolian Archipelago. This interpretation is supported by the application of digital enhancement to the total intensity magnetic anomaly field and by the spatial correlation analysis of the magnetic and volcano-tectonic features. The obtained insights are useful to better understand the relationship between arc volcanism and tectonics. Moreover, they can also outline new inferences to forecast future eruptions of the active La Fossa volcanic system. In fact, recent unrest signals were registered at La Fossa Cone, which is one of the present-day active volcanoes of the Aeolian Archipelago, along with Stromboli island. Key pointsLa Fossa volcanic system of Vulcano and Lipari islands high resolution aeromagnetic surveys; Strike slip tectonics magnetic anomaly signature; Spatial correlation analysis of volcano-tectonic and magnetic features.

Identifying fault system and basement depth using aeromagnetic data beneath the Jahamah Platform, NE Sirt Basin, Libya

The Jahamah Platform is a part of a structural depression called the Sirt basin, located in the northern central part of Libya. The Jahamah Platform spans latitude 〖29.95〗^° N to 〖30.55〗^° N and longitudes 〖19.32〗^° E to 〖19.77〗^° E with an estimated area of about 2,187 km2. Libyan Petroleum Institute provided the data of aeromagnetic that was used in this study. The data was used to study the structure beneath the Jahamah Platform by using Oasis montaj software. Various filters from the software have been applied to enhance determining the fault system within the study area. An RTP filter was applied to the magnetic data to construct a reduction to the pole anomaly map. The subsurface structural elements underneath the study area were identified using Total horizontal derivative (THD), CET analysis, and Euler deconvolution. 2-D forward modelling of the area was constructed based on gravity data, and then the basement depth was estimated to range from 2.2 km to 3.1 km based on the model. Based on the interpretation of the constructed maps, the area has a number of faults that trend in NE-SW, NNW-SSE, N-S and NW-SE and faults depth ranging between 790 m to 3102 m.

Unraveling the emplacement history of a Portuguese post-tectonic Variscan pluton using magnetic fabrics and gravimetry

The Lamas de Olo pluton is a post-tectonic Variscan pluton located in northern Portugal. It is a composite pluton comprising three outcropping biotite granites, similar in mineralogical composition but with different textures and different biotite and magnetite contents: Lamas de Olo, Alto dos Cabeços, and Barragem. Two magnetic fabric techniques, anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility and anisotropy of anhysteretic remanent magnetization, were used to test the coaxiality of magnetite and biotite fabrics. Comparing both magnetic tensors, the fabric of magnetite and paramagnetic minerals was found to be coaxial. The magmas ascended passively through opening fractures and were controlled by the intersection of ENE-WSW, NNW-SSE and NNE-SSW fault systems. The gravimetric study shows that the Lamas de Olo is an asymmetric, wedge-shaped pluton with a thickness of ca. 2.5–3.5 km. The kinematic model points to the presence of a feeder zone following an ENE-WSW direction, with two roots for Lamas de Olo and Alto dos Cabeços granites. Regarding Barragem granite, several conduits were identified along an NNE-SSW fault system, subparallel to the Verín-Régua-Penacova fault. Comparing the shape of three post-tectonic biotite plutons with same age and located along the same regional structure, the Verín-Régua-Penacova fault, we observed that the geometry is mainly conditioned by the nature of the host rocks and characteristics of the crustal structure. Wedge-shaped plutons are intruded into granites, and flat-shaped plutons are hosted in metasediments.

