Oblique Normal Faults Research Articles

The Dinevar transtensional pull-apart basin, NW Zagros Mountains, Iran: a geological study and comparison to 2D finite element elastic models

The Dinevar transtensional pull-apart basin is a NW–SE trending basin located in the northwest part of the Zagros Mountains, Sanandaj–Sirjan tectonic zone, Iran. This basin was formed by oblique extension in a strike-slip fault system, which was controlled by the pre-existing Sahneh and the Mianrahan faults. In addition to a field study, we constructed a 2D finite element elastic model based on the major fault segments. According to the field study, various geological structures are formed around the pre-existing fault segments, including pencil structures with 13 < aspect ratio < 19, tight to open asymmetric folds, oblique–normal faults, synthetic and antithetic faults, normal and reverse fault drags, and negative and hybrid-type flower structure. FE-model results show that around the fault step is a zone of displacement gradient that indicates extension (transtension) within the overlapping zone. Consequently, subsidence is predicted over the releasing fault step. The modelled stress distributions within the fault step and around the fault segment tips are asymmetric. Elastic modelling shows that the mean normal stress within the step is tensional, which would impede plastic yield, while the region outside the step is characterised by compressive mean normal stress. The mean normal stress pattern is characterised by a regional minimum, localised inside the extensional step (transtension zone), and two local maximum and minimum couples, formed at the advancing and retreating sides, respectively, in the fault segment tips. The results show that two main subsidence regions (depocentres or sub-basins) form along and in the proximity of the fault segment tips. The imposed relative motion is entirely accommodated by creep on the faults, which causes plastic strain to accumulate outside the faults, mostly localised within the fault step. This localised strain between fault segments could initiate connecting faults or reactivate earlier faults, generally at high angles relative to the master fault segments as suggested by the stress and strain patterns. The rotation and magnitude variation in the stress and strain trajectories reflects heterogeneous deformation. In general, the Dinevar transtensional pull-apart basin is characterised by an elongate rhomboidal- to trapezoidal-shaped geometry. The modelled stress distribution and strain localisations within the basin are in general agreement with the locations of fault segments within the Dinevar transtensional pull-apart basin.

Frictional properties and 3-D stress analysis of the southern Alpine Fault, New Zealand

New Zealand's Alpine Fault (AF) ruptures quasi-periodically in large-magnitude earthquakes. Paleoseismological evidence suggests that about half of all recognized AF earthquakes terminated at the boundary between the Central and South Westland sections of the fault. There, fault geometry and the polarity of uplift change. The South Westland AF exhibits oblique-normal fault motion on a structure oriented 052°/82°SE that, for at least 35 km along strike, contains saponite-rich principal slip zone gouges. New hydrothermal friction experiments reveal that the saponite fault gouge is frictionally weak, exhibiting friction coefficients between μ = 0.12 and μ = 0.16 for a range of temperatures (T = 25–210 °C) and effective normal stresses (σn' = 31.2–93.6 MPa). The saponite gouge is rate-strengthening in all velocity steps performed at velocities between 0.01 and 3.0 μm/s, behavior conducive to aseismic creep. A three-dimensional stress analysis shows that the South Westland AF is favorably oriented with respect to the regional stress field for slip within the frictionally weak saponite fault gouge. Geometrically, the fault is severely misoriented for slip in any fault-forming materials with friction coefficients exceeding μ∼0.5. The combination of weak gouges prone to aseismic creep, strong asperities, and low resolved shear stress may impede earthquake rupture propagation along the South Westland Alpine Fault.

