NW-SE Fault Systems Research Articles

Geological setting, lead-zinc mineralization characteristics and its potential prospects in the Na Bop - Pu Sap area, Cho Don, Northeastern Vietnam

The Lo Gam structural zone is recognized as a crucial area for the occurrence of lead-zinc deposits in Northeast Vietnam, encompassing the distinguished territories of Cho Dien and Cho Don. Specifically, within the Cho Don area, the Na Bop-Pu Sap area emerges as particularly noteworthy owing to the considerable scale and quality of its lead-zinc ore deposits. In order to comprehensively investigate the geological attributes and lead-zinc mineralization phenomena prevalent in Na Bop-Pu Sap, a suite of analytical techniques including petrographic analyses, mineralogical examinations, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ICP-MS were employed. Furthermore, stable isotope investigations and single mineral sphalerite analyses were conducted to assess the origin of metal constituents and the physicochemical conditions conducive to ore genesis. The Na Bop-Pu Sap area is under the influence of the NW-SE fault system, with the ore structure predominantly manifesting as bands and veins aligned parallel to the foliations of hosted rock. This configuration suggests a close association between the formation of lead-zinc ore and the foliation processes occurring within the shear zones. The assemblage of ore minerals within the region primarily comprises galena, sphalerite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, and arsenopyrite. Integration of S and Pb isotopic analyses alongside single mineral sphalerite assessments reveals that the ore-forming solutions emanate from both magmatic activity and sedimentary sources, with lead-zinc ore deposition occurring at temperatures ranging from low to medium. Projections suggest that the Na Bop-Pu Sap mining area may exhibit relative degrees of erosion extending to depths of approximately 600 meters below the existing terrain surface. This comprehensive examination of the ore characteristics in the Na Bop-Pu Sap mine area yields invaluable insights, thereby advancing our understanding of the potential for deep-seated lead-zinc mineral resources within the Northeastern Vietnam.

Fusion of Lineament Factor (LF) Map Analysis and Multifractal Technique for Massive Sulfide Copper Exploration: The Sahlabad Area, East Iran

Fault systems are characteristically one of the main factors controlling massive sulfide mineralization. The main objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between fault systems and host lithology with massive sulfide copper mineralization in the Sahlabad area, South Khorasan province, east of Iran. Subsequently, the rose diagram analysis, Fry analysis, lineament factor (LF) map analysis and multifractal technique were implemented for geological and geophysical data. Airborne geophysical analysis (aeromagnetometric data) was executed to determine the presence of intrusive and extrusive masses associated with structural systems. Accordingly, the relationship between the formation boundaries and the fault system was understood. Results indicate that the NW-SE fault systems are controlling the lithology of the host rock for copper mineralization in the Sahlabad area. Hence, the NW-SE fault systems are consistent with the main trend of lithological units related to massive sulfide copper mineralization in the area. Additionally, the distance of copper deposits, mines and indices in the Sahlabad area with fault systems was calculated and interpreted. Fieldwork results confirm that the NW-SE fault systems are entirely matched with several massive sulfide copper mineralizations in the area. This study demonstrates that the fusion of lineament factor (LF) map analysis and multifractal technique is a valuable and inexpensive approach for exploring massive sulfide mineralization in metallogenic provinces.

Remote sensing and structural studies of the Central Asir Shear Zone, Western Arabian Shield: Implications for the late Neoproterozoic E-W Gondwana assembly