Geological and geophysical investigations of an engineering site characterization for construction purposes in Western Saudi Arabia

Characterizing subsurface site conditions and understanding main geological features are critical components of any safety assessment for any construction, particularly defining subsurface flow paths and weakness (i.e. fracture and fault) zones. Poor definition of flow paths and weakness zones may lead to serious hazards during construction. This study, integrating geophysical and geological investigations, is undertaken to enhance the understanding of both surface and subsurface complexities of an engineering site characterization located in western Saudi Arabia near Red Sea. Two geophysical investigations, Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Transient Electromagnetic (TEM), were carried out to characterize the subsurface of the study area. A total of three ERT profiles and sixteen TEM sounding measurements was conducted in the study area. Geological investigation was mainly focused to understanding geological features and bedrock conditions of the two opposite river's abutments at the study site. Geophysical results show NNE-SSW and NNW-SSE fault zones which were confirmed by in-situ geological inspections and by satellite images. The results also reveal the presence of geothermal fluids validated by the observation of hot water flowing in the river along the measurements. This study demonstrates that the integrated geophysical and geological investigations provide means to infer geothermal fluids, locate fractures, and fault zones. This study enabled us to characterize and locate the geological structural framework as well as possible geothermal fluids existence in the study area.

New Macroseismic and Morphotectonic Constraints to Infer a Fault Model for the 9 (Mw6.1) and 11 January (Mw7.3) 1693 Earthquakes (Southeastern Sicily)

This study deals with the earthquakes which occurred in southeastern Sicily in 1693 (January 9 and 11, Mw ≈ 6.1 and 7.3, respectively). Although they have been largely studied, robust and commonly accepted seismic sources are still missing. We performed a revision of the 1693 macroseismic data and, for the fore and main-shocks, modeled new NNE-SSW trending seismic sources. In the Hyblean Plateau area, we carried out an analysis of DEM and aerial photos to map tectonic features. Then, we performed field surveys on the main faults, and a morphotectonic study with the aim of characterizing the activity of mapped faults. The study revealed the presence of three main fault systems. The first is the Palazzolo-Villasmundo Fault System, composed of NNE-SSW and NE-SW trending north-west-dipping normal faults. Some of these faults could be reactivated as reverse faults. The second is the Augusta-Floridia Fault System, made of NNW-SSE and NW-SE normal faults. The third is composed of faults which have never been mapped before: the Canicattini-Villasmundo Fault System that shows both a segmented and stepping pattern, almost N-S trending and west-dipping normal faults; some of these faults show a left-lateral movement. The morphotectonic study demonstrated that the fault systems are active. Furthermore, both strike and kinematics of the studied faults well match with the regional stress field characterized by a NW-SE σ1, which in the study area is probably both affecting some pre-existing faults, the Palazzolo-Villasmundo and the Augusta-Floridia Fault Systems, and causing the formation of new faults, the Canicattini-Villasmundo Fault System. The latter system lies across the Hyblean Plateau with a total length of 35 km and, due to its aligned segmented pattern, it can be the surface expression of a master fault that seems dividing the Hyblean Plateau in two blocks. Moreover, the Canicattini-Villasmundo Fault System well fits the southern part of the 1693 revaluated seismic sources and matches with a current alignment of shocks mainly characterized by left-lateral focal mechanisms on almost N-S fault planes. Considering the possible rupture length in depth, it could manage to release Mw ≈ 7.1 earthquakes, representing a valuable candidate source for the 1693 earthquakes.

Insight on the Crustal Stress State in Faial and Pico Islands (Azores), from Analysis of Aftershocks of the 1998 Earthquake

