Seismic Reflection Profiles Research Articles

Structural geometry and geomorphic evolution of the Trans Indus Manzai Ranges, Western Himalayas, Pakistan

At the leading edge of fold-thrust belts, structural deformation can either be accommodated by thick-skinned faulting, and development of structural wedges near the mountain fronts, or by foreland propagation into the basins along the detachment, forming thin-skinned structures. Manzai Ranges at the western extremity of the Trans Indus Ranges were chosen as a case study to describe the structural deformation accommodated in the foreland basin and to study the folded mountain front. These ranges also provide an opportunity to compare along-strike structural variations of the Himalayan frontal thrust system. Both surface (field structural measurements and digital elevation model) and subsurface (2D seismic reflection and well) data were integrated to document different structural styles and their corresponding geomorphic expressions. Based on seismic reflection profiles, the results of structural interpretations constrain westward dipping basement (2.5o) at a depth of ∼10 km in the foreland, which dips deeper in the hinterland. In addition, our interpretation shows a basin-wide Eocene-Miocene unconformity that marks the Himalayan orogenic events. The structural geometry of the frontal Surqamar anticline is quantitatively characterized to be detachment fold, while Jandola, Kundi and Manzai anticlines demonstrate staircase geometry and characterized as fault-bend folds. The kinematics of development varies along-strike in the Manzai Ranges as displacement transfers along the detachment from typical fault-bend folding in the Manzai anticline to detachment folding in the Surqamar anticline, forming thin-skinned structures. The results of this study highlight the structural styles and their evolution in the context of active Himalayan tectonics.

Slow response of the gas hydrate system to ridge erosion and sea-level rise: Insights from double BSRs on the southern Hikurangi margin (New Zealand)

We analyse reflection seismic profiles across the outer accretionary wedge at the convergent New Zealand Hikurangi margin. We identify several, in some case stacked, bottom simulating reflections (BSRs). We interpret these multiple BSRs to record changes in gas hydrate stability. With the aid of gas hydrate systems modelling, we identify two geological drivers that affect gas hydrate stability: (1.) rapid sedimentation in trough basins and (2.) uplift and erosion of thrust ridges. Rapid sedimentation in trough basins buries gas hydrates that formed above the former base of gas hydrate stability (BGHS). Locally, we observe a remnant BSR from this process, likely due to residual gas and possibly gas hydrate. The combined effects of uplift and erosion, in contrast, result in the preservation of a remnant BSR within the gas hydrate stability zone, whilst a new BSR forms locally at the present-day BGHS. However, the limited occurrence of double BSRs in seismic data and the model both suggest that the formation of a deeper BSR is limited by gas supply. Formation of significant gas hydrate at this deeper level only occurs in areas of focused gas migration. This slow formation of gas hydrate also has implications for the response to glacio-eustatic sea-level rise: gas hydrates are more likely to accumulate above the BGHS corresponding to the last glacial maximum, whereas only small amounts formed above the deeper present-day BGHS. Hence, future bottom water warming will, at least initially, not lead to significant methane release from dissociating gas hydrates in deep water.

High-resolution geophysical and geochronological analysis of a relict shoreface deposit offshore central California: Implications for slip rate along the Hosgri fault

Abstract The Cross-Hosgri slope is a bathymetric lineament that crosses the main strand of the Hosgri fault offshore Point Estero, central California. Recently collected chirp seismic reflection profiles and sediment cores provide the basis for a reassessment of Cross-Hosgri slope origin and the lateral slip rate of the Hosgri fault based on offset of the lower slope break of the Cross-Hosgri slope. The Cross-Hosgri slope is comprised of two distinct stratigraphic units. The lower unit (unit 1) overlies the post–Last Glacial Maximum transgressive erosion surface and is interpreted as a Younger Dryas (ca. 12.85–11.65 ka) shoreface deposit based on radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages, Bayesian age modeling, seismic facies, sediment texture, sediment infauna, and heavy mineral component. The shoreface was abandoned and partly eroded during rapid sea-level rise from ca. 11.5 to 7 ka. Unit 2 consists of fine sand and silt deposited in a midshelf environment when the rate of sea-level rise slowed between ca. 7 ka and the present. Although unit 2 provides a thin, relatively uniform cover over the lower slope break of the older shoreface, this feature still represents a valuable piercing point, providing a Hosgri fault slip rate of 2.6 ± 0.8 mm/yr. Full-waveform processing of chirp data resulted in significantly higher resolution in coarser-grained strata, which are typically difficult to interpret with more traditional envelope processing. Our novel combination of offshore radiocarbon and OSL dating is the first application to offshore paleoseismic studies, and our results indicate the utility of this approach for future marine neotectonic investigations.