Deformation bands and associated structures in the Tucano Basin, NE Brazil: A multiscale analysis

Abstract The sandstones of the Ilhas Group in the Tucano Basin (NE Brazil), are affected by numerous swarms of deformation bands (Dbs) and associated faults, developed in different deformation events (pre, syn and post stages of sediment lithification). We select an area located west of the city of Jeremoabo and east of the Agua Branca district, along the Vaza Barris River, for a multiscale structural analysis of these structures. NE-SW striking faults and swarms of Dbs are the main structures of the region but two other sets also occur, with NNW-SSE and E-W orientations. The structural analysis revealed that they are related to three deformational events, D1, D2 and D3. The D1 event generated NE-SW normal faults and a combined system of transcurrent faults and dextral (NNW-SSE) and sinistral (NE-SW) Dbs, developed under pre-to syn-lithification conditions of the sandstones. The D2 event developed NNE-SSW oblique normal faults nucleated under post-lithification conditions. A younger deformational event (D3) was responsible for the generation of NE-SW dextral and oblique normal faults both with associated Dbs swarm, A few NE-SW reverse and oblique reverse faults occur in the area. Tensional NW-SE and NNW-SSE stress fields associated with D1 and D2 events respectively, acted in the region during the Neocomian, while the D3 event represents the NNE-SSW extension analogous to that responsible for the formation of the Brazilian Equatorial Margin during the Early Aptian.

Activation of preexisting transverse structures in an evolving magmatic rift in East Africa

Inherited crustal weaknesses have long been recognized as important factors in strain localization and basin development in the East African Rift System (EARS). However, the timing and kinematics (e.g., sense of slip) of transverse (rift-oblique) faults that exploit these weaknesses are debated, and thus the roles of inherited weaknesses at different stages of rift basin evolution are often overlooked. The mechanics of transverse faulting were addressed through an analysis of the Kordjya fault of the Magadi basin (Kenya Rift). Fault kinematics were investigated from field and remote-sensing data collected on fault and joint systems. Our analysis indicates that the Kordjya fault consists of a complex system of predominantly NNE-striking, rift-parallel fault segments that collectively form a NNW-trending array of en echelon faults. The transverse Kordjya fault therefore reactivated existing rift-parallel faults in ∼1 Ma lavas as oblique-normal faults with a component of sinistral shear. In all, these fault motions accommodate dip-slip on an underlying transverse structure that exploits the Aswa basement shear zone. This study shows that transverse faults may be activated through a complex interplay among magma-assisted strain localization, preexisting structures, and local stress rotations. Rather than forming during rift initiation, transverse structures can develop after the establishment of pervasive rift-parallel fault systems, and may exhibit dip-slip kinematics when activated from local stress rotations. The Kordjya fault is shown here to form a kinematic linkage that transfers strain to a newly developing center of concentrated magmatism and normal faulting. It is concluded that recently activated transverse faults not only reveal the effects of inherited basement weaknesses on fault development, but also provide important clues regarding developing magmatic and tectonic systems as young continental rift basins evolve.

THE 16 APRIL 2015 MW6.1 EARTHQUAKE SEQUENCE NEAR KASOS ISLAND AT THE EASTERN HELLENIC SUBDUCTION ZONE

Broad band seismic waveforms are used to determine the source model of the 16 April 2015 (UTC 18:07:44) earthquake, Mw6.1, which occurred 14 km SW of Kasos Island, in the eastern Hellenic subduction zone. The mainshock is connected with oblique leftlateral motion on a reverse fault, dipping to SE. Most of the aftershocks are compatible with strike-slip or oblique normal faulting, with the T-axes showing along arc extension. A finite fault slip inversion was performed, allowing for the rake angle to vary across the fault, to capture the variation in the slip vectors. The rupture initiated in the lower crust, at a centroid depth of 23 km, and propagated mainly towards SW. The slip is confined in depth within ~17km and 27km, mainly in a single asperity, with the peak slip of the order of 60 cm. The slip model provided synthetic seismograms which matched satisfactory the observed, and with forward modelling the ShakeMap was calculated. The 2015 Kasos earthquake sequence is compatible with shear motions parallel to the strike of the subduction zone. It provides evidence that part of the deformation in the eastern Hellenic subduction is taken up by the simultaneous operation of reverse faulting and of minor strike-slip and oblique normal faulting, with slip vectors aligned ~ parallel to the Pliny and Strabo Trenches and the long axis of the local bathymetry.