The Central Asir Shear Zone (CASZ) is a N- to NNE-oriented inhomogeneous strain zone parallel to the Nabitah shear belt in southern Saudi Arabia. It is ~200 km long and 20 km wide, and traverses the Asir terrane. The deformed terrains in the vicinity of the CASZ have experienced a prolonged history involving three successive phases of deformation: arc-collision, dextral transpression and sinistral strike-slip faulting. Remote-sensing data analysis and field investigation provide insights into the geological and structural features along the CASZ. Image transformation and enhancement reveal faults and folds, and discriminate between granitoids, metavolcanics, gabbros and younger (Ablah Group) sediments. The obtained evidence points to polyphase deformation of the area, characterized by narrow zones of high strain, folding and shearing enclosing slices of less deformed rocks. Lineament analysis shows predominantly NNE, NNW, N and NE trends of folds and shear zones, and NW, NE and E fracture trends. The CASZ has a >100 m.y. long deformation history, including a change from dextral to sinistral shearing. Both shearing senses are found on the older N-S and younger NW-SE fault systems. N-S oriented shearing was accompanied by intrusion of granitoids and localized hydrothermal alteration along N to NNE trending shear zones. Strain analysis shows low strain in the Ablah basin sediments, consistent with Ablah deposition after the tectonic climax in the region.

New ages, morphometric and geochemical data on recent shoshonitic volcanism of the Puna, Central Volcanic Zone of Andes: San Jerónimo and Negro de Chorrillos volcanoes

Shoshonitic volcanic centres are scarce within the back-arc mafic volcanism of the Puna Plateau in the Central Volcanic Zone of the Andes. San Jerónimo and Negro de Chorrillos volcanoes are two well preserved shoshonitic monogenetic edifices that developed mainly Strombolian activity and lava flows, which extended more than 9 and 4 km from the vent, producing a volume DRE (Dense Rock Equivalent) of 0.091 and 0.020 km3, respectively. The new unspiked K–Ar (groundmass) ages of San Jerónimo (144 ± 3 ka) and Negro de Chorrillos (51 ± 2 ka) eruptions presented in this work are both younger than those previously published. Petrographic and compositional features allow distinguishing between potassic and ultrapotassic suites in volcanic products of both eruptions. Phlogopite occurrence and low glass content characterize the ultrapotassic suite. Based on the crustal thickness of this part of the Puna and the experimental constraint, these magmas last equilibrated at Moho depths at around 50 km (the highest depth of spinel lherzolite stability field) for temperatures of 1100–1200 °C. Once in the crust, the K-rich magma underwent a minor interaction with a trachytic-trachydacitic melt, which is evidenced petrographically and geochemically, e.g., mismatch of mineral assemblages (co-occurrence of olivine and quartz), disequilibrium crystal textures (dusty zones in plagioclase, embayments in sanidine), and a wide range of compositional variation in the glasses. Ultrapotassic (i.e., phlogopite-bearing) and potassic lavas in the same eruption are interpreted as pulses of the same magma but with a longer mixing time with the trachytic-trachydacitic melt for the resulting ultrapotassic rocks within an eruptive time frame of hours or days. The singular shoshonitic character of these magmas could be related to their origin along an old terrane boundary. Afterwards, as occurs for other mafic magmas of the Puna, major NW-SE fault systems would favour their ascent to the surface.

Slab narrowing in the Central Mediterranean: the Calabro-Ionian subduction zone as imaged by high resolution seismic tomography

A detailed 3D image of the Calabro-Ionian subduction system in the central Mediterranean was obtained by means of a seismic tomography, exploiting a large dataset of local earthquakes and computing algorithms able to build a dense grid of measure nodes. Results show that the slab is continuous below the southern sector of the Calabro-Peloritan Arc, but the deformation processes developing at its edges are leading to its progressive narrowing, influencing tectonics and magmatism at the surface, and with possible stress concentration in the tip zones. In the southwest, the deformation occurring at a free slab edge lead to propagation of a vertical lithospheric tear in the overriding plate, which extends along a NW-SE fault system (Aeolian-Tindari-Letojanni) up to about 30 km into the Ionian Sea; further southeast, the lithosphere appears only flexed and not broken yet. In the northeast, the slab seems to break progressively, parallel to the trench. Finally, northwest of Mt. Etna, the tomography highlights low VP that can be related to an upwelling of deep mantle material likely flowing laterally through a window opened by the complete slab detachment.