The seismicity in the Azores plateau can be of volcanic or tectonic origin, the latter usually more destructive, especially in the central group of islands. In this study we aimed to obtain crustal stress indicators from seismic data collected in July 1998, following the July 9th M5.8 earthquake that struck near Faial and Pico islands. The maximum horizontal stress (SHmax) azimuth was obtained from two methods. For the seismogenic volume, the SHmax was obtained from single and composite focal mechanisms, whereas the state of stress beneath the seismic network was derived from shear-wave splitting analysis of local earthquakes. The composite focal mechanisms were obtained from a waveform clustering method applied to identify “identical” earthquakes. The seismic anisotropy analysis could be applied to only six stations, the polarization of the first S arrival being stable, and with a secondary perpendicular pulse arriving 0.6–0.24 s later. The focal mechanisms provided a NW–SE SHmax with azimuth range of 96°–114°, and an associated transition of normal-fault to strike-slip dominant regime consistent with the estimated regional field of 110°–120°, and coherent with movement along three fault systems. Inland the SHmax azimuths present greater variability. In Faial, the stations located north of the Caldeira present a stable azimuth of 151°–153° and are consistent with the effect of a NNW–SSE fault system present in the islands, rotating to 50°–77° in the eastern sector of the Pedro Miguel Graben, probably due to a complex interaction of the WSW–ENE dominant fault system with old eroded volcanic complexes that segmented the island into several blocks. In Pico island, the SHmax direction azimuth ranges from 93° to 135°, in a radial pattern around the island's main stratovolcano, overlapping the regional stress field.

Alluvial sedimentation and tectono-stratigraphic evolution in a narrow extensional zigzag basin margin (northern Teruel Basin, Spain)

The northern part of the eastern margin of the extensional Neogene Teruel Basin (central-eastern Spain) consists of a non-linear, zigzag fault zone made of alternating ca. 2 km long, NNW-SSE trending segments and shorter NNE-SSW ones. Good outcrop conditions made possible a comprehensive integrated stratigraphic and structural study, especially focused on coarse clastic sediments deposited along the basin margin. Well-exposed stratal relationships with boundary faults, allowed the analysis of tectonic influence on sedimentation. Synsedimentary deformation includes growth faulting, rollover anticlines, and monoclines and associated onlap stratal terminations, angular unconformities, and other complex growth strata geometries. One of them is the onlap-over-rollover bed arrangement described here for the first time, which reveals the competition between tectonic subsidence and sedimentary supply. Both, the structural inheritance (dense Mesozoic fracture grid) and the dominant, nearly ‘multidirectional’ (σ1 vertical, σ2 ≈ σ3), Pliocene extensional regime with σ3 close to E-W, are considered to have controlled the margin structure and evolution. Tectono-stratigraphic evolution includes: (i) reactivation of inherited NNW-SSE faults and development of W-SW-directed small alluvial fans (SAF) while NNE-SSW segments acted as gentle relay ramp zones; (ii) progressive activation of NNE-SSW faults and development of NW-directed very small alluvial fans (VSAF); during stages i and ii sediments were trapped close to the margin, avoiding widespread progradation; (iii) linking of NNW-SSE and NNE-SSW structural segments, overall basin sinking and widespread alluvial progradation; (iv) fault activity attenuation and alluvial retrogradation. The particular structure and kinematic evolution of this margin controlled alluvial system patterns. Size of alluvial fans, directly set up at the border faults, was conditioned by the narrowness of the margin, small catchment areas, and proximity between faults, which prevented the development of large alluvial fans. The size of the relay zones, only a few hundred meters wide, acted in the same way, avoiding them to act as large sediment transfer areas and large alluvial fans to be established. These features make the Teruel Basin margin different to widely described extensional margins models.

An Ordovician carbonate reservoir in strike-slip structures producing from fault-associated fracture systems, 3D seismic region of Northern Shun 8 block (Tarim Basin)

The fault system in the 3D seismic region of northern Shun 8 block (Tarim Basin) is mainly composed of NNW-SSE and NE-SW orientation faults. The No.7 fault zone in the NNW-SSE orientation extends linearly on the plane. It partially exhibits segmentation characteristics. According to the fault plane spread feature of the partial extensional section, the No.7 fault zone is the left-order left-lateral strike-slip fault. The SHB7 well on the No. 7 fault zone was drilled to the vicinity of the extensional section. The successive strike-slip stress field generated multiple sets of fractures in different orientations. The integration of 3D seismic, image logs and production logging analysis reveals the clustering of productive fractures around the fault zone. These open to semi-open production fractures are inconsistent with the tectonic stress state of the present day acting in this part of the Tarim Basin, indicating that the present-day tectonic play no role in production rate. The Build-up tests show three main types of responses: (1) A-type displays a radial flow and there is no test boundary for a longer period of time, (2) B-type displaying a short radial flow period followed by bilinear flow and (3) C-type is only related to bilinear flow. These three flow responses are linked with structural models of fault associated production fractures. Analysis of geological and production data indicates that the spatial distribution of productive fracture zones is primarily controlled by open fractures. A better understanding of the production system allows us to optimize the drilling location and select the appropriate well production zonees.