Deep Seismic Reflection Imaging of Mesozoic Kachchh Rift, NW India: Implications for Evolution

AbstractDeep crustal seismic reflection profiling is carried out for first time across various tectonic domains of seismically active Mesozoic Kachchh rift basin, formed during the breakup of Gondwanaland. The seismic data, processed using the common reflection surface stack approach, provided maiden images of the shallow and deep sub‐surface structures in the region. These images reveal a 15 km thick subhorizontal lower crustal reflection fabric and crustal‐scale domal‐type structure extending from the surface to the Moho. We interpret the earlier structure represent magmatic underplating and the latter as the Kachchh Mainland uplift. We find large variations in the thickness of sediments from 150 m to 6.5 km and crustal thickness from 45 to 35 km from north to south, with a Moho up warp of 4 km beneath the Kachchh Mainland fault. The Kachchh rift basin exhibits an unusually thick crust of 45 km, contrary to many rift basins. We interpret the syn‐rifting and the Reunion mantle plume activity, manifested as Deccan volcanics, are responsible for magmatic underplating and crustal thickening. Uplift in the region is multi‐genetic in origin. Present study illuminated new faults and nature of various other faults. Moderate to large earthquakes in the region are attributed to the regional and local stresses resulting from the plate boundary and heterogeneous crustal structure. Based on the mafic lower crust and distribution of aftershocks through the entire crust, we interpret the lower crust is brittle, contrary to most models of continental rheology.

The analysis of the fault system in the passive rift basin—an example from the Muglad Basin, central Africa

Introduction: The Muglad basin, located on the southern Central Africa Shear Zone, is an intracontinental passive rift basin. The Fula sag, situated in northeastern of the basin, is a hydrocarbon-rich depression. As exploration advanced, the Fula sag has entered the stage of fine exploration for complex fault blocks. Therefore, studying the characteristics and evolution of faults can aid in deepening the understanding of hydrocarbon accumulation rules in the area, and guide the next steps of oil and gas exploration. Previous studies have primarily focused on the division of fault level and their role in hydrocarbon accumulation, but have not delved into the geometric features and evolution of the fault system across the entire Fula sag.Methods: In this paper, we systematically studied the fault system and its hydrocarbon control within the sag using petroleum seismic reflection profiles, as well as logging data.Results and Discussion: And the conclusions are as followed: 1) tectonic features in diverse areas of the Fula sag vary significantly from a shovel-like half-graben to the asymmetric graben, and faults in the study area can be classified into five combination features. 2) Three complete rift-sag cycles have developed since the early Cretaceous, with continuously active faults controlling the formation of “inherited” sag. 3) The strong activity of faults in the first and second riftting period led to the development of mainly AG-Formation source rocks and middle reservoir-forming assemblages in the Fula sag. Additionally, the formation and distribution of oil and gas reservoirs in the sag were controlled by the faults in the central fault zone and the western steep slope zone. Furthermore, hydrocarbons migrated and formed reservoirs through the main faults in the central fault zone and the western main fault. Our research will provide a valuable insight for understanding the petroleum geological characteristics of basins with a similar genesis mechanism.