Análise estrutural do sistema de grabens do Rio Tocantins, borda oeste da Bacia do Parnaíba (estados do Tocantins, Pará e Maranhão - Brasil)

A borda oeste da Bacia do Parnaíba apresenta estruturas que a diferenciam do contexto em outras regiões na bacia. Destacam‑se duas estruturas do tipo graben (Araguaína e Muricizal), que compõem o sistema de grabens em estudo, a primeira já no interior da bacia, a segunda implantada diretamente sobre o embasamento cristalino (Faixa Araguaia). Nas bordas do graben principal (Araguaína), as formações Motuca e Pedra de Fogo são balizadas por falhas normais ou normais oblíquas sinistrais. Mais a sul, na região de Palmas-Miracema do Tocantins, o Grupo Serra Grande, a Formação Pimenteiras e o embasamento cristalino estão em contato por falhas normais. O segundo graben, localizado a oeste do principal, também acomoda a Formação Motuca e unidades sotopostas, possuindo a mesma orientação. A análise de imagens SRTM auxiliou na cartografia dos fotolineamentos, dos grabens e, associada aos dados de campo, permitiu a proposição de três eventos deformacionais (D1, D2 e D3). A orientação N-S das falhas envolve uma variação de 20º-30º para E ou W, controlada pelas anisotropias do embasamento cristalino nesta borda da bacia, relacionadas à Faixa Araguaia. Falhas de regime normal e normal sinistral evidenciam uma distensão NE durante a formação dos grabens (evento D1). A idade mínima para D1 é estimada no intervalo Permo-Triássico, baseada nas relações estruturais e estratigráficas. Na região norte do mesmo, fotolineamentos E-W/ENE controlam o alojamento de basaltos e diabásios eojurássicos da Suíte Mosquito (evento D2), que interceptam as estruturas do graben principal. A distensão NNE na Suíte Mosquito e falhas normais ou transcorrentes exibindo distensão NW (evento D3) são tentativamente correlacionadas aos eventos de abertura do Atlântico Central e Sul, respectivamente.

Geology and in situ stress of the MH-2 borehole, Idaho, USA: Insights into western Snake River Plain structure from geothermal exploration drilling

Project HOTSPOT, the Snake River Scientific Drilling Project (International Continental Scientific Drilling Program), tested for deep geothermal resources and examined the petrology of volcanic rocks with three drillholes in the central and western Snake River Plain (western USA). The MH-2 drillhole targeted fractured crystalline and hydrothermally altered basalt in the area of the Mountain Home Air Force Base (Idaho) to a total depth of 1821 m. At 1745 m depth the drillhole encountered flowing artesian hydrothermal fluids of at least 150 °C. We integrate geological analyses of core, image log, and borehole geophysical data, and in situ stress analyses to describe the structural environment that produces permeability for artesian flow. The rocks in the lower 540 m of the drillhole consist of basalt flows as much as 30 m thick, altered basalt, and thin sedimentary horizons. The mechanical stratigraphy is defined by nine mechanical horizons that are in three ranges of rock strength on the basis of experimentally determined strength data, core logging, and geophysical log signatures. Hydrothermal alteration products and mineralization in the core are associated with three highly faulted sections; the lowermost section is associated with the zone of flowing thermal water. Shear slip indicators on faults observed in core indicate slip ranging from pure strike slip to normal failure mechanisms in the stronger horizons. The borehole breakouts indicate that the maximum horizontal stress, SH, is oriented 047° ± 7°, and drilling-induced tensile fractures indicate that SH is oriented at 67° ± 21°. The in situ stress orientations exhibit little variation over the depth of the measured interval, but the SH magnitude varies with depth, and is best explained by an oblique normal fault stress regime. The geomechanical model indicates that if pore pressures at depth are elevated above the normal hydrostatic gradient, as observed here, the system has the potential to deform by mixed normal and strike-slip failure. Our observations and interpretations suggest that the MH-2 borehole was drilled into oblique normal faults that intersect a buried 300°-trending fault block masked by the basaltic volcanic complex. These data indicate that the transition from the central to western Snake River Plain is characterized by complex structures developed in response to a transitional stress state related to Snake River Plain and western Basin and Range stress regimes. The western Basin and Range stress and tectonic regime may extend from northern Nevada into western Idaho and may enhance the potential for geothermal resources by creating interconnected fracture and fault-related permeability at depth.

