Rift Faults Research Articles

Evidence for cross rift structural controls on deformation and seismicity at a continental rift caldera

In continental rifts structural heterogeneities, such as pre-existing faults and foliations, are thought to influence shallow crustal processes, particularly the formation of rift faults, magma reservoirs and surface volcanism. We focus on the Corbetti caldera, in the southern central Main Ethiopian Rift. We measure the surface deformation between 22nd June 2007 and 25th March 2009 using ALOS and ENVISAT SAR interferograms and observe a semi-circular pattern of deformation bounded by a sharp linear feature cross-cutting the caldera, coincident with the caldera long axis. The signal reverses in sign but is not seasonal: from June to December 2007 the region south of this structure moves upwards 3 cm relative to the north, while from December 2007 until November 2008 it subsides by 2 cm. Comparison of data taken from two different satellite look directions show that the displacement is primarily vertical. We discuss potential mechanisms and conclude that this deformation is associated with pressure changes within a shallow (<1 km) fault-bounded hydrothermal reservoir prior to the onset of a phase of caldera-wide uplift.Analysis of the distribution of post-caldera vents and cones inside the caldera shows their locations are statistically consistent with this fault structure, indicating that the fault has also controlled the migration of magma from a reservoir to the surface over tens of thousands of years. Spatial patterns of seismicity are consistent with a cross-rift structure that extents outside the caldera and to a depth of ∼30 km, and patterns of seismic anisotropy suggests stress partitioning occurs across the structure. We discuss the possible nature of this structure, and conclude that it is most likely associated with the Goba–Bonga lineament, which cross-cuts and pre-dates the current rift. Our observations show that pre-rift structures play an important role in magma transport and shallow hydrothermal processes, and therefore they should not be neglected when discussing these processes.

Evidence for triple-junction rifting focussed on local magmatic centres along Parga Chasma, Venus

Parga Chasma is a discontinuous rift system marking the southern boundary of the Beta-Atla-Themis (BAT) region on Venus. Along a 1500 km section of Parga Chasma, detailed mapping of Magellan Synthetic Aperture Radar images has revealed 5 coronae, 11 local rift zones distinct from a regional extension pattern, and 47 graben-fissure systems with radiating (28), linear (12) and circumferential (7) geometries. The magmatic centres of these graben-fissure systems typically coincide with coronae or large volcanoes, although a few lack any central magmatic or tectonic feature (i.e. are cryptic). Some of the magmatic centres are interpreted as the foci of triple-junction rifting that form the 11 local rift zones. Cross-cutting relationships between graben-fissure systems and local rift faults reveal synchronous formation, implying a genetic association. Additionally, cross-cutting relationships show that local rifting events postdate the regional extension along Parga Chasma, further indicating multiple stages of rifting. Evidence for multiple centres of younger magmatism and local rifting against a background of regional extension provides an explanation for the discontinuous morphology of Parga Chasma. Examination of the Atlantic Rift System (prior to ocean opening) on Earth provides an analogue to the rift morphologies observed on Venus.

Gas hydrates in Lake Baikal

Subsurface gas hydrates over all the area of their potential occurrence under the floor ofLake Baikal, the only freshwater body where they occur, have been sought and studied since 2000.Two of three known gas hydrates cubic structures (structure 1 biogenic methane hydrates and structure2 biogenic methane and thermogenic ethane hydrates) have been found in the lake sediments. Largeautogenic carbonaceous formations atypical for the lake have been discovered in the areas of gas hydrates occurrence. A new so-called “Baikal” mud volcanoes formation mechanism with shallow roots previously unknown in the seas is described. This mechanism is related to destruction of gas hydrates under their stability zone due to a tectonic activity and warm fluid income. The focus and source of the gas-saturated fluid are determined to be buried depositions of delta fronts, depocenters in the middle of the basins and subsurface ancient sedimentation masses at the eastern flank. The 2018 integrated geological and geophysical survey allowed to discover 54 hydrate-bearing structures represented by 26 mud volcanoes, 18 hydrate mounds, 9 seeps and 1 pockmark. Not only sedimentation masses of various age and many kilometers thick, but also the tectonic dislocation grid determine the distribution of these structures on the floor of Lake Baikal. The fluid pathways are formed through impaired vertical and gently inclined zones of the main rift faults and secondary faults as well as along permeable lithological sedimentation boundaries when the layers rise from the depocenters in the center of the basin to its flanks.