Evidence of new diapiric structures in the southern Adria Plate (Eastern Margin of Tethyan Ocean): Implications for Triassic paleogeography and evaporites remobilization during subduction/collision (Northern Ionian Sea, Central Mediterranean)

It has long been recognized that the Adria Plate, as well as the Dinaric-Hellenic sector, contains a large volume of Triassic salt associated with diapirism, and it is well known that Triassic evaporites in the Mediterranean Sea region were deposited over epicratonic platforms surrounding the Mesozoic passive margin of Tethys Ocean. However, the real extent of these evaporites is still unknown; especially in the deep-water offshore area where publicly available seismic reflection profiles are scarce and petroleum exploration wells are missing. Several authors highlighted the presence of Triassic salt structures, mostly triggered by Meso-Cenozoic compressions and associated with fold-and-thrust belts. Both the lack of data and the later compressions contribute to hiding how a diapiric structure, formed in a passive margin and characterized by dome's geometry, is remoulded to assume a teardrop geometry typical of diapirs in fold-and-thrust belts. Two end members of diapiric structures are discussed: extensional structures formed in a passive margin, and compressional structures formed in a fold-thrust belt. The transformation of one end-member into the other is not well known. In the Northern Ionian Sea, the Apulian foreland, belonging to the southernmost termination of the Adria Plate and considered one of the largest preserved Mesozoic passive margin block of the Tethys Ocean, is a deep-water area associated with the opposing fronts of the nearby Calabrian Arc/Apennines and Dinaric-Hellenic Chains since the Cretaceous. Therefore, it represents an ideal area for investigating both the real extent of Triassic evaporites and the transformation of the diapiric structures under different regional geodynamic contexts.Based on seismic reflection profiles but no petroleum exploration wells, we present evidence of Triassic evaporites in the deep-water portion of the Apulian foreland, as indicated by the interpretation of two diapiric structures never described previously. These two new diapirs likely formed from inherited Mesozoic salt structures such as pillows and/or salt domes. The identification of halokinetic-related sequences affecting the Plio-Quaternary foreland sediments allows constraining the polyphaser evolution of the two diapirs. We suggest they are reactivated in response to the compressive stresses transmitted by the nearby Calabrian Arc/Southern Apennines and Hellenides. But, after the Middle Pleistocene, extensional tectonics, related to Adria Plate flexuring, acted again, and the diapirs were cross-cut by normal faults. These observations and findings are integrated into the geological context that controls the fundamental features of the diapirs, providing new insights on the fate of diapiric structures formed in a passive margin, later involved in a subducting and colliding plate, and before they become part of a fold-and-thrust belt. Furthermore, the study provides new constraints on the Triassic paleogeographic reconstruction of the Northern Ionian and Central Mediterranean Seas at the continental margin of the Tethys Ocean.

Late Permian‐Early Triassic intracontinental tectonic inversion in the Junggar Basin, NW China: New insights from detrital zircon geochronology and seismic reflection data

AbstractThe Junggar Basin is located on the southwestern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Whether the Late Permian‐Early Triassic tectonic inversion there recorded the final closure of the North Tianshan Ocean or post‐accretionary intracontinental deformation remains controversial. Linking the structural style and provenance analysis of the western and northern margins of the Junggar Basin can provide a better understanding of this tectonic event and its geodynamic mechanisms. Seismic reflection profiles show that Early Permian syn‐rift half‐grabens were followed by the Middle Permian thermal sag, which is characterized by regional onlap and the migration of the depocentre to the centre of the basin. Together with the published isopach and palaeogeography maps in the western margin of the Junggar Basin, the seismic profiles demonstrate that the reactivation of the Ke‐Bai and Wu‐Xia dextral transpressive fault zones between the West Junggar terrane and the Mahu sag controlled the tilting and deformation of pre‐Permian strata and the distribution of Late Permian‐Early Triassic fan deltas. The reported igneous and sedimentological evidence indicates that the southern margin of the Junggar Basin was a rift basin controlled by transtensional strike‐slip faults in the Early Permian, and also was followed by a Middle Permian thermal sag. Quantitative provenance analysis using detrital zircon geochronology and the DZmix program shows that the West Junggar terrane and Tianshan orogenic belts experienced varied uplift, indicative of a transition from the Middle Permian thermal sag peneplanation to the Late Permian‐Early Triassic tectonic inversion involving reactivation of Early Permian normal faults. This intracontinental deformation event in the Junggar Basin was taken up by block counterclockwise rotation during the final amalgamation of the Pangea, which may be the long‐range effect of the final closure of Paleo‐Asia Ocean in the eastern part of the CAOB.