Neotectonic and Geomorphological Characteristics of the Ma Pi Leng Area (Ha Giang Province, North Vietnam): Implications for Improving the Worth of Vietnamese Geological Heritage

Ma Pi Leng area is the core part of Dong Van karst plateau geopark, and is a region of high diversity of geology and tectonics in Vietnam. This region has experienced strong uplift motions that have created three grades of regional relief: 1400–1600 m; 1100–1200 m and 500–600 m. This geomorphology is in turn strongly eroded by the stream systems and divided into different structural blocks controlled by the faults. During the neotectonic stage, several modes of faulting have occurred in Ma Pi Leng such as strikeslip, normal, extension, riverse faults. The NW–SE fault system had a decisive role in determining the structural pattern of the region. The tectonic fractures, at the largest scale, are hundreds of meters high and up to a kilometer long. Tectonic activities, together with exogenic processes, have made regional relief strongly diverse with strips of horsts and grabens as well as laddersteps-shaped escarpments, inverse topography, high cliffs and deep canyons. Besides that there are also the caves at varying levels of height, chains of sinkholes, and pyramidal mountainous peaks. Ma Pi Leng area is truly majestic and worthy of tourist attractions both in terms of scientific value and natural landscape.

Geometric-kinematic characteristics of the main faults in the W-SW of the Lut Block (SE Iran)

The area to the W-SW of the Lut Block in Iran has experienced numerous historical and recent destructive earthquakes. We examined a number of faults in this area that have high potential for generating destructive earthquakes. In this study a number of faults are introduced and named for the first time. These new faults are Takdar, Dehno, Suru, Hojat Abad, North Faryab, North Kahnoj, Heydarabad, Khatun Abad and South Faryab. For a group of previously known faults, their mechanism and geological offsets are investigated for the first time. This group of faults include East Nayband, West Nayband, Sardueiyeh, Dalfard, Khordum, South Jabal-e-Barez, and North Jabal-e-Barez. The N-S fault systems of Sabzevaran, Gowk, and Nayband induce slip on the E-W, NE-SW and NW-SE fault systems. The faulting patterns appear to preserve different stages of fault development. We investigated the distribution of active faults and the role that they play in accommodating tectonic strain in the SW-Lut. In the study area, the fault systems with en-echelon arrangement create structures such as restraining and releasing stepover, fault bend and pullapart basin. The main mechanism for fault growth in the region seems to be ‘segment linkage of preexisting weaknesses’ and also for a limited area through ‘process zone’. Estimations are made for the likely magnitudes of separate or combined failure of the fault segments. Such magnitudes are used in hazard analysis of the region.

CONTRIBUTION OF GEOPHYSICAL METHODS TO THE INVESTIGATION OF GEOTHERMAL CONDITIONS IN THE SOUTHWESTERN PART OF THE STRYMON BASIN (MACEDONIA, NORTHERN GREECE)

The Strymon basin is one of the most important sedimentary basins in Northern Greece where significant geothermal fields are located. The SW part of the Strymon basin manifests geothermal interest. Available geophysical data (seismic, gravity, magnetic and electrical data) contributed to the identification of major faults that control the fluid-flow paths of the geothermal field and the estimation of depth to the metamorphic basement. The former is of great importance because the geothermal aquifer is expected to be at the contact of the basal conglomerate with the metamorphic basement. The highest thermal gradient values (10-15o C/100 m) were observed in the western part of the study area near the known geothermal field of Therma – Nigrita. Other important geothermal anomalies (>6o C/100 m) occur in the Patriki area, north of the village of Ivira and in the area between the villages of Patriki and Achinos. Geothermal interest manifests itself in the following areas: north of Mavrothalassa (>4o C/100 m), southwest of Ivira and east of Agios Dimitrios. It appears furthermore that the main thermal anomaly is associated with two NW-SE fault systems that affect the basement in the areas of Patriki and north of Achinos - Ivira correspondingly. These faults have been detected by the use of geophysical surveys. The presence of NE-SW faults extends the anomaly southwestwards.

