Seismic Studies Research Articles

Source Rock Assessment of the Permian to Jurassic Strata in the Northern Highlands, Northwestern Jordan: Insights from Organic Geochemistry and 1D Basin Modeling

The present study focused on the Permian to Jurassic sequence in the Northern Highlands area, NW Jordan. The Permian to Jurassic sequence in this area is thick and deeply buried, consisting mainly of carbonate intercalated with clastic shale. This study integrated various datasets, including total organic carbon (TOC, wt%), Rock-Eval pyrolysis, visual kerogen examination, gross composition, lipid biomarkers, vitrinite reflectance (VRo%), and bottom-hole temperature measurements. The main aim was to investigate the source rock characteristics of these strata regarding organic richness, kerogen type, depositional setting, thermal maturity, and hydrocarbon generation timing. The Permian strata are poor to fair source rocks, primarily containing kerogen type (KT) III. They are immature in the AJ-1 well and over-mature in the NH-2 well. The Upper Triassic strata are poor source rocks in the NH-1 well and fair to marginally good source rocks in the NH-2 well, containing highly mature terrestrial KT III. These strata are immature to early mature in the AJ-1 well and at the peak oil window stage in the NH-2 well. The Jurassic strata are poor source rocks, dominated by KT III and KT II-III. They are immature to early mature in the AJ-1 well and have reached the oil window in the NH-2 well. Biomarker-related ratios indicate that the Upper Triassic oils and Jurassic samples are source rocks that received mainly terrestrial organic input accumulated in shallow marine environments under highly reducing conditions. These strata are composed mostly of clay-rich lithologies with evidence of deposition in hypersaline and/or stratified water columns. 1D basin models revealed that the Upper Triassic strata reached the peak oil window from the Early Cretaceous (~80 Ma) to the present day in the NH-1 well and from ~130 Ma (Early Cretaceous) to ~90 Ma (Late Cretaceous) in the NH-2 well, with the late stage of hydrocarbon generation continuing from ~90 Ma to the present time. The present-day transformation ratio equals 77% in the Upper Triassic source rocks, suggesting that these rocks have expelled substantial volumes of hydrocarbons in the NH-2 well. To achieve future successful hydrocarbon discoveries in NW Jordan, accurate seismic studies and further geochemical analyses are recommended to precisely define the migration pathways.

Seismic source analysis and directivity of the November 2021 Fin doublet earthquake in southern Iran: challenges and findings

Studying the source characteristics of doublet or multiple earthquake sequences presents significant challenges in seismology, especially with short time intervals between events. On November 14, 2021, a doublet earthquake (Mw 6.0 and Mw 6.1) occurred near Fin city, southern Iran, within a span of less than two minutes and 10 km apart. We employed the Kinematic Waveform Inversion (KIWI) procedure to determine the point and extended source parameters of these events, using a multistep inversion approach for stable solutions. Our analysis highlighted the directivity of the earthquakes: the first event exhibited bilateral directivity, causing a rupture area that reached the surface, while the second event showed unilateral westward directivity, supported by waveform amplitude differences observed at various stations. This directivity analysis plays an essential role in seismic hazard studies. Our findings regarding the source parameters of these recent doublet earthquakes in the Fin region align well with regional geological trends and fault patterns. However, retrieving the main fault plane for the second earthquake was challenging due to the complexities of the waveform. Moment tensor decomposition revealed significant non-double-couple components for the second event, indicating the complexity inherent in analyzing doublet events. This study underscores the critical role of precise waveform analysis and robust inversion techniques in understanding complex seismic events.

The Importance of seismic microzonation under the threat of an earthquake of the north anatolian fault in nilüfer, bursa, turkiye

The Nilüfer district experienced the most recent urbanization among the central districts of Bursa in South Marmara region with the completion of rapid construction. Since 358 BCE, many destructive earthquakes were reported on the branches of the North Anatolian Fault (NAF) which caused extensive damage to buildings and loss of life near Bursa city. Besides some studies conducted to define the soil behavior in the vicinity of Bursa, a seismic hazard study in Nilüfer is still lacking. We, therefore, carried out a microzonation study including the following steps. First, an earthquake hazard analysis was conducted and the peak ground acceleration (PGA) values were determined for an expected earthquake. In the next step, MASW (Multi-Channel Analysis of Surface Wave) measurements conducted at 54 points in 28 neighbourhoods of Nilüfer district were evaluated. Soil mechanical parameters were determined at 11 boreholes to assess the liquefaction potential. It was found that almost half of the study area suffers from low damage considering only the vulnerability index (Kg) index, which depends on the site effect. Therefore, in addition to the Kg values, we created a microzonation map using the results of soil liquefaction, settlement, changes in groundwater level, and the average values of spectral acceleration. The study area is classified by four damage levels changing from low to high. Using only the Kg index could not quantify the potential damage level in the study area, thus we showed that the districts of Altınşehir, Hippodrome, Ürünlü and Alaaddinbey, Ertuğrul, 29 Ekim, 23 Nisan, Ahmetyesevi and Minareliçavuş were identified at potentially high-risk damage zones. The results of this study clearly showed that considering the Kg index, which depends only on the local site effect, may lead to inadequate damage values.