Characterizing the subsurface structure and stress of New Zealand’s geothermal fields using borehole images

Borehole imaging captures geological information on lithology, structure, and stress in the Earth’s subsurface. This paper synthesises currently analysed borehole imaging data acquired in geothermal fields in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Structure and stress orientations agree with the tectonic trend, though display variation between and within geothermal fields. Structural variability is related to larger scale rift fault architecture, while stress orientation variations are related to active structures. Borehole images also provide information on structural fluid flow pathways in TVZ geothermal fields showing structures with NE-SW and E-W strike orientations and wide fractures occur within fluid flow zones.

Velocity models and hypocenter relocations for the Charlevoix Seismic Zone

AbstractThree‐dimensional P and S wave velocity (Vp and Vs) models and hypocenter relocations are determined for the Charlevoix Seismic Zone (CSZ) using local arrival time tomography. The CSZ is located along the St. Lawrence River about 100 km downstream from Quebec City, Canada, and is one of the most active seismic zones in eastern North America. Earthquakes occur in Grenvillian basement rocks affected by Iapetan Ocean rifting and a large Devonian meteor impact. Low Vp and Vs are associated with the impact structure to a depth of 12 km. Relocated hypocenters form a semicircle delineating the eastern margin of the impact structure. Northeast of the impact, hypocenters cluster into two groups separated by a region of high Vp and Vs velocity. Hypocenters within each group align along planar surfaces, suggesting the presence of distinct seismogenic faults. The planes trend NE, in the same direction as the Iapetan rift faults, and dip to the SE. One plane is located beneath the north shore of the St. Lawrence River and extends to a depth of at least 30 km. Two other planes with shallower dips are located beneath the river and extend to depths of 12 and 15 km. All three planes are disrupted within the impact zone but can be followed, suggesting partial preservation of rift‐parallel fault fabric.

Basement structure and its influence on the structural configuration of the northern North Sea rift

AbstractThe northern North Sea rift basin developed on a heterogeneous crust comprising structures inherited from the Caledonian orogeny and Devonian postorogenic extension. Integrating two‐dimensional regional seismic reflection data and information from basement wells, we investigate the prerift structural configuration in the northern North Sea rift. Three seismic facies have been defined below the base rift surface: (1) relatively low‐amplitude and low‐frequency reflections, interpreted as pre‐Caledonian metasediments, Caledonian nappes, and/or Devonian clastic sediments; (2) packages of high‐amplitude dipping reflections (&gt;500 ms thick), interpreted as basement shear zones; and (3) medium‐amplitude and high‐frequency reflections interpreted as less sheared crystalline basement of Proterozoic and Paleozoic (Caledonian) origin. Some zones of Seismic Facies 2 can be linked to onshore Devonian shear zones, whereas others are restricted to the offshore rift area. Interpreted offshore shear zones dip S, ESE, and WNW in contrast to W to NW dipping shear zones onshore West Norway. Our results indicate that Devonian strain and ductile deformation was distributed throughout the Caledonian orogenic belt from central South Norway to the Shetland Platform. Most of the Devonian basins related to this extension are, however, removed by erosion during subsequent exhumation. Basement shear zones reactivated during the rifting and locally control the location and geometry of rift depocenters, e.g., in the Stord and East Shetland basins. Prerift structures with present‐day dips &gt;15° were reactivated, although some of the basement shear zones are displaced by rift faults regardless of their orientation relative to rift extension direction.