Structural interpretation of seismic data of Abu Rudeis-Sidri area, Northern Central Gulf of Suez, Egypt

The 2D and 3D seismic data are interpreted to evaluate the subsurface geologic structures in the Abu Rudeis-Sidri area that occupy the northern central part of the Gulf of Suez. The 2D seismic data are used for determination of the structural configurations and the tectonic features which is analyzed through the study of interpretation with the available geologic data, in which the geo-seismic depth maps for the main interesting tops (Kareem, Nukhul, Matulla, Raha and Nubia Formations) are represented. Such maps reflect that, the Miocene structure of Abu Rudeis-Sidri area is an asymmetrical NW-SE trending anticlinal feature dissected by a set of NW-SE fault system (clysmic). Added, the Pre-Miocene structure of the studied area is very complex, where the area is of NE dip and affected by severe faulting through varying stratigraphic levels.

Petrography, Geochemistry and Tectonic Setting of Volcanic Rocks in Qom-Tehran Trend

Along 80 Km length of Tehran-Qom highway, a complex of post Eocen volcanic rocks include basalt, trachyte-basalt, andesite-basalt, dacite, rhyolite and pyrocalstic rocks (tuff and ignimbrite) with sedimentary rocks are exposed. The region turned to horst and graben system by NW-SE fault systems. Grabens are covered by Pliocene-Quaternary sediments and various volcanic rocks outcrop in horsts. Volcanic rocks are mostly calc-alkaline, alkaline and rarely tholeiitic. Geochemical features of these rocks are similar to those of subduction tectonic setting and in spider diagrams, the HFSE (Nb, Ti, Y, P) show negative and the LILE (K, Rb, Cs, Sr, Ba, Th, Pb) show positive anomaly. However, Ta and Nb do not present obvious negative anomaly. Comparing the spider diagrams of the studied rocks with N-MORB shows that their magmas originated from mantle melt similar to N-MORB mantle, but from higher depth than MORB in which garnet was stable (Y negative anomaly) and plagioclase were absent (Eu positive anomaly). Spider diagrams normalized with primary mantle also confirm such a mantle source (Eu positive anomaly) that was affected by mantle driven fluids (positive anomaly of Cs, Th, K, La, Pb). Chemical composition variations of the Eocene volcanic rocks from Qom to Tehran shows that there is no geochemical polarity in this volcanic trend similar to those of subduction zones. The disagreement in geochemical results could probably be due to the slab detachment of ocean plate in the upper Cretaceous that caused a delay in subduction and continued with lower angel subduction to form a magmatic isotropy in the Central Iran. Furthermore, the presence of local extension forces with transitional effects and block rotary movements that are formed as a function of strike-slip faults above the oblique subduction zone must be considered

Composite volcanoes in the south-eastern part of İzmir–Balıkesir Transfer Zone, Western Anatolia, Turkey