RECENT SEISMIC ACTIVITY IN CENTRAL GREECE REVEALING LOCAL SEISMOTECTONIC PROPERTIES

The December 2008, M=5.2 earthquake occurred in the Voiotikos–Kifissos basin near the town of Amfikleia in Central Greece and was followed by an intense sequence with hundreds of earthquakes. Mainshock source characteristics derived from the recordings of the Greek National Seismological Network are consistent with previous known earthquakes as well as with the current nearly N–S extensional regime. The adequate azimuthal coverage and the calculated time residuals at each seismological station ensure high location accuracy, whereas the stations operated close to the seismic excitations constrained 80% of the focal depths between 8 and 12km. Distances from the mainshock epicenter to the 10 closest seismological stations vary from 15 to 75 km. Hypoinverse and HypoDD were used for locations, and FPFIT was used for fault plane solutions of events with an adequate number of clear first arrivals. The hypocenters and focal mechanisms illuminate a ≈10km–long fault zone striking nearly E–W with oblique normal faulting and a small left lateral component. The Voiotikos–Kifissos basin is bordered in the south by two left–stepping en echelon segments known as the Pavliani fault zone and the Parnassos detachment, which strike NW and dip NE. In our preferred interpretation, the Amfikleia mainshock ruptured a previously recognized south–dipping fault antithetic to the basin border faults. This fault may be associated with the left step on the border fault, which would be releasing if that fault had a sinistral component.

Geology, Geochemistry and Hydrothermal Fluid Characteristics of Low Sulfidation Epithermal Deposit in the Sangon Area, Kokap, Special Region of Yogyakarta

On the basis of the previous studies and reconnaissance survey in the studyarea covering Sangon, Kalirejo, Kokap Sub-district, Kulon Progo Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, it reveals some facts of the occurrence of quartz veins with massive, crustiform, comb, drusy cavity, saccharoidal, granular, and reniform/mammillated textures, the appearance of lattice bladed barite and hydrothermal breccia veins. Referring to those characteristics, the deposit type in the study area is interpreted to be low sulfidation epithermal type. This study is aimed to understand and characterize the geological condition, rock and ore geochemistry and the mineralizing fluids. The alteration and ore mineralization are almost observed in entire rock units particularly the intrusive andesite 1. Their formation is controlled by the tension fractures (NW–SE and NE–SW) which associate with sinistral strike slip faults (NE–SW), dilational jog (NNW–SSE), oblique normal fault (WNW–ESE), and predictable normal fault at the NE of study area (NW–SE). The alteration zones are developed to be silica-clay (quartz-illite-kaolinite-kaolinite/smectite), argillic (smectite-illite/smectite), and propylitic (chlorite-calcite±epidote). The precipitationof ore minerals is controlled by boiling, mixing, and wall-rock alteration, and canbe found in the quartz veins (quartz-adularia-sericite) and disseminated in the alteration zones, which their high variability is only can be found in the quartz veins, including pyrite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, galena, marcasite, and arsenopyrite. Based on the ICPAES measurement of 5 quartz vein samples, the Cu, Zn, Pb, and As grade reach about 5,171 ppm, 8,995 ppm, 6,398 ppm, 34.1 ppm, and 1,010.5 ppm, respectively. Gold is not detected. Fluid inclusion microthermometric analysis shows Th of 242.1–257.6 °C and salinity of 1.57–3.87 wt.% NaCl equiv., which indicate a depth below the paleosurface of 384–516 m, and pressure of 101.7–136.6 bar. The ore deposit in the study area is interpreted to be a deep basemetal low sulfidation epithermal type. Gold might be depleted in this epithermal type.