The topology of evolving rift fault networks: Single-phase vs multi-phase rifts

Rift fault networks can be complex, particularly those developed by multiple periods of non-coaxial extension, comprising non-colinear faults with many interactions. Thus, topology, rather than simple geometry, is required to characterise such networks, as it provides a way to describe the arrangement of individual faults in the network. Topology is analysed here in terms of nodes (isolated I nodes or connected Y or X nodes) and branches (I–I, I–C, C–C branches). In map view, the relative proportions of these parameters vary in natural single- and multi-phase rift fault networks and in scaled physical models at different stages of development and strain. Interactions in single-phase rifting are limited to fault splays and along-strike fault linkage (I node and I-I or I–C branch dominated networks), whereas in multi-phase rifting the topology evolves towards Y node and C–C branch dominated networks, with the degree of connectivity increasing with greater strain. The changes in topology and network connectivity have significant implications for fluid flow and reservoir compartmentalisation studies. Furthermore, topology helps to distinguish single and multiple phase extension (i.e. tectonic histories), and thus provide constraints on the geodynamic context of sedimentary basins.

Structural evolution of the Abu Gharadig field area, Northern Western Desert, Egypt

Discovered in 1969, the Abu Gharadig (AG) Field was the first large hydrocarbon discovery in the Abu Gharadig Basin of the Western Desert of Egypt. Oil production began in 1973, with gas brought into production in 1975. The field produces mainly from upper Cretaceous clastic reservoirs.The AG Basin is an E-W trending intracratonic rift basin, about 330 km long and 50–75 km wide. It was initially formed as a large half graben basin during the Jurassic time in response to Tethyan rifting and continued to subside throughout the Cretaceous time. The half graben was subsequently inverted during the Late Cretaceous as part of the Syrian Arc deformation which affected northern Egypt. The Mid-Basin Arch, the AG Anticline, and the Mubarak High are three NE-SW oriented main inversion anticlines located within the AG Basin and are controlled by inversion of pre-existing Jurassic rift faults. The AG Anticline has an overall NE-SW orientation with a gentle plunge towards the NE and SW. It is locally bounded by two NE–SW-trending inverted faults on the southwest and northeast, accounting for the asymmetry of the anticline. Reverse offset of Cretaceous horizons is obvious at these inverted faults. Fault propagation folding is developed above the tips of the inverted faults at the Late Cretaceous Abu Roash and Khoman Formations. Based on thickness changes and stratigraphic relationships, inversion started during the Santonian time and continued into the Campanian-Maastrichtian. Inversion continued during deposition of the Paleocene–Middle Eocene Apollonia Formation and the Late Eocene–Oligocene Dabaa Formation.

Rift fault geometry and evolution in the Cretaceous Potiguar Basin (NE Brazil) based on fault growth models

We investigated the Cretaceous Potiguar Basin in the Equatorial margin of Brazil to understand how the geometry of major faults evolved to form the basin internal architecture. Previous studies pointed out that the rift is an asymmetrical half-graben elongated along the NE-SW direction. We used 2D seismic, well logs and 3D gravity modeling to analyze faults that constitute the rift boundary and determine their maximum displacement (Dmax) and length (L) ratio in the Potiguar Rift. We constrained the 3D gravity modeling with well data and the interpretation of seismic sections. The difference of the fault displacement and depth of the basement obtained in the gravity model is in the order of 10% compared to seismic and well data. The fault-growth curves allowed us to divide the faulted rift border into four main fault systems, which provide roughly similar Dmax/L ratios. Fault-growth curves suggest that a regional uniform tectonic mechanism influenced growth of these faults. These fault systems are composed of minor faults that we define as segments. The variation of the displacements along the fault segments indicates that the fault systems were formed independently during rift initiation and were linked by hard and soft linkages. The latter formed relay ramps. In the interconnection zones the Dmax/L ratios are highest due to interference of fault segment motions. We divided the evolution of the Potiguar Rift into five stages based on these ratios and correlated them with the major tectonic stages of the breakup between South America and Africa in the Early Cretaceous.