Triassic continental oblique rifting controlled by Paleozoic structural grain: The Puesto Viejo Basin, western Argentina

The aim of the present study was to characterize in detail the Triassic structures of the Puesto Viejo Basin in San Rafael Block, western Argentina, and to establish the role of these previous structures in the development of the rift. The structural analysis of this basin showed the important effect of pre-existing faults on the geometries of evolving fault systems. The analysis also showed that the distribution of the basin boundary NNW-SSE faults was conditioned by the structural grain and by the disposition of the NW-SE internal structures, a fact consistent with a NE-SW extensional regime. The kinematics of the structures can be explained by a low to moderate obliquity and a high partitioned deformation. The basin geometry, its tectonoestratigraphic evolution, and the kinematic analysis of the faults allow defining it as an extensional basin, which can be characterized as an oblique rift.

Index of Active Tectonic Assessment: Quantitative-based Geomorphometric and Morphotectonic Analysis at Way Belu Drainage Basin, Lampung Province, Indonesia

The occurrence of subduction zones caused by the collision between the Eurasian-Western Indonesia Plate due to an increase tectonic, volcanic and magmatic activities along Sumatra Island. This study covers the area of Way Belu Drainage Basin, located near Bandar Lampung City, Lampung Province, southern part of Sumatra, Indonesia. The area composes of a complex geological structure as the result of tectonic activities. In this study, geomorphic indices assessment such as morphometric and morphotectonic quantitative analysis are undertaken to identify the Index of Active Tectonics (IAT). The morphometric analysis uses Drainage density (Dd) and Ratio of bifurcation (Rb). The value of Dd respectively from 1.45 to 4.05, Rb from 2 to 10. While the morphotectonic analysis uses basin shape index (Bs), valley floor width-valley height ratio (Vf), and asymmetry factor (AF). The value of Bs from 1.27 to 6.25, Vf from 0.16 to 3.30, and AF from 22.73 to 83.77 in ranges which is derived average IAT value is 2.20. It may considered that at the Way Belu Drainage Basin has moderate to high tectonic activity. From the joint measurement results on the fracture zone express that the main pattern of faults has trend NWW-SSE, NE-SW, NNE-SSW, NW-SE, and W-E directions. Furthermore, based on the combination of the quantitative geomorphology indices assessment which is supported by remote sensing and field assessment shows that those features closely related to the Semangko Fault System with the NNW-SSE fault trend parallel to its fault.

Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the northern Apulian Carbonate platform (southern Italy)

A 3D geological modeling of a large portion of the Apulian Platform buried underneath the Bradano Trough, southern Italy, is carried out by integrating 2D seismic reflection profiles, well log data, and published top Apula isobaths. The results of this work highlight the presence of five sets of high-angle, km-long faults, which displace the topmost units of the Apulian Platform. Both timing and kinematics of faulting are investigated by considering age, distribution, and thickness of the Cenozoic sedimentary terranes topping the Mesozoic Apulian carbonates.The study area is characterized by a major fault scarp made up of NW-SE and NNW-SSE fault segments. This structural feature shows a Messinian-Early Pliocene transtensional kinematics, which might have occurred on pre-existing structural heterogeneities. On the contrary, on the basis of their abutting and crosscutting relationships with respect to the aforementioned fault zone, a Pliocene-Quaternary age is inferred for the N-S and NE-SW trending extensional faults, and an Early Pliocene age for the extensional NNE-SSW trending faults. These results are discussed in light of the complex tectonic evolution of the Central Mediterranean area, and may contribute to better assess the structural evolution of the fault network that dissects the northernmost portion of the Apulian Plate, at the boundary with the Adria Plate.