The structural elements and tectonics of the Lake Van basin (Eastern Anatolia) from multi-channel seismic reflection profiles

This study analyzed multi-channel seismic reflection data from Lake Van, Eastern Anatolia, to provide key information on the structural elements, deformational patterns and overall tectonic structure of the Lake Van basin. The seismic data reveal three subbasins (the Tatvan, northern and Ahlat subbasins) separated by structural ridges (the northern and Ahlat ridges). The Tatvan basin is a tilted wedge-block in the west, it is a relatively undeformed and flat-lying deep basin, forming a typical example of strike-slip sedimentation. Seismic sections reveal that the deeper sedimentary sections of the Tatvan basin are locally folded, gently in the south and more intensely further north, suggesting a probable gravitational “wedge-block” instability, oblique to the northern margin. The northern subbasin, bounded by normal oblique faults, forms a basin-margin graben structure that is elongated in a northeast-southwest direction. The east-west trending Ahlat ridge forms a fault-wedged sedimentary ridge and appears to offset by reverse oblique faults forming as a push-up rhomb horst structure. The Ahlat subbasin is a fault-wedged trough fill that is elongated in the west-east direction and appears as a horst-foot graben formed by the normal oblique faults. The northeast-southwest directed northern ridge is a faulted crestal terrace of a sublacustrine basement block. Its step-like morphology, in response to the downfaulting of the Tatvan basin, as well as its backthrusted appearance, indicates the normal oblique nature of the bounding faults.The lacustrine shelf and slope show distinctive stratigraphic features; progradational deltas, submerged fluvial channels, distorted and collapsed beddings and soft sediment deformation structures, characterizing a highly unstable nature of shelf caused by strong oblique faulting and related earthquakes. The faulting caused uplift of the Çarpanak spur zone, together with the northeastern Erek delta, deformation of deltaic structures and subsequently exposing the shelf and slope areas. The exposed areas are evident in the angular unconformity surface of the Çarpanak basement block with the northeastern Erek delta and thinned sediments. The uplift resulted in the asymmetric depositional emplacement of the southeastern delta that is controlled by a series of ramp anticlines/low angle reverse faults. The Deveboynu subbasin and Varis spur zone form wide fault-controlled depressions with thick sediments that are elongated in the north-south direction. These subbasins appear as a small pull-apart boundary formed by normal oblique faults at the western end of the southeastern delta.

A critical review of the Kibyra Fault (Burdur-Fethiye Shear Zone, SW Turkey)

The Kibyra Fault is considered as the most significant evidence about the existence of the NE–SW-striking left-lateral Burdur-Fethiye Fault Zone in the south-western Anatolia in previous studies. However, recent studies show that there is a shear regime, named the Burdur-Fethiye Shear Zone, dominated by normal and left-lateral oblique normal faults in this region. A large number of ancient cities lie on this zone and many of them have been damaged by ancient earthquakes. One of these ancient cities is the ancient city of Kibyra. Most of previous studies suggest the Kibyra Fault depending on the damage in the city. However, the closest fault is located on the western side of the city and the earthquake damage was most likely caused by ground shaking. In this study, the existence of the supposed Kibyra Fault is discussed by integrating field studies, geological maps, trench data, digital elevation model and geomorphological analysis. In conclusion, it is understood that there is no evidence directly indicating a 35-km-long left-lateral fault in this region. The aim of this study is to examine the existence of the Kibyra Fault, take a different approach to the active fault studies and emphasise the importance of active faults for socio-economic conditions.

Structural controls on karstic conduits in a collisional orogen (Sierra de las Nieves, Betic Cordillera, S Spain)

We characterize the fracture pattern, including both meso-scale joints and macro-scale faults, within the central sector of Sierra de las Nieves (Betic Cordillera, S Spain), which contains one of the largest karstification systems in Europe. Structural data were compared with the direction pattern of the karstic conduit network of the largest caves. Carbonate rocks were deformed in a collisional setting and exposed at the surface since the early Miocene. Normal and normal–oblique faults trending NW–SE to WNW–ESE are the most prominent brittle structures, having formed coevally with shorter NE–SW normal to normal–dextral after the main thrusting phase. In addition, two main open joint sets striking NW–SE and NE–SW developed on a broad scale. Orthogonal normal faults and open joints suggest an extensional setting characterized by horizontal minimum (S3) and intermediate (S2) stress axes of similar magnitudes that intermittently shifted their positions during the middle-to-late Miocene. Vertical water flow coming from direct recharge sectors tends to infiltrate across these high-dipping faults, mainly concentrating at fault intersections, thus favoring sub-vertical conduit formation within the vadose zone. Horizontal paleo-phreatic levels are perched linked to the recent uplift undergone by the sector, giving us the opportunity to analyze the incidence of fractures at the phreatic zone. Joint sets determine the hydraulic anisotropy within the former phreatic levels. Because our study illustrates the primary role of diverse tectonic structures during massive multiphase cave development above and below the water table, it could contribute to better constraining of the models of karstic conduit formation.