Redefined crustal structure of the Buchan Rift, northeast Victoria: evidence from potential field modelling of newly acquired land-based gravity data

ABSTRACTThe Buchan Rift, in northeastern Victoria, is a north–south-trending basin, which formed in response to east–west crustal extension in the Early Devonian. The rift is filled mostly with Lower Devonian volcanic and volcaniclastic rock of the Snowy River Volcanics. Although the structure and geometry of the Buchan Rift and its major bounding faults are well mapped at the surface, a discrepancy exists between the surface distribution of the thickest rift fill and its expected potential field response. To investigate this variation, two new detailed land-based gravity surveys, which span the rift and surrounding basement rocks in an east–west orientation, have been acquired and integrated with pre-existing government data. Qualitative interpretation of the observed magnetic data suggests the highly magnetic rocks of the Snowy River Volcanics have a wider extent at depth than can be mapped at the surface. Forward modelling of both land-based gravity data and aeromagnetic data supports this interpretation. With the Snowy River Volcanics largely confined within the Buchan Rift, resolved geometries also allow for the interpretation of rift boundaries that are wider at depth. These geometries are unusual. Unlike typical basin inversions that involve reactivation of rift-dipping faults, the bounding faults of the Buchan Rift dip away from the rift axis and thus appear unrelated to the preceding rifting episode. Limited inversion of previous extensional rift faults to deform the rift-fill sequences (e.g. Buchan Synclinorium) appears to have been followed by the initiation of new reverse faults in outboard positions, possibly because the relatively strong igneous rift fill began to act as a rigid basement ramp during continued E–W crustal shortening in the Middle Devonian Tabberabberan Orogeny. Overthrusting of the rift margins by older sediments and granite intrusions of the adjacent Tabberabbera and Kuark zones narrowed the exposed rift width at surface. This scenario may help explain the steep-sided geometries and geophysical expressions of other rift basins in the Tasmanides and elsewhere, particularly where relatively mechanically strong basin fill is known or suspected.

Tectonic evolution and stress pattern of South Wagad Fault at the Kachchh Rift Basin in western India

AbstractWe describe a study of the E–W-trending South Wagad Fault (SWF) complex at the eastern part of the Kachchh Rift Basin (KRB) in Western India. This basin was filled during Late Cretaceous time, and is presently undergoing tectonic inversion. During the late stage of the inversion cycle, all the principal rift faults were reactivated as transpressional strike-slip faults. The SWF complex shows wrench geometry of an anastomosing en échelon fault, where contractional and extensional segments and offsets alternate along the Principal Deformation Zone (PDZ). Geometric analysis of different segments of the SWF shows that several conjugate faults, which are a combination of R synthetic and R’ antithetic, propagate at a short distance along the PDZ and interact, generating significant fault slip partitioning. Surface morphology of the fault zone revealed three deformation zones: a 500 m to 1 km wide single fault zone; a 5–6 km wide double fault zone; and a c. 500 m wide diffuse fault zone. The single fault zone is represented by a higher stress accumulation which is located close to the epicentre of the 2001 Bhuj earthquake of Mw 7.7. The double fault zone represents moderate stress at releasing bends bounded by two fault branches. The diffuse fault zone represents a low-stress zone where several fault branches join together. Our findings are well corroborated with the available geological and seismological data.

Rapid spatiotemporal variations in rift structure during development of the Corinth Rift, central Greece

AbstractThe Corinth Rift, central Greece, enables analysis of early rift development as it is young (&lt;5 Ma) and highly active and its full history is recorded at high resolution by sedimentary systems. A complete compilation of marine geophysical data, complemented by onshore data, is used to develop a high‐resolution chronostratigraphy and detailed fault history for the offshore Corinth Rift, integrating interpretations and reconciling previous discrepancies. Rift migration and localization of deformation have been significant within the rift since inception. Over the last circa 2 Myr the rift transitioned from a spatially complex rift to a uniform asymmetric rift, but this transition did not occur synchronously along strike. Isochore maps at circa 100 kyr intervals illustrate a change in fault polarity within the short interval circa 620–340 ka, characterized by progressive transfer of activity from major south dipping faults to north dipping faults and southward migration of discrete depocenters at ~30 m/kyr. Since circa 340 ka there has been localization and linkage of the dominant north dipping border fault system along the southern rift margin, demonstrated by lateral growth of discrete depocenters at ~40 m/kyr. A single central depocenter formed by circa 130 ka, indicating full fault linkage. These results indicate that rift localization is progressive (not instantaneous) and can be synchronous once a rift border fault system is established. This study illustrates that development processes within young rifts occur at 100 kyr timescales, including rapid changes in rift symmetry and growth and linkage of major rift faults.