During the Early–Middle Miocene (Western Anatolia) several volcanic fields occur along a NE–SW-trending shear zone, known as İzmir–Balıkesir Transfer Zone. This is a deformed crustal-scale sinistral strike-slip fault zone crossing the Bornova flysch and extending along the NW-boundary of the Menderes Massif by accommodating the differential deformation between the Cycladic and Menderes core complexes within the Aegean extensional system. Here we discuss the volcanic activity in Yamanlar and Yuntdağı fields that is closely related to the extensional tectonics of the İzmir–Balıkesir Transfer Zone and in the same time with the episodic core complex denudation of the Menderes Massif.This study documents two composite volcanoes (Yamanlar and Yuntdağı), whose present vent area is strongly eroded and cut by a variety of strike-slip and normal fault systems, the transcurrent NW–SE being the dominant one. The erosional remnants of the vent areas, resembling a shallow crater intrusive complex, illustrate the presence of numerous dykes or variably sized neck-like intrusions and lava flows, typically associated with hydrothermal alteration processes (propylitic and argillic). Such vent areas were observed in both the examined volcanic fields, having ~6km in diameter and being much more eroded toward the south, along the NW–SE fault system. Lava flows and lava domes are sometimes associated with proximal block and ash flow deposits. In the cone-building association part, besides lava flows and remnants of lava domes, rare block and ash and pumice-rich pyroclastic flow deposits, as well as a series of debris-flow deposits, have been observed.The rocks display a porphyritic texture and contain various proportions of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, amphibole, rare biotite and corroded quartz. The examined rocks fall at the limit between calc-alkaline to alkaline field, and plot predominantly in high-K andesite and dacite fields and one is rhyolite. The trace element distribution suggests fractional crystallization processes and mixing in upper crustal magma chambers and suggests a metasomatized lithospheric mantle/lower crust source. This preliminary volcanological–petrological and geochronological base study allowed documenting the Yamanlar and Yuntdağı as composite volcanoes generated during post-collisional Early–Middle Miocene transtensional tectonic movements.

Carbon isotopic composition of soil CO 2 efflux, a powerful method to discriminate different sources feeding soil CO 2 degassing in volcanic-hydrothermal areas

A new method combining measurements of soil CO 2 flux and determinations of the carbon isotopic composition of soil CO 2 efflux was developed in order to qualitatively and quantitatively characterise the CO 2 source feeding the soil CO 2 diffuse degassing. The method was tested in March 2007 at the Solfatara of Pozzuoli volcano degassing area (Naples, Italy) where more than 300 measurements of soil CO 2 flux and determinations of the carbon isotopic composition of soil CO 2 efflux were performed, surveying Solfatara crater and its surroundings. The wide range of CO 2 flux and CO 2 isotopic composition values (from 8.4 g m − 2 d − 1 to 28,834 g m − 2 d − 1 , and from 0.73‰ to − 33.54‰, respectively), together with their statistical distributions suggests the occurrence of multiple CO 2 sources feeding soil degassing. The combined interpretation of flux and isotopic data allows us to identify and characterise two distinct gas sources: a hydrothermal and a biogenic source. The soil CO 2 from the hydrothermal source is characterised by a mean δ 13C CO 2 of − 2.3‰ ± 0.9‰, hence close to the isotopic composition of the fumarolic CO 2 ( δ 13C CO 2 = − 1.48‰ ± 0.22‰) and by a mean CO 2 flux of 2875 g m − 2 d − 1 . The CO 2 from the biogenic source is characterised by a mean δ 13C CO 2 of − 19.4‰ ± 2.1‰, and by a mean CO 2 flux of 26 g m − 2 d − 1 , which are both in the range of the typical values for biologic CO 2 soil degassing. This reliable characterisation of the biogenic CO 2 flux would not have been possible by solely applying a statistical analysis of the CO 2 flux values, which is commonly applied in volcanological studies for the partitioning between background fluxes and anomalous CO 2 fluxes. A map of the Solfatara diffuse degassing structure was derived from the estimated threshold for the biogenic CO 2 flux, highlighting that soil degassing of hydrothermal CO 2 mixed in different proportion with biogenic CO 2 occurs over a large area (~ 0.8 km 2), which extends over the inner part of the Solfatara crater as well as the eastern periphery, corresponding with a NW–SE fault system. The presented method and data analysis are important means of surveillance of the volcanic activity.

Apports de la gravimétrie dans la caractérisation des structures éffondrées dans la région de Nebeur (Nord Ouest de la Tunisie)

Gravity data were analysed in the Nebeur area to better understand the organization of its underlying structures. Analysis of the gravity data included the computation of a complete Bouguer anomaly, upward continuations, as well as residual and derivative maps.Comparison of gravity maps, geological and structural maps allows the identification of major structural directions and trends of the study area. It confirms some structural elements gathered from outcrops and defines new ones. In particular, the Oued Tessa – Bled el Ghorfa area that is characterized by a negative gravity anomaly, corresponds to a collapsed structure limited by two NW–SE fault systems. This result extends to north the graben zone that is described from outcrops.