Structural superposition in fault systems bounding Santa Clara Valley, California

Santa Clara Valley is bounded on the southwest and northeast by active strike-slip and reverse-oblique faults of the San Andreas fault system. On both sides of the valley, these faults are superposed on older normal and/or right-lateral normal oblique faults. The older faults comprised early components of the San Andreas fault system as it formed in the wake of the northward passage of the Mendocino Triple Junction. On the east side of the valley, the great majority of fault displacement was accommodated by the older faults, which were almost entirely abandoned when the presently active faults became active after ca. 2.5 Ma. On the west side of the valley, the older faults were abandoned earlier, before ca. 8 Ma and probably accumulated only a small amount, if any, of the total right-lateral offset accommodated by the fault zone as a whole. Apparent contradictions in observations of fault offset and the relation of the gravity field to the distribution of dense rocks at the surface are explained by recognition of superposed structures in the Santa Clara Valley region.

Distinct element method analysis of deformation of unconsolidated overburden subjected to oblique normal fault

Distinct element method analysis of deformation of unconsolidated overburden subjected to oblique normal fault

Tectonostratigraphic evolution of the basins on the southern branch of the North Anatolian Fault System in the SE Marmara Region, Turkey

The lithostratigraphy of the Mekece–Iznik Corridor, the Geyve–Pamukova, and the Iznik basins on the southern branch of the North Anatolian Fault System (NAFS-SB) was investigated in detail. The intra-basin deposits carried by Sakarya River and the drainage systems in the northern and southern elevated blocks of the Iznik and Geyve–Pamukova Basins have been classified based on their lithofacies characteristics. The Geyve–Pamukova basin, which has developed with a NNE–SSW-trending transtensional strain, was formed as a lazy Z-shaped and releasing bend or pure strike-slip, pull-apart basin that is related to simple-shear, right-lateral strike-slip faulting. The Iznik basin was formed by a right-lateral strike-slip faulting kinematics and NNE–SSW-trending transtension as a result of the step-over of the northeast-trending Dirazali fault from the southern edge to the NW-trending Gurle fault, and the western step-over of this fault to the E–W-trending Umurbey fault. This strike-slip setting is also supported by the NW–SE-trending right-lateral oblique normal Orhangazi fault on the northern edge of the basin. According to this, the Iznik basin can be described as a more advanced stage of a large-scale, pull-apart basin compared with a lazy Z-shaped and releasing bend or transtensional strain. Furthermore, it is defined as the former stage of an extreme or rhomboid-type transtensional pull-apart basin.

A detailed analysis of microseismicity in Samos and Kusadasi (Eastern Aegean Sea) areas

A detailed investigation of microseismicity and fault plane solutions are used to determine the current tectonic activity of the prominent zone of seismicity near Samos Island and Kusadasi Bay. The activation of fault populations in this complex strike-slip and normal faulting system was investigated by using several thousand accurate earthquake locations obtained by applying a double-difference location method and waveform cross-correlation, appropriate for areas with relatively small seismogenic structures. The fault plane solutions, determined by both moment tensor waveform inversions and P-wave first motion polarities, reveal a clear NS trending extension direction, for strike slip, oblique normal and normal faults. The geometry of each segment is quite simple and indicates planar dislocations gently dipping with an average dip of 40–45°, maintaining a constant dip through the entire seismogenic layer, down to 15 km depth.