Fucino Basin structure revealed by the tomography and the reusing of the CROP11 seismic data

The refraction reprocessing of the CROP11-1999 seismic reflection data, which were acquired for deep seismic exploration using a split-spread long offset geometry, provides valuable new insights into the main geological structures of the central Apennines. In this study, we present the geophysical interpretation of a sub-transect of the CROP11 seismic profile, crossing the Piani Palentini and Fucino basins carried out using an integrated approach based on the refraction tomography, the stacked refraction convolution section, and the seismic reflection. The reprocessing allowed us to obtain, for the first time, a high resolution (about 15 m in distance and depth) P-waves seismic velocity 2D model and the imaging of the refractor interface of the basin up to the depth of the Meso-Cenozoic carbonate substratum. The outcomes, combined with the interpretation of a CROP11 seismic reflection sub-transect and a subparallel commercial seismic reflection profile, allowed us to highlight a complex basin-fill architecture and stratigraphy. Four seismo-facies, characterized by different Vp velocity values, were recognized above the Meso-Cenozoic carbonate substratum. In particular, a low-velocity zone (LVZ) was evidenced in both basins. The geophysical interpretation and the comparison with the outcropping sequences allowed us to associate it with an upper Messinian thrust-top deposit.The obtained model constitutes an essential geophysical-geological informative base for future investigations on seismic wave propagation and site response studies at the large scale of the Fucino Basin, one of the areas of the Italian territory with a high seismic hazard.

Identification of active faults and tectonic features through heat flow distribution in the Nankai Trough, Japan, based on high-resolution velocity-estimated bottom-simulating reflector depths

Estimates of heat flow can contribute to our understanding of geological structures in plate convergent zones that produce great earthquakes. We applied automated velocity analysis to obtain the accurate seismic profiles needed for precise heat flow estimates using six new seismic profiles acquired during R/V Kaimei KM18-10 voyage in 2018. We calculated heat flow values in the accretionary wedge of the Nankai Trough off the Kii Peninsula, Japan, from the positions of widespread bottom-simulating reflectors (BSRs) in seismic reflection profiles. Calculated conductive heat flow values from the depth of the BSR agree with previous studies where a regional trend is observed from ~ 50 mW/m2 to < 40 mW/m2 60 km landward from the deformation front. This trend is caused by thickening of accretionary sediments and the subduction of the Philippines Sea plate. Segments of profiles are marked by anomalous high heat flow values. Such anomalies represent alterations of the shallow crustal thermal structure caused either by a combination of topographic affects, surface erosion of the seafloor, or by fluid flow that transports heat by advection. We interpret heat flow anomalies (~ 100 mW/m2) as indicators of active faulting, which correspond to low seismic velocity zones along faults. Our results also showed relatively high heat flow at the landward end of several survey lines close to the Kii Peninsula, which we interpret to the possible presence of plutonic rocks that underlie the Kii Peninsula and extend offshore and may be the cause of geothermal springs, steep geothermal gradients, and high heat flow.Graphical abstract

Connecting link between a sediment source and its deep-sea sink: Ilan Shelf offshore northeastern Taiwan