Interpretation of radon anomalies in seismotectonic and tectonic-gravitational settings: the south-eastern Crati graben (Northern Calabria, Italy)

The study area is located in the south-eastern part of the Crati valley (Northern Calabria, Italy), which is a graben bordered by N–S trending normal faults and crossed by NW–SE normal left-lateral faults. Numerous severe crustal earthquakes have affected the area in historical time. Present-day seismic activity is mainly related to the N–S faults located along the eastern border of the graben. In this area, much seismically induced deep-seated deformation has also been recognised. In the present paper, radon concentrations in soil gas have been measured and compared with (a) lithology, (b) Quaternary faults, (c) historical and instrumental seismicity, and (d) deep-seated deformation. The results highlight the following: (a) There is no evidence of a strong correlation between lithology and the radon anomalies. (b) A clear correlation between the N–S geometry of radon anomalies and the orientation of main fault systems has been recognised, except in the southernmost part of the area, where the radon concentrations are strongly affected by the superposition of the N–S and the NW–SE fault systems. (c) Epicentral zones of instrumental and historical earthquakes correspond to the highest values of radon concentrations, probably indicating recent activated fault segments. In particular, high radon values occur in the zones struck by earthquakes in 1835, 1854, and 1870. (d) Deep-seated gravitational deformation generally coincides with zones characterised by low radon concentrations. In the studied area, the anisotropic distribution of radon concentrations is congruent with the presence of neotectonic features and deep-seated gravitational phenomena. The method used in this study could profitably contribute towards either seismic risk or deep-seated gravitational deformation analyses.

Uplift and contractional deformation along a segmented strike-slip fault system: the Gargano Promontory, southern Italy

The Gargano Promontory in southern Italy is a region of localized uplift and contractional deformation within the Apulian foreland province. Our field mapping has defined two main fault systems that controlled the uplift of the Gargano block. E–W-trending strike-slip faults bound the northern and southern margins of the uplifted block, defining a compressive stepover zone between the two fault zones. The second system strikes NW–SE with primarily reverse to oblique-reverse displacements. Uplift was accommodated by a broad antiformal fold and reverse motion on the NW–SE fault system. This deformation is attributed to localized high compressive stress within the stepover region, driven by slip on the bounding strike-slip faults. Three-dimensional numerical models incorporating the observed fault geometries and slip sense support our interpretation. Results show that significantly higher compressive stresses occur within the fault overstep region, and computed stress trajectories agree closely with the orientations of contractional features observed in the field. Although the role of strike-slip faulting in the deformation of the Gargano Promontory has been proposed previously, this mechanism provides a new model for the localized uplift and related deformation. We also cite similar occurrences of this mechanism in the complexly deformed interior of the Apennine fold–thrust belt.

Past and present circulation of CO2-bearing fluids in the crystalline Gran Paradiso Massif (Orco Valley, north-western Italian Alps): tectonic and geochemical constraints