Structural evidence for superposition of transtension on transpression in the Zagros collision zone: Main Recent Fault, Piranshahr area, NW Iran

The Main Recent Fault of the Zagros Orogen is an active major dextral strike-slip fault along the Zagros collision zone, generated by oblique continent–continent collision of the Arabian plate with Iranian micro-continent. Two different fault styles are observed along the Piranshahr fault segment of the Main Recent Fault in NW Iran. The first style is a SW-dipping oblique reverse fault with dextral strike-slip displacement and the second style consists of cross-cutting NE-dipping, oblique normal fault dipping to the NE with the same dextral strike-slip displacement. A fault propagation anticline is generated SW of the oblique reverse fault. An active pull-apart basin has been produced to the NE of the Piranshahr oblique normal fault and is associated with other sub-parallel NE-dipping normal faults cutting the reverse oblique fault. Another cross-cutting set of NE–SW trending normal faults are also exist in the pull-apart area. We conclude that the NE verging major dextral oblique reverse fault initiated as a SW verging thrust system due to dextral transpression tectonic of the Zagros collision zone and later it has been overprinted by the NE-dipping oblique normal fault producing dextral strike-slip displacement reflecting progressive change of transpression into transtension in the collision zone. The active Piranshahr pull-apart basin has been generated due to a releasing damage zone along the NW segment of the Main Recent Fault in this area at an overlap of Piranshahr oblique normal fault segment of the Main Recent Fault and the Serow fault, the continuation of the Main Recent Fault to the N.

The Al Hoceima Mw 6.4 earthquake of 24 February 2004 and its aftershocks sequence

The Al Hoceima Mw 6.4 earthquake of 24 February 2004 that occurred in the eastern Rif region of Morocco already hit by a large event in May 1994 (Mw 5.9) has been followed by numerous aftershocks in the months following the event. The aftershock sequence has been monitored by a temporary network of 17 autonomous seismic stations during 15 days (28 March–10 April) in addition to 5 permanent stations of the Moroccan seismic network (CNRST, SPG, Rabat). This network allowed locating accurately about 650 aftershocks that are aligned in two directions, about N10-20E and N110-120E, in rough agreement with the two nodal planes of the focal mechanism (Harvard). The aftershock alignments are long enough, about 20km or more, to correspond both to the main rupture plane. To further constrain the source of the earthquake main shock and aftershocks (mb>3.5) have been relocated thanks to regional seismic data from Morocco and Spain. While the main shock is located at the intersection of the aftershock clouds, most of the aftershocks are aligned along the N10-20E direction. This direction together with normal sinistral slip implied by the focal mechanism is similar with the direction and mechanisms of active faults in the region, particularly the N10E Trougout oblique normal fault. Indeed, the Al Hoceima region is dominated by an approximate ENE-SSW direction of extension, with oblique normal faults. Three major 10–30km-long faults, oriented NNE-SSW to NW-SE are particularly clear in the morphology, the Ajdir and Trougout faults, west and east of the Al Hoceima basin, respectively, and the NS Rouadi fault 20km to the west. These faults show clear evidence of recent vertical displacements during the late Quaternary such as uplifted alluvial terraces along Oued Rihs, offset fan surfaces by the Rouadi fault and also uplifted and tilted abandoned marine terraces on both sides of the Al Hoceima bay.However, the N20E direction is in contrast with seismic sources identified from geodetic inversions, which favour but not exclusively the N110-120E rupture directions, suggesting that the 1994 and 2004 events occurred on conjugate faults. In any event, the recent seismicity is thus concentrated on sinistral N10-20E or N110-120E dextral strike-slip faults, which surface expressions remain hidden below the 3–5km-thick Rif nappes, as shown by the tomographic images build from the aftershock sequence and the concentration of the seismicity below 3km. These observations may suggest that strain decoupling between the thrusted cover and the underlying bedrock and highlights the difficulty to determine the source properties of moderate events with blind faults even in the case of good quality recorded data.