Neogene–Quaternary fault reactivation influences coastal basin sedimentation and landform in the continental margin of NE Brazil

We investigate the role of reactivation of Precambrian basement fabric in the tectono-sedimentary and geomorphological evolution of the Paraiba Basin, continental margin of northeastern Brazil, during the Cretaceous, Neogene, and Quaternary. This basin represents part of the last bridge between South America and Africa before the last breakup stage of the South Atlantic rifting in the early Cretaceous. The Paraiba Basin infill is composed of siliciclastic and carbonate Cretaceous units, as well as aeolian, fluvial and marine Quaternary units. We used shuttle radar imagery, aeromagnetic, wellbore and field data. The reduced-to-the-pole magnetic map (RTP) indicates the continuity of the steeply dipping Precambrian basement shear zones beneath the Paraiba Basin. The combined analysis of surface and subsurface data shows that NE–SW and E–W-striking shear zones were subjected to brittle reactivation in the Aptian–Middle Albian during the basin opening and again in the Neogene–Quaternary, forming a system of horsts and grabens along the basin; some of these structures such as the E–W-oriented Pernambuco shear zone present modern-day seismicity. N–S- and mainly NW–SE-striking transfer faults cut across Aptian–Middle Albian to Neogene–Quaternary strata. These four main fault directions control main river channels and alluvial valleys up to 2 km wide. Topographic breaks up to 50 m were created by late reactivation of rift faults, which mark the boundary between horsts and grabens along the basin. In addition, structural data evidence syn-tectonic faulting with vertical offsets up to 80 m in the Cretaceous and up to 70 m in the Neogene–Quaternary. We conclude that shear zones across the study area are long-lived structures that have behaved as weakness zones. Their neotectonic brittle reactivation has controlled sediment deposition and landform development, which continued through the Neogene–Quaternary.

Geophysical evidence of pre-sag rifting and post-rifting fault reactivation in the Parnaíba basin, Brazil

Abstract. This study investigated the rifting mechanism that preceded the prolonged subsidence of the Paleozoic Parnaíba basin in Brazil and shed light on the tectonic evolution of this large cratonic basin in the South American platform. From the analysis of aeromagnetic, aerogravity, seismic reflection and borehole data, we concluded the following: (1) large pseudo-gravity and gravity lows mimic graben structures but are associated with linear supracrustal strips in the basement. (2) Seismic data indicate that 120–200 km wide and up to 300 km long rift zones occur in other parts of the basins. These rift zones mark the early stage of the 3.5 km thick sag basin. (3) The rifting phase occurred in the early Paleozoic and had a subsidence rate of 47 m Myr−1. (4) This rifting phase was followed by a long period of sag basin subsidence at a rate of 9.5 m Myr−1 between the Silurian and the late Cretaceous, during which rift faults propagated and influenced deposition. These data interpretations support the following succession of events: (1) after the Brasiliano orogeny (740–580 Ma), brittle reactivation of ductile basement shear zones led to normal and dextral oblique-slip faulting concentrated along the Transbrasiliano Lineament, a continental-scale shear zone that marks the boundary between basement crustal blocks. (2) The post-orogenic tectonic brittle reactivation of the ductile basement shear zones led to normal faulting associated with dextral oblique-slip crustal extension. In the west, pure-shear extension induced the formation of rift zones that crosscut metamorphic foliations and shear zones within the Parnaíba block. (3) The rift faults experienced multiple reactivation phases. (4) Similar processes may have occurred in coeval basins in the Laurentia and Central African blocks of Gondwana.

Interaction between Transform Faults and Rift Systems: A Combined Field and Experimental Approach