The northeast Taiwan margin provides an excellent example of the route of sediment flux from a small mountainous river, the Lanyang River, to a deep-sea basin, the Southern Okinawa Trough (SOT), via a very narrow（8–14 km in width）Ilan Shelf at different time scales. Based on seismic and sub-bottom chirp profiles and onshore borehole and offshore core data, we identify three echo types on the Ilan Shelf that delineate sheets of sediment, mass movement deposits, and echoes indicative of igneous activity. By recognizing lithofacies and seismic facies changes, the Last Glacial Maximum Unconformity and maximum flooding surface are correlated in onshore cores and offshore reflection seismic profiles. With the aids of sequence stratigraphic analysis, the postglacial sedimentation rates on the Ilan Shelf are estimated to range from 0.04 to 1.53 cm/yr. Considering its sediment budget in a source-to-sink system, the Ilan Shelf can be regarded primarily as a temporary trap for fluvial sediment discharged from the Lanyang River. Overall, it has trapped at least 50% of the discharged sediment during the Holocene, and the bulk of sediment was transported, primarily via mass movement to SOT. We deduce that earthquake-induced faulting, axial incision in the channel, and retrogressive failures appear to be triggers for mass wasting, which then combined with channel transport, can play leading roles in rapid downslope transportation to the trough. This inference is indicated by high deposition rates in the western end of SOT and widely distributed mass transport deposits observed in the shallow strata of SOT. We found that the deep strata of SOT are deformed by normal faults, indicating that the sediment accommodation space is structurally controlled by the active back-arc extension. This study documents that frequent typhoons and flooding events, together with strong tidal currents, are significant agents of sediment input over the short term. In contrast, earthquakes and volcanic events occasionally affect sediment dispersal from the Ilan Shelf to SOT.

Quantifying the Structure and Extension Rate of the Linfen Basin, Shanxi Rift System Since the Latest Miocene: Implications for Continental Magma‐Poor Rifting

AbstractThe formation of magma‐poor continental rifts is an enigmatic process, as the weakening mechanism(s) for cratonic lithosphere remains uncertain in the absence of elevated lithospheric temperature. One view links weakening to melts hidden at depth, while another ascribes it to pre‐existing weaknesses. Long‐term extensional rates also influence lithospheric strength and rift evolution. We target the Linfen Basin (LB) in the magma‐poor Shanxi Rift System (SRS) in the North China Craton to understand these components. We apply cosmogenic 26Al/10Be burial dating on 14 core samples at different depths from three deep boreholes in the basin and obtain six valid burial ages ranging from 2.37+1.18/−1.21 to 5.86+inf/−1.37 Ma. We further re‐interpret a seismic reflection profile and quantify the geometry and amount of extension by forward structural modeling with multiple constraints based on extensional fault‐bend folding theory. The timing of the basal sedimentation is estimated to be ∼6.1 and ∼4.2 Ma in the southern and northern portions, respectively, indicating diachronous, northward‐propagating rifting. The amount and mean rate of extension are ∼3.6 km and ∼0.9 km/Myr, respectively. The basin depths increasing northward indicates the clockwise rotation of the basin. We propose a basin‐scale non‐rigid transtensional bookshelf faulting model to explain the rotation patterns of the circum‐Ordos basins. We argue that the inherited structures weaken the cratonic lithosphere of the SRS, and the low extension rate contributes to its magma‐poor nature. We propose a lithospheric‐scale evolution model for the LB, invoking the inherited crustal weakness, low extension rate, and lower lithosphere counterflow.

Reprocessing of Legacy Seismic Reflection Profile Data and Its Implications for Plate Flexure in the Vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands

AbstractDuring 1975–1988, an academic research ship, R/V Robert D. Conrad, acquired more than 150,000‐line‐km of multichannel seismic reflection profile data from each of the world's main ocean basins and their margins. This extensive legacy seismic data set, which involved both single ship and two‐ship data acquisition, has been widely used by the marine geoscience community. We report on our experience in reprocessing seismic reflection profile data acquired during Conrad cruise RC2308 to the Hawaiian Islands region in August/September 1982. We show that the application of modern, industry standard processing techniques, including filtering, de‐bubble, deconvolution, and migration, can significantly enhance 40+ year old legacy seismic reflection profile data. The reprocessed data reveals more precisely, and with much less scatter, the flexure of Cretaceous Pacific oceanic crust caused by the Pliocene‐Recent volcanic loads that comprise the Hawaiian Islands. A comparison of observed picks of top oceanic crust which has been corrected for the Hawaiian swell and the Molokai Fracture Zone with the calculations of a simple 3‐dimensional elastic plate (flexure) model reveals a best fit elastic plate thickness of the lithosphere, Te, of 26.7 km, an average infill density of 2,701 kg m−3, and a Root Mean Square difference between observations and calculations of 305 m. Tests show these results depend weakly on the load density assumed and that the average infill density is close to what would be predicted from an arithmetic average of the flanking moat infill density and the infill density that immediately underlies the volcanic edifice.

