Phases Of Basin Formation Research Articles

Triassic to Cenozoic multi-stage intra-plate deformation focused near the Bogd Fault system, Gobi Altai, Mongolia

The Gobi Altai region of southern Mongolia has been in the Eurasian plate interior since the mid-Mesozoic, yet has experienced episodic phases of deformation since that time. In this paper, we document field evidence to characterize and date the intra-plate tectonic history of the Gobi Altai region from the Triassic to the present. To this end, we provide detailed mapping of the structure and stratigraphy of the eastern flanks of Mt. Ih Bogd that contains the widest variety of rock-time units in the area. We carry out geochronological analysis of basaltic lavas and basement granite in the area. We demonstrate that a crystalline basement with a 502 ± 8 Ma granitoid (U/Pb) underwent two phases of basin formation in the Mesozoic, which we date with new 40Ar/39Ar lava ages of 218.5 ± 1.5, 123.2 ± 0.7 and 124.8 ± 1.2 Ma, respectively. Both phases are linked to deposition of fluvio-lacustrine sediments and trap-like basaltic volcanics, with cumulative thicknesses of 1000–1500 m. Both basins were likely north-facing half-grabens that developed under ∼N–S extension, but were subsequently overthrusted by Paleozoic and older crystalline basement during a less well constrained, but likely mid-Cretaceous phase of N–S shortening and basin inversion. Our results are consistent with recent seismic imaging of rift basins ∼100 km to the NE of the study area where a similar history was reconstructed. The multiple phases of intra-plate deformation appear to have parallel structural trends, most likely due to reactivated Paleozoic basement structures created during the original terrane amalgamation of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt continental crust. This strong basement heterogeneity may predispose it to reactivation, and make it sensitive to changes in the overall stress field of the Eurasian plate driven by forces at its margins and base. Detailed study of Mongolia's multi-stage tectonic history may thus provide a key proxy for the long-term dynamics of the Eurasian plate. In addition, the repeated reactivation of the Gobi Altai region during the last 200 My supports the contention that non-cratonized continental interior regions composed of Phanerozoic terrane collages are particularly susceptible to fault reactivation, much more than older cratonized continental crust.

Evidence for a Paleoaquifer from Early Diagenetic Siderite of the Cardium Formation, Alberta, Canada

ABSTRACT The sedimentology and stratigraphy of the Cretaceous Cardium Formation are generally interpreted as indicating an offshore, shallow-marine shelf environment of deposition; however, geochemical and isotopic data suggest that porewater salinity varied widely during early diagenesis for much of the Cardium. In cases with little or no evidence of subaerial exposure of the sediments, this apparent conflict can be resolved by postulating infiltration of early meteoric water into these nearshore sediments behind a mobile mixing zone. Infiltration of meteoric water and movement of the interface may have been possible during any phase of basin formation, whether transgression, regression, or stillstand. Evidence for the presence of this paleoaquifer is found in data from the early-diagenetic s derite cements of the Raven River Allomember and Carrot Creek Member of the Cardium Formation.

The geological development of the North Okinawa trough area from neogene times to recent.

An interpretation is presented of the Neogene to Recent geological development of an offshore area, located at the northeast end of the Okinawa Trough. The interpretation is based on geophysical and well data obtained by Nishi Nihon and Shin Nishi Nihon Sekiyu Kaihatsu K.K. during exploration in their Tokara/Amami concession area.Basin development, accompanied by widespread volcanism and strongly influenced by Pre-Tertiary basement structures, commenced in Late Neogene Times with the formation of the Okinawa Basin. Toward the end of the Neogene a further phase of basin formation and volcanism occurred which led to the development of the present day physiography.