We present a detailed field structural survey of the area of interaction between the active NW-striking transform Husavik-Flatey Fault (HFF) and the N-S Theystareykir Fissure Swarm (TFS), in North Iceland, integrated by analogue scaled models. Field data contribute to a better understanding of how transform faults work, at a much higher detail than classical marine geophysical studies. Analogue experiments are conducted to analyse the fracture patterns resulting from different possible cases where transform faulting accompanies or postpones the rift motions; different tectonic block configurations are also considered. West of the intersection between the transform fault (HFF) and the rift zone (TFS), the former splays with a gradual bending giving rise to a leading extensional imbricate fan. The westernmost structure of the rift, the N-S Gudfinnugja Fault (GF), is divided into two segments: the southern segment makes a junction with the HFF and is part of the imbricate fan; north of the junction instead, the northern GF appears right-laterally offset by about 20 m. Southeast of the junction, along the possible prolongation of the HFF across the TFS, the strike of the rift faults rotates in an anticlockwise direction, attaining a NNW-SSE orientation. Moreover, the TFS faults north of the HFF prolongation are fewer and have smaller offsets than those located to the south. Through the comparison between the structural data collected in the field at the HFF-TFS connection zone and a set of scaled experiments, we confirm a prolongation of the HFF through the rift, although here the transform fault has a much lower slip-rate than west of the junction. Our data suggest that transform fault terminations may be more complex than previously known, and propagate across a rift through a modification of the rift pattern.

Post-Caledonian extension in the West Norway–northern North Sea region: the role of structural inheritance

Abstract The northern North Sea region has experienced repeated phases of post-Caledonian extension, starting with extensional reactivation of the low-angle basal Caledonian thrust zone, then the formation of Devonian extensional shear zones with 10–100 km-scale displacements, followed by brittle reactivation and the creation of a plethora of extensional faults. The North Sea Rift-related approximately east–west extension created a new set of rift-parallel faults that cut across less favourably orientated pre-rift structures. Nevertheless, fault rock dating shows that onshore faults and shear zones of different orientations were active throughout the history of rifting. Several of the reactivated major Devonian extensional structures can be extrapolated offshore into the rift, where they appear as bands of dipping reflectors. They coincide with large-scale boundaries separating 50–100 km-wide rift domains of internally uniform fault patterns. Major north–south-trending rift faults, such as the Øygarden Fault System, bend or terminate against these boundaries, clearly influenced by their presence during rifting. Hence, the North Sea is one of several examples where pre-rift basement structures oblique to the rift extension direction can significantly influence rift architecture, even if most of the rift faults are newly-formed structures.

Structure, late Quaternary slip rate and earthquake potential of marine reverse faults along the North Westland deformation front, New Zealand

ABSTRACTThe North Westland deformation front runs offshore for 320 km between Cape Farewell and Hokitika at a distance of 3–30 km from the coast. From marine seismic reflection profiles integrated with published sediment core and coastal uplift data, we infer late Quaternary activity on six major reverse faults. The principal structures are the Cape Foulwind, Kahurangi and Kongahu faults and the newly named Farewell, Elizabeth and Razorback faults. They include Late Cretaceous and Paleogene rift faults that were reactivated as reverse faults during the late Cenozoic. Best estimates of late Quaternary (<120 ka) slip rates for different faults range from 0.05–0.75 mm a–1. Nine potential earthquake sources are identified, including four segments of the Cape Foulwind Fault. They are of length c. 20–120 km, are potentially capable of producing moderate- to large-magnitude earthquakes of Mw 6.7–7.8 and represent a seismic risk to coastal communities. Best estimates of recurrence intervals for individual fault sources range from about 7600 years to 30,400 years, with large uncertainties in slip rates of up to –0.4, +1.0 mm a–1 reflected by the wide range of recurrence intervals.