In the Orco Valley, inside the Gran Paradiso Massif, 3 main fault systems are present: (a) E–W striking faults dipping at 45–60° to the N, (b) high-angle NW–SE striking faults, and (c) high-angle NE–SW to NNE–SSW striking faults. The E–W striking faults and the interposed NW–SE-faults appear to represent a cogenetic structural association related to a larger scale transtensional shear zone, while the NE–SW faults are probably inherited by an older discontinuous deformation stage. Breccia bodies or veins, mostly consisting of carbonate (siderite–ankerite±calcite)+quartz with sulphide–Au mineralisation, recording a multistage mesothermal evolution, occur along both E–W and NW–SE fault systems. Three water types are recognised: type I, Ca2+–HCO3− waters, with minor SO42−; type II, (Ca2+/Na+)–HCO3− waters varying towards Na+–(HCO3−/Cl−) waters; and type III, Mg2+–HCO3− waters. Type I and type III groundwaters are freshly recharged waters, only slightly exchanged with rocks. Type II includes waters which come into contact with carbonate fracture fillings, and geochemical modelling indicates that dissolution of carbonates along fractures is the main process controlling the groundwater chemistry. These waters evolve in a system open to uprising CO2, and their strongly negative δ13CCO2 suggests a substantial organic component in the CO2 discharge. In the past, CO2-bearing fluids were likely responsible for the formation of Fe-bearing carbonate fracture fillings. The persistence through time of the CO2 flux in the region has important implications for the reconstruction of the Alpine tectonic evolution and deep structure.

Structural setting of the Bay of Naples (Italy) seismic reflection data: implications for Campanian volcanism

This paper focuses on the recent tectonic evolution of the Bay of Naples with the aim of exploring the connection between local tectonics and volcanism. We reprocessed the seismic reflection dataset acquired in the area in the late 1973. The new processing was highly successful in obtaining a decisive strong reduction of random noise, removal of coherent noise and reduction of spatial aliasing. Classical interpretative schemes and complex attributes of seismic traces were used to reconstruct fault kinematics and reflector patterns. The results show that the faults affecting the Bay of Naples exhibit prevailing NE structural strikes, with the exception of the Pozzuoli Caldera where NW patterns are also common. Many faults are subvertical and show seismic evidence of volcanic activity along them. A main alignment of conjugate NE–SW faults, named here as “Magnaghi–Sebeto line”, intersects several submarine volcanic banks and separates the bay into two sectors, characterized by important geological, geophysical and petrochemical differences. The structural configuration of the bay may reflect the occurrence of either oblique extension or a transfer zone of the NW–SE fault system, along which, in the Campanian–Lucanian Apennine chain, great vertical displacements occur.

Sedimentary and tectonic evolution of Plio–Pleistocene alluvial and lacustrine deposits of Fucino Basin (central Italy)

Abstract The Fucino Basin was the greatest lake of the central Italy, which was completely drained at the end of 19th century. The basin is an intramontane half-graben filled by Plio–Quaternary alluvial and lacustrine deposits located in the central part of the Apennines chain, which was formed in Upper Pliocene and in Quaternary time by the extensional tectonic activity. The analysis of the geological surface data allows the definition of several stratigraphic units grouped in Lower Units and Upper Units. The Lower Units (Upper Pliocene) are exposed along the northern and north-eastern basin margins. They consist of open to marginal lacustrine deposits, breccia deposits and fluvial deposits. The Upper Units (Lower Pliocene–Holocene) consist of interbedded marginal lacustrine deposits and fluvial deposits; thick coarse-grained fan-delta deposits are interfingered at the foot of the main relief with fluvial–lacustrine deposits. Most of the thickness of the lacustrine sequences (more than 1000-m thick) is buried below the central part of the Fucino Plain. The basin is bounded by E–W, WSW–ENE and NW–SE fault systems: Velino–Magnola Fault (E–W) and Tremonti–Celano–Aielli Fault (WSW–ENE) and S. Potito–Celano Fault (NW–SE) in the north; the Trasacco Fault, the Pescina–Celano Fault and the Serrone Fault (NW–SE) in the south-east. The geometry and kinematic indicators of these faults indicate normal or oblique movements. The study of industrial seismic profiles across the Fucino Basin gives a clear picture of the subsurface basin geometry; the basin shows triangular-shaped basin-fill geometry, with the maximum deposits thickness toward the main east boundary fault zones that dip south-westward (Serrone Fault, Trasacco Fault, Pescina–Celano Fault). On the basis of geological surface data, borehole stratigraphy and seismic data analysis, it is possible to recognize and to correlate sedimentary and seismic facies. The bottom of the basin is well recognized in the seismic lines available from the good and continuous signals of the top of Meso–Cenozoic carbonate rocks. The shape of sedimentary bodies indicates that the filling of the basin was mainly controlled by normal slip along the NW–SE boundary faults. In fact, the continental deposits are frequently in on-lap contact over the carbonate substratum; several disconformable contacts occurred during the sedimentary evolution of the basin. The main faults (with antithetic and synthetic fault planes) displace the whole sedimentary sequence up to the surface indicating a recent faults' activity (1915 Avezzano earthquake, Ms=7.0). The stratigraphic and tectonic setting of the Fucino Basin and neighboring areas indicates that the extensional tectonic events have had an important role in driving the structural-sedimentary evolution of the Plio–Quaternary deposits. The geometry of the depositional bodies, of the fault planes and their relationships indicate that the Fucino Basin was formed as a half-graben type structure during Plio–Quaternary extensional events. Some internal complexities are probably related to the fold-and-thrust structures of the Apenninic orogeny formed in Messinian time, in this area, and to a different activity timing of the E–W and WSW–ENE fault systems and the NW–SE fault systems. We believe, based on the similarity of the surface characteristics, that the structural setting of the Fucino Basin can be extrapolated to the other great intramontane basins in Central Italy (e.g. Rieti, L'Aquila, Sulmona, Sora, Isernia basins).