Initiation of Sierra Nevada range front–Walker Lane faulting ca. 12 Ma in the Ancestral Cascades arc

The eastern escarpment of the Sierra Nevada (USA) forms one of the most prominent topographic and geologic features in the Cordillera, yet the timing and nature of fault displacements along it remain relatively poorly known. The central Sierra Nevada range front is an ideal place to determine the structural evolution of the range front because it has abundant dateable Cenozoic volcanic rocks. The Sonora Pass area of the central Sierra Nevada is particularly good for reconstructing the slip history of range-front faults, because it includes unusually widespread and distinctive high-K volcanic rocks (the ca. 11.5–9 Ma Stanislaus Group) that serve as outstanding strain markers. These include the following, from base to top. (1) The Table Mountain Latite (TML) consists of voluminous trachyandesite, trachybasaltic andesite, and basalt lava flows, erupted from fault-controlled fissures in the Sierra Crest graben-vent system. (2) The Eureka Valley Tuff consists of three trachydacite ignimbrite members erupted from the Little Walker caldera. These ignimbrites are interstratified with lava flows that continued to erupt from the Sierra Crest graben-vent system, and include silicic high-K as well as intermediate to mafic high-K lavas. The graben-vent system consists of a single ∼27-km-long, ∼8–10-km-wide approximately north-south graben that is along the modern Sierran crest between Sonora Pass and Ebbetts Pass, with a series of approximately north-south half-grabens on its western margin, and an ∼24-km-wide northeast transfer zone emanating from the northeast boundary of the graben on the modern range front south of Ebbetts Pass. In this paper we focus on the structural evolution of the Sonora Pass segment of the Sierra Nevada range front, which we do not include in the Sierra Crest graben-vent complex because we have found no vents for high-K lava flows here. However, we show that these faults localized the high-K Little Walker caldera. We demonstrate that the range-front faults at Sonora Pass were active before and during the ca. 11.5–9 Ma high-K volcanism. We show that these faults are dominantly approximately north-south down to the east normal faults, passing northward into a system of approximately northeast-southwest sinistral oblique normal faults that are on the southern end of the ∼24-km-wide northeast transfer zone in the Sierra Crest graben-vent complex. At least half the slip on the north-south normal faults on the Sonora Pass range front occurred before and during eruption of the TML, prior to development of the Little Walker caldera. It has previously been suggested that the range-front faults formed a right-stepping transtensional stepover that controlled the siting of the Little Walker caldera; we support that interpretation by showing that synvolcanic throw on the faults increases southward toward the caldera. The Sonora Pass–Little Walker caldera area is shown here to be very similar in structural style and scale to the transtensional stepover at the Quaternary Long Valley field. Furthermore, the broader structural setting of both volcanic fields is similar, because both are associated with a major approximately northeast-southwest sinistral oblique normal fault zone. This structural style is typical of central Walker Lane belt transtension. Previous models have called for westward encroachment of Basin and Range extension into the Sierra Nevada range front after arc volcanism ceased (ca. 6–3.5 Ma); we show instead that Walker Lane transtension is responsible for the formation of the range front, and that it began by ca. 12 Ma. We conclude that Sierra Nevada range-front faulting at Sonora Pass initiated during high-K arc volcanism, under a Walker Lane transtensional strain regime, and that this controlled the siting of the Little Walker caldera.

The Storfjorden, Svalbard, 2008–2012 aftershock sequence: Seismotectonics in a polar environment

Abstract A long, complex aftershock sequence has followed an Mw 6.1 mainshock in February 2008, in Storfjorden, Svalbard. Relatively located aftershock epicenters and focal mechanisms from moment tensor inversion suggest that the series took place along a NE–SW trending and steeply SSE dipping oblique-normal fault, with the total aftershock extent exceeding the mainshock rupture. The magnitude of the mainshock and the duration of the aftershock activity render the Storfjorden sequence important in terms of earthquake hazard assessment in the Svalbard region. We have evaluated all involved uncertainties and combined seismological information with background knowledge for the area, in order to achieve as sound a seismotectonic interpretation as possible. Our results clearly indicate that the activity in Storfjorden should be attributed to a previously unknown tectonic structure. In addition, there are indications of activation of secondary structures and possibly of stress triggering. These new findings affect our understanding of the region's earthquake potential.