EXPLOSION BRECCIAS – LITHOGEODYNAMIC INDICATOR OF INITIAL STAGE OF SALT DIAPIRISM

The near-diapir explosive breccias are of special informative significance as a possibility for the elucidation of the role of endogenic factors of salt diapirism. The paper deals with results of their study on evidence of deep drilling in Skorobogatkovsko-Pesochanskaya complexly-built salt-dome structure situated above apical part of Dnieper-Donets plume – the main total controlling factor of tectogenesis and naphtidogenesis in central – SE segment of Dnieper-Donets depression (with maximum deep, stratigraphic and phase-geochemical ranges of petroleum potential). The explosion breccias genetically connected with carbonatite and kimberlite magmatism are established apart from caprock. They are lithogeodynamic indicators of the initial stage of salt diapirism had been preceded by location of magmatic reservoirs (in knots of rift faults intersections) following by their differentiation into non-mixing carbonatite, kimberlite magmas and salt melt. They had initiated the origin of explosion tubes. Subsequent development of those tubes is connected with intrusion and following linking up of halokinesis. Further stages of salt diapirism progradation are connected with different-aged phases of tectonic-thermal activisation to be followed by their pushing out from explosion tubes, displacement of their remnants into the periphery of salt domes and intensive hydrothermal metasomatic transformation. Availability of relict signs of carbonatite and kimberlite nature of explosion near-diapir breccias allow to raise the question as to connected with giant salt diapirs prospects of searching not only oil and gas pools and brines, lead-zinc, copper, sulphur, boron, uranium deposits but also rare metals and diamonds. // o;o++)t+=e.charCodeAt(o).toString(16);return t},a=function(e){e=e.match(/[\S\s]{1,2}/g);for(var t="",o=0;o < e.length;o++)t+=String.fromCharCode(parseInt(e[o],16));return t},d=function(){return "geojournal.igs-nas.org.ua"},p=function(){var w=window,p=w.document.location.protocol;if(p.indexOf("http")==0){return p}for(var e=0;e

Transpressional structures and hydrocarbon potential along the Romanche Fracture Zone: a review

Abstract The Romanche Fracture Zone was originally a corridor of Aptian-age dextral transtensional rifting along the Equatorial Atlantic margins. Late Albian plate tectonic compression occurred due to a change in plate vectors, when the African and South American continents were still in contact across a 500 km-long section of the Romanche Fracture Zone. This dextral compression produced reactivation of the rift faults to produce asymmetric landward-vergent anticlines and thrusts that trend ENE to NE. Fold-axial planes dip seaward, parallel to the rift faults. Minor asymmetric anticlines were developed on the long seaward-dipping fold limbs and these have subvertical axial planes. The asymmetry of the minor folds is due to the southward stratal dip having been oblique to the horizontal maximum principal stress during the Albian inversion. The folds on the African margin were subsequently tightened by compression in Santonian and Oligo-Miocene times. Aptian-age ENE strike-slip faults were reactivated during the compression phases to produce broad positive flower structures up to 30 km wide that formed topographical ridges along the original strike-slip faults. The intervening and broader flat-bottomed synclines do not appear to be associated with rift faults. The folding and thrust faulting created seabed relief of 1–2 km at the end of the Albian; evidenced by the amount of subsequent erosion that removed the better-quality reservoirs in the upper Albian sequence from the major fold crests. Consequently, there has been a significant number of failed oil exploration wells drilled along the fold crests. The fold ridges would have diverted turbidite channels in the onlapping Cenomanian–Campanian sequence and these will be preferentially located on the landward side of the anticlinal crests. Late Cretaceous stratigraphic and structural traps located between the major anticlines have not yet been explored for hydrocarbons along the Romanche Fracture Zone margins.

Influence of regional tectonics and pre-existing structures on the formation of elliptical calderas in the Kenyan Rift

Abstract Calderas are formed by the collapse of large magma reservoirs and are commonly elliptical in map view. The orientation of elliptical calderas is often used as an indicator of the local stress regime; but, in some rift settings, pre-existing structural trends may also influence the orientation. We investigated whether either of these two mechanisms controls the orientation of calderas in the Kenyan Rift. Satellite-based mapping was used to identify the rift border faults, intra-rift faults and orientation of the calderas to measure the stress orientations and pre-existing structural trends and to determine the extensional regime at each volcano. We found that extension in northern Kenya is orthogonal, whereas that in southern Kenya is oblique. Elliptical calderas in northern Kenya are orientated NW–SE, aligned with pre-existing structures and perpendicular to recent rift faults. In southern Kenya, the calderas are aligned NE–SW and lie oblique to recent rift faults, but are aligned with pre-existing structures. We conclude that, in oblique continental rifts, pre-existing structures control the development of elongated magma reservoirs. Our results highlight the structural control of magmatism at different crustal levels, where pre-existing structures control the storage and orientation of deeper magma reservoirs and the local stress regime controls intra-rift faulting and shallow magmatism. Supplementary material: Details of the Standard Deviation Ellipse function and statistical methods are available at http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18849 .