DGPS AND MAGNETOTELLURIC CONSTRAINTS ON THE CONTEMPORARY TECTONICS OF THE SANTORINI VOLCANIC COMPLEX, GREECE

The study of vertical and horizontal crustal movements at the Santorini Volcanic Complex (SVC), as deduced by Differential GPS measurements revealed that an intricate pattern of five distinct domains with different horizontal kinematics: The West SVC (Akrotiri peninsula and Therassia) with very significant NNW-ward motion, North Thera with rather significant NW-ward motion, East Thera (Monolithos), with significant SE-ward motion, South Thera with significant NW-ward motion and, finally, central Thera with small westward motion. An apparently dextral, NNW-SSE oblique-to-strike-slip fault emerges as a prominent tectonic structure, separating the West SVC from the rest of the complex; this is the “Santorini Fault Zone”. Additional insight is afforded by the results of MT and GDS surveys: a significant NNW-SSE conductive zone was detected, which is collocated with the purported NNW-SSE fault zone indicated by DGPS analysis and may be explained as an epiphenomenal conductivity anomaly. The observed deformation pattern enables the drafting of a qualitative model of contemporary tectonics, which is also presented and discussed. The model is plausible but certainly incomplete and pending verification with numerical modelling and additional observations

Polyphase vein mineralization in the Fennoscandian Shield at Åkerlandet, Järvsand, and Laisvall along the erosional front of the Caledonian orogen, Sweden

The Akerlandet, Jarvsand, and Laisvall deposits in Sweden are calcite-fluorite-sulfide vein deposits and occurrences located close to the current erosional front of the Caledonian orogen and hosted by crystalline basement rocks in the Fennoscandian Shield. At Laisvall, basement-hosted veinlets occur beneath Ediacaran to Cambrian sandstones that host a strata-bound Pb-Zn deposit. The mineralized fractures at Akerlandet and Jarvsand occur along fault systems oriented N–S to NNW–SSE. Veins or veinlets strike NNW–SSE and NW–SE at Akerlandet, NNE–SSW at Jarvsand, and NNW–SSE and NNE–SSW to NE–SW at Laisvall. At Akerlandet and Jarvsand, fractures acted as conduits for hydrothermal fluids of variable composition and formed during separate tectonic events. At Akerlandet, the fault zone with NNW–SSE strike shows kinematic indicators consistent with ~NE–SW bulk horizontal extension. At Jarvsand, the calcite-fluorite-galena veins formed along R-Riedel shears related to the host N–S to NNW–SSE fault system. The kinematic indicators are consistent with ~NW–SE bulk horizontal extension, similar to the extensional deformation during the later part of the Caledonian orogeny (Silurian to Devonian). At Akerlandet, adularia-quartz deposition was followed by sphalerite ± galena and finally by precipitation of fluorite and calcite. 40Ar-39Ar thermochronology of a single adularia sample did not yield a well-defined plateau age but the gas released at higher temperatures suggests an early Tonian (980 to 950 Ma) crystallization age, i.e., during the later part of the Sveconorwegian orogeny, although the data do not exclude other less likely interpretations. Previous fluid inclusion microthermometry and geochronological studies and new petrographic and geochemical results suggest that sphalerite ± galena mineralization formed from saline, relatively oxidizing, moderate-temperature, and slightly acidic hydrothermal fluids, either during the Ediacaran or the Middle Ordovician. Metals and H2S were derived from local basement rocks. Based on petrographic evidence, rare earth element composition, and S, C, and O isotope data, fluorite and calcite precipitated under near neutral and relatively reducing conditions. Occurrence of solid bitumen in veins at Akerlandet and C and O isotope data of calcite at Akerlandet and in the Laisvall basement veinlets suggest that the precipitation of calcite and fluorite was triggered by interaction of hot and evolved hydrothermal fluids (87Sr/86Sr = 0.718–0.732) with organic matter. Structural, petrographic, and geochemical data at Laisvall suggest that the basement structures hosting calcite-fluorite ± pyrite veinlets were utilized in the Middle Ordovician as the plumbing system for the oxidizing, slightly acidic, metal-bearing brines that caused the economic Pb-Zn mineralization in the overlying sandstones.