Crustal‐Scale Seismic Reflection Profiling Constrains How the Paleo‐Asian Ocean Was Closed

AbstractThe Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is the most significant accretionary orogenic belt since the Phanerozoic and the most ideal site for studying continental growth evolution processes. A 460‐km‐long high‐resolution crustal‐scale seismic reflection study was conducted across the eastern CAOB in North‐Central China to constrain the closure mode and location of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean, that is, the previous ocean of the CAOB. The resultant seismic reflection profile revealed opposite‐dipping reflectors in the northern and southern parts of the profile, which converge at the profile center to form an inverted U‐shaped reflector pattern near the crust–mantle transition zone beneath the Solonker Suture. The dipping reflectors represent bidirectional fossil subduction zones sloping to the north and south, and the convergence reflector pattern represents the ocean closure location. Integration of these results with available geological data facilitated model construction whereby Paleo‐Asian Ocean closure was accomplished by divergent subduction of the Paleo‐Asian oceanic plate, with northward subduction beneath the southern margin of the Mongolian Block and southward subduction beneath the northern margin of the North China Craton. The oceanic lithosphere contracted and deformed, yielding the observed inverted U‐shaped reflector pattern, representing Paleo‐Asian Ocean closure. This subsurface location lies beneath the Solonker Suture surface exposure, suggesting that this suture marks the ocean closure location, rather than the previously proposed Hegenshan–Heihe Suture to the north or Xar Moron Suture to the south. Our study suggests that divergently dipping subduction and associated accretion and magmatism may constitute the primary continental growth mode for accretionary‐type orogens.

Interpretation and analysis of seismic and analog modeling data of triangle zone: a case study from the frontal part of western Kura foreland fold-and-thrust belt, Georgia

2D seismic reflection profiles revealed the presence of a triangle zone at the frontal part of the western Kura foreland fold-and-thrust belt of the pro-wedge of the Greater Caucasus. To understand the triangle zone geometry, seismic interpretations should be substantiated by forward kinematic modeling, supported by analog experiments. This study presents a new structural model for the region by integrating field observations, well data, and seismic reflection data. East-West directed along-strike structural variation of the frontal thrust is observed on the interpreted seismic profiles which affected the fold geometry. The Bitsmendi breakthrough fault-propagation fold gradually transits into a wedge structure in the W-E direction and is represented by the triangle zone. The seismic profiles interpretation results completely match with analog models of similar triangle zones. The analysis of the experimental results helps us to further understand the kinematic evolution of natural systems and improve seismic interpretation. The triangle zone developed in the western part of the Bitsmendi breakthrough fault-propagation fold is related to double fault-bend fold structural wedges and is characterized by the presence of passive, and active wedges, and passive-backthrust and passive-forethrust.

Incoming plate structure at the Japan Trench subduction zone revealed in densely spaced reflection seismic profiles

The structure of the incoming plate is an important element that is often considered to be related to the occurrence of great earthquakes in subduction zones. In the Japan Trench, where the 2011 Tohoku earthquake occurred, we collected seismic profiles along survey lines separated by 2–8 km to examine the structural characteristics of the incoming Pacific plate in detail. The average thickness of the incoming sediments was < 500 m along most of the Japan Trench, and it was < 300 m at ~ 38° N, where the large shallow megathrust slip occurred during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. We mapped bending-related normal faults, including their dip direction and amount of throw. The numbers of eastward (oceanward) and westward (trenchward) dipping normal faults were generally comparable in the Japan Trench. Eastward dipping normal faults were dominant in the northern and southern parts of the Japan Trench, whereas westward dipping normal faults were more numerous in the central part. Graben-fill sediments deposited at the landward edge of the graben were bounded by eastward dipping normal faults. Trench-fill sediments were also observed along the trench axis. The sediment fills locally increased the thickness of the input sediments where they were deposited. The along-axis variation in input sediment and sediment fill distribution, and the variations in normal fault dip direction between the central and other parts of the Japan Trench may correspond to different slip styles along the plate boundary.