Late Jurassic Structural Inversion in the North Viking Graben and East Shetland Basin, UK North Sea

Interpretation of regional seismic data and analysis of available well data from the North Viking Graben suggest that a significant phase of structural inversion took place in the Late Jurassic and also in the early Cretaceous. It is believed that this inversion may be a consequence either of compression of the basin as a whole or alternatively, transpressional uplift along offset NW-SE fault systems. The north-south trending Penguin Ridge in UKCS quadrant 211 is interpreted as being such an inversion feature. The Penguin Ridge may well be an extreme example of apparent compression within the context of the Northern North Sea. However, it is clear that less well-developed structures of a similar type have previously been interpreted as simple extensional fault blocks. A compressional or transpressional mode of formation has implications for both reservoir diagenesis and faulting and thus important consequences for exploration play evaluation. It is also proposed that the Penguin Ridge is the northerly limit of a north-south trend or fairway in which compressional features can be observed from regional and field specific seismic data. Certainly there are many anomalous structures within the complex crestal areas of the majority of the Brent Province fields. The impact of such a model is the subject of continuing studies, but it is clear that as the search for more subtle plays intensifies in mature exploration areas such as the North Sea, it is important that the explorationist keeps an open mind, especially when confronted with apparently anomalous data.

Evaporite, carbonate, and siliciclastic transitions in the Jurassic sequences of southeastern Tunisia

Evaporite, carbonate and siliciclastic transitions occur within the Jurassic deposits of southeastern Tunisia. These facies are grouped into four major transgressive-regressive sequences corresponding to various environments of deposition. The latter include sabkha, subaqueous evaporite basin, carbonate tidal flats to shallow marine platform, bioherms and mixed siliciclastic ramp. Rapid lateral and vertical variations in thicknesses and facies are controlled by tectonic, climatic and eustatic factors. East-west and NW-SE fault systems generated a down-faulted graben (Tataouine basin) bordered by two uplifted horsts (Tebaga Mole and Libyan Craton) and have acted as an evaporite depocenter or as a siliciclastic trap. Eustatic-related transgressions occurring during Late Lias, Bajocian, Early/Middle Callovian, and probable Upper Callovian-Oxfordian have led to opening and/or deepening of the marine basin accompanied by carbonate sedimentation rapidly replacing evaporite or siliciclastic deposition. This Jurassic example not only confirms that tectonics and, to a lesser extent, climate largely controlled evaporite, carbonate, and siliciclastic transitions; it also demonstrates that sea-level changes may be another factor controlling such transitions in these ancient deposits.