Cap rock efficiency of geothermal systems in fold-and-thrust belts: Evidence from paleo-thermal and structural analyses in Rosario de La Frontera geothermal area (NW Argentina)

Cap rock characterization of geothermal systems is often neglected despite fracturing may reduce its efficiency and favours fluid migration. We investigated the siliciclastic cap rock of Rosario de La Frontera geothermal system (NW Argentina) in order to assess its quality as a function of fracture patterns and related thermal alteration.Paleothermal investigations (XRD on fine-grained fraction of sediments, organic matter optical analysis and fluid inclusions on veins) and 1D thermal modelling allowed us to distinguish the thermal fingerprint associated to sedimentary burial from that related to fluid migration.The geothermal system is hosted in a Neogene N-S anticline dissected by high angle NNW- and ENE-striking faults. Its cap rock can be grouped into two quality categories:•rocks acting as good insulators, deformed by NNW–SSE and E–W shear fractures, NNE-SSW gypsum- and N-S-striking calcite-filled veins that developed during the initial stage of anticline growth. Maximum paleo-temperatures (<60°C) were experienced during deposition to folding phases.•rocks acting as bad insulators, deformed by NNW-SSE fault planes and NNW- and WNW-striking sets of fractures associated to late transpressive kinematics. Maximum paleo-temperatures higher than about 115°C are linked to fluid migration from the reservoir to surface (with a reservoir top at maximum depths of 2.5km) along fault damage zones.This multi-method approach turned out to be particularly useful to trace the main pathways of hot fluids and can be applied in blind geothermal systems where either subsurface data are scarce or surface thermal anomalies are lacking.

The Baklia Fault Zone – a regional strike-slip zone splitting Prins Karls Foreland (Svalbard). [abstract

The Baklia Fault Zone – a regional strike-slip zone splitting Prins Karls Foreland (Svalbard). [abstract

Application of gamma ray spectrometric measurements and VLF-EM data for tracing vein type uranium mineralization, El-Sela area, South Eastern Desert, Egypt

This study is an attempt to use the gamma ray spectrometric measurements and VLF-EM data to identify the subsurface structure and map uranium mineralization along El Sela shear zone, South Eastern Desert of Egypt. Many injections more or less mineralized with uranium and associated with alteration processes were recorded in El Sela shear zone. As results from previous works, the emplacement of these injections is structurally controlled and well defined by large shear zones striking in an ENE–WSW direction and crosscut by NW–SE to NNW–SSE fault sets. VLF method has been applied to map the structure and the presence of radioactive minerals that have been delineated by the detection of high uranium mineralization. The electromagnetic survey was carried out to detect the presence of shallow and deep conductive zones that cross the granites along ENE–WSW fracturing directions and to map its spatial distribution. The survey comprised seventy N–S spectrometry and VLF-EM profiles with 20m separation. The resulted data were displayed as composite maps for K, eU and eTh as well as VLF-Fraser map. Twelve profiles with 100m separation were selected for detailed description. The VLF-EM data were interpreted qualitatively as well as quantitatively using the Fraser and the Karous–Hjelt filters. Fraser filtered data and relative current density pseudo-sections indicate the presence of shallow and deep conductive zones that cross the granites along ENE–WSW shearing directions. High uranium concentrations found just above the higher apparent current-density zones that coincide with El-Sela shear zone indicate a positive relation between conductivity and uranium minerals occurrence. This enables to infer that the anomalies detected by VLF-EM data are due to the highly conductive shear zone enriched with uranium mineralization extending for more than 80m.