Thermally Significant Fluid Seepage Through Thick Sediment on the Juan de Fuca Plate Entering the Cascadia Subduction Zone

AbstractWe use heat flux measurements colocated with seismic reflection profiles over a buried basement high on the Juan de Fuca plate ∼25 km seaward of the deformation front offshore Oregon to test for the presence of hydrothermal circulation in the oceanic crust. We also revisit heat flux data crossing a buried basement high ∼25 km seaward of the deformation front ∼150 km north, offshore Washington. Seafloor heat flux is inversely correlated with sediment thickness, consistent with vigorous hydrothermal circulation in the basement aquifer homogenizing temperatures at the top of the basement. Heat flux immediately above the summit of the basement highs is greater than expected solely from conduction. Fluid seepage at rates of ∼2.6–5.4 cm yr−1 in a 1–1.5 km‐wide conduit through ∼800–1,300 m thick sediment sections above these basement highs can explain these observations. Observations of thermally significant fluid seepage through sediment &gt;225 m thick on oceanic crust are unprecedented. High sediment permeability, high fluid overpressure in the basement, or a combination of both is required to drive fluid seepage at the observed rates. We infer that rapid seepage occurs because the basement highs rise above the low permeability basal sediment with their tops protruding into the base of high permeability Nitinat or Astoria Fan sediment. Seepage from basement highs penetrating into the submarine fans can affect the thermal state of crust entering the subduction zone.

Fluid-Related Features in the Offshore Sector of the Sciacca Geothermal Field (SW Sicily): The Role of the Lithospheric Sciacca Fault System

The Sciacca basin extends in the southwestern part of Sicily and hosts an important geothermal field (the Sciacca Geothermal Field) characterized by hot springs containing mantle gasses. Newly acquired high-resolution seismic profiles (Boomer data) integrated with a multichannel seismic reflection profile in close proximity to the Sciacca Geothermal Field have documented the presence of numerous active and shallow fluid-related features (pipes, bright spots, buried and outcropping mud volcanoes, zones of acoustic blanking, and seafloor fluid seeps) in the nearshore sector between Capo San Marco and Sciacca (NW Sicilian Channel) and revealed its deep tectonic structure. The Sciacca Geothermal Field and the diffuse submarine fluid-related features probably form a single onshore–offshore field covering an area of at least 70 km2. This field has developed in a tectonically active zone dominated by a left-lateral transpressive regime associated with the lithospheric, NNE-striking Sciacca Fault System. This structure probably favored the rising of magma and fluids from the mantle in the offshore area, leading to the formation of a geothermal resource hosted in the Triassic carbonate succession that outcrops onshore at Monte San Calogero. This field has been active since the lower Pleistocene, when fluid emissions were likely greater than today and were associated with greater tectonic activity along the Sciacca Fault System.

Structural evolution of the southern Ecuadorian forearc in the Santa Elena Peninsula region

The southern Ecuadorian forearc system is related to the subduction of the oceanic Farallon/Nazca Plate beneath the continental South American Plate since the Late Cretaceous, and currently evolves with the dynamic of a tectonic block called North Andean Sliver. To explore the structural architecture and processes controlling the Upper Cretaceous-Cenozoic growth of the forearc, we built a ∼143 km-long onshore-offshore crustal-scale cross-section in the Santa Elena Peninsula region using seismic reflection profiles and well and field data. The structure of the Santa Elena Peninsula forearc system is controlled by imbrication of Upper Cretaceous-Palaeocene oceanic basement and Cenozoic sedimentary units, and underplating of distal Cenozoic sequences stacked at the trench zone. This led to the progressive construction of an accretionary wedge through time. The forearc substratum is mainly formed by the Upper Cretaceous-Palaeocene basement developed during the docking of oceanic terranes. It is later deformed by NW-trending landward-dipping, normal to strike-slip faults during the Middle Eocene, and renewed compression by inversion of inherited faults from the Oligocene onwards. Recent deformation consists in N-trending oceanward-dipping normal faults in the frontal slope domain and fault-controlled uplift of marine terraces along the coastal area. Therefore, the Upper Cretaceous to present-day structural evolution of the Santa Elena Peninsula forearc is controlled by the long-lasting subduction dynamics and structural inheritance of the upper plate.

Syn‐ and post‐rift lower crustal flow under the Sunda Shelf, southern Vietnam: A role for climatically modulated erosion

AbstractTectonic subsidence on rifted, passive continental margins are largely controlled by patterns of extension and the nature of strain partitioning in the lithosphere. The Sunda Shelf, adjacent to the SW South China Sea, is characterized by deep basins linked to regional Cenozoic extension associated with propagating seafloor spreading caused by slab pull from the south. Analysis of seismic reflection profiles and drilled sections crossing the Nam Con Son and Cuu Long basins highlight Oligocene extension, with most of the thinning concentrated in the ductile mid‐lower crust. Upper crustal extension was modest and ductile flow is inferred to be directed northwestwards, towards the oceanic crust. Basin inversion occurred in the Mid Miocene, associated with the collision of the Dangerous Grounds Block and Borneo. Subsequent accelerated tectonic subsidence exceeded predictions from uniform extension models assumed to relate to extensional collapse after inversion. We correlate this to a period of faster erosion onshore driven by strong monsoon rains in Indochina and Peninsular Thailand at that time. Erosion of the onshore basement, inducing rock uplift and coupled with loading of the basins offshore, drives ductile mid‐lower crustal flow, likely to the northeast under Indochina, and/or to the west where Plio‐Pleistocene subsidence of the shelf is very slow. Significant sediment delivery from the Mekong River into the Cuu Long Basin began in the Late Miocene and migrated seawards as the basin filled. Mass balancing suggests that the basins of this part of the Sunda Shelf are filled through erosion of bedrock sources around the Gulf of Thailand. There is no need for sediment delivery from a major river draining the Tibetan Plateau to account for the deposited volumes.

Sedimentation since 140 ka in Te Tai-o-Aorere Tasman Bay, Aotearoa New Zealand

ABSTRACT Late Pleistocene and Holocene sedimentation records changes in glacio-eustatic cycles, oceanography, active tectonics, and sediment supply. Here, we use high-resolution seismic-reflection profiles in Te Tai-o-Aorere Tasman Bay to investigate sedimentary deposit distributions associated with sea-level cyclicity over ∼140 ka. We identify nine seismic stratigraphic units below the inner continental shelf, interpret their character based on stratal relationships and acoustic properties, and infer ages using global sea level. The sequence includes stacked deposits and unconformities associated with the shifting shoreline over glacial cycles. Prominent erosional features include a lowstand ravinement surface and two transgressive surfaces formed during sea-level rise following the last two glacial maxima of ∼20 ka and ∼140 ka. The youngest surface marks the base of post-glacial sediment accumulated since ∼12 ka in the study area. Post-glacial sediment includes five seismically mappable units, covering an area of ∼1400 km2 and deposit volume of ∼9 km3. Time-averaged sediment accumulation rates are estimated to range from a maximum of ∼1.6–2.8 m/kyr to ∼0.5–0.9 m/kyr. Sequence stratigraphy interpreted in Te Tai-o-Aorere Tasman Bay is representative of accumulation in a relatively wide-shelf, sheltered inner bay setting supplied by mountainous catchments, and provides stratigraphic context necessary for future stratigraphic and tectonics studies.