Chapter 5 Frontier onshore petroleum basins of Myanmar

The Myanmar Ministry of Energy has identified as prospective the three basins discussed here, but they have seen little exploration activity. Arguably the Hukawng Basin is distinct from the others insofar as exploration drilling has been carried out, and a potentially prospective stratigraphic succession has been encountered. Moreover, this basin lies on trend with the petroliferous basins of the Central Myanmar Depression. But it would be hard to argue that it is anything other than a frontier basin, and for that reason it is included here. For various reasons we consider the other basins discussed here to carry higher risk. The Ministry's onshore map accompanying the details of the 2013 bidding round included two blocks on the western flank of the Shan Plateau in what MOGE calls the Kalaw Basin: Blocks PSC-U and PSC-V. These blocks, which lie NE and east of the capital Naypyidaw (see Chapter 4, Fig. 4.2), were not however included in their list of blocks on offer. It is an area of complex folding (e.g. Garson et al. 1976), much affected by NNW–SSE faults of which some (such as the Panlaung Fault) are considered by Ridd & Watkinson (2013) to have had a history of dextral strike-slip movement during the Late Cretaceous–Palaeogene. The western part of the two blocks (i.e. west of the Panlaung Fault) exposes Palaeozoic sediments of the Slate Belt intruded by granites (Mitchell et al. 2007), and is considered to have no petroleum potential. The eastern part of the blocks is more difficult to assess. Above the ubiquitous Permian–Triassic Plateau Limestone (=Shan Dolomite), Triassic flysch (Shweminbon Formation) passes up into non-marine younger Mesozoic rocks including red beds and coal-bearing intervals. We are not aware of any petroleum exploration having taken place, and any potential this area may have is considered to be high …

The Al-Du’aythah volcanic cones, Al-Madinah City: implications for volcanic hazards in northern Harrat Rahat, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The basaltic Al-Du’aythah volcanic cones lie in the northern part of the extensive lava field of Harrat Rahat, and only 13 km from the centre of Al-Madinah City, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Historical records indicate they may have erupted in AD 641. The four cones are formed by deposits that record a transition from phreatomagmatic to magmatic explosions followed by minor lava effusion. Three cones display elongated tuff rings at the base, and two produced late-stage lava flows. The cones themselves are symmetrical and constructed mostly by the accumulation of ballistically ejected pyroclasts. Spherical bombs and lapilli (cannonball bombs/lapilli), occasionally with country-rock fragments inside (both cored and loaded bombs/lapilli) are common within the tuff ring deposits. LiDAR data show a total volume of 1,664 × 10−6 km3 for the four cones (418 × 10−6 km3 DRE). Whole-rock chemical analyses indicate alkali-basalt compositions (SiO2 44.7–45.9 wt%), with little compositional variation and no relationship between chemistry and eruptive styles. Small differences in composition may reflect variations in fractional crystallisation of clinopyroxene and olivine. A magnetotelluric 2D cross-section shows that the cones are located adjacent to a buried sediment-filled alluvial channel along a NNW-SSE fault dipping to the east. The Al-Du’aythah eruption was related to the ascent of magma through this structure, with the first phase of the eruption triggered by the interaction of the magma with water from the northern Harrat Rahat aquifer that exists in the Al-Madinah basin. This initial water source was rapidly exhausted, while the eruption progressed roughly from north to south and from west to east, the latter motion probably along the fault-controlled feeding dyke. Our work draws attention to the existence of recent explosive phreatomagmatic eruptions in the Al-Madinah basin, which, despite the hyperarid climate of the area, must be considered a potential future eruption hazard.