Correlation between shear wave velocity (Vs) and penetration resistance along with the stress condition of Eskisehir(Turkey) case

AbstractShear wave velocity (Vs) is an important characteristic in geotechnical earthquake engineering practices for estimating site response. Seismic refraction and well seismicity are the common ways to determine the shear wave velocity. However, these methods require on-site land studies. For this reason, there are empirical approaches that have been proposed to calculate Vs depending on the number of SPT-N obtained from the Standard Penetration experiment data. Studies in the literature have different aspects and correspond to varied empirical approaches. The study aims to establish empirical correlations between the Shear Wave Velocity (Vs), Standard Penetration Test results (SPT-N), and stress conditions of soils considering the soil types of the local sites in Eskişehir, Turkey. The Vs values of the soil from the data set we used in this study were obtained from seismic refraction-reflection studies in 22 different locations in Eskişehir. SPT-N values obtained from 42 boreholes representing the Eskişehir ground were used. The Vs values calculated from the empirical approaches given depending on the SPT-N values and the Vs values measured on the site were compared. In addition, regression analyses were performed between SPT- N and Vs. As a result of the regression analyses performed, new empirical correlations were developed according to soil types. Finally, new empirical correlations are established that can predict Vs at different soil depths and conditions taking the soil type and overburden pressure into account and contributing valuable insights for geotechnical earthquake engineering purpose. The regressions show that there is a good correlation between the Vs-SPT-N along with the total stress with high R2s and soil types are effective on predicting the shear wave velocity.

2D Seismic Structural Study of the Area Between Halfaya, Noor and Amara Oil Fields, Southeastern Iraq

The study area is located in the Missan government in southeastern Iraq, including oilfields (Halfaya, Noor, and Amara). The study area is about 966 Km2. Based on the 2D seismic reflection interpretation, well-logs data (sonic and estimated density logs), and synthetic seismogram of well Am-2, two horizons were identified and picked (Nahr Umr and Shuaiba) within the Lower Cretaceous age. For the picked reflectors, two-way time and depth maps were created to display the subsurface's structural makeup. The structural interpretation shows two structural axes in the study area. The first is the Halfaya-Amara axis, whose direction is WNW-ESE corresponding with the Amara structure. This axis deviates southeast due to the tectonic effect at the Halfaya structure. Another tectonic force affected the Halfaya structure in the northwest-southeast direction leading to the appearance of a branch of a convex extension towards the north from the middle of the Halfaya structure, completing this branch to a structural closure as nose towards the Noor structure in the northern part of the study area. The second axis of Halfaya-Noor oilfields trending northwest-southeast direction.

Large-Depth Ground-Penetrating Radar for Investigating Active Faults: The Case of the 2017 Casamicciola Fault System, Ischia Island (Italy)

We conducted large-depth Ground-Penetrating Radar investigations of the seismogenic Casamicciola fault system at the volcanic island of Ischia, with the aim of constraining the source characteristics of this active and capable fault system. On 21 August 2017, a shallow (hypocentral depth of 1.2 km), moderate (Md = 4.0) earthquake hit the island, causing severe damage and two fatalities. This was the first damaging earthquake recorded on the volcanic island of Ischia from the beginning of the instrumental era. Our survey was performed using the Loza low-frequency (15–25 MHz) GPR system calibrated by TDEM results. The data highlighted variations in the electromagnetic signal due to the presence of contacts, i.e., faults down to a depth larger than 100 m below the surface. These signal variations match with the position of the synthetic and antithetic active fault system bordering the Casamicciola Holocene graben. Our study highlights the importance of employing large-depth Ground-Penetrating Radar geophysical techniques for investigating active fault systems not only in their shallower parts, but also down to a few hundred meters’ depth, providing a contribution to the knowledge of seismic hazard studies on the island of Ischia and elsewhere.

Global variability of the composition and temperature at the 410-km discontinuity from receiver function analysis of dense arrays

Seismic boundaries caused by phase transitions between olivine polymorphs in Earth's mantle provide thermal and compositional markers that inform mantle dynamics. Seismic studies of the mantle transition zone often use either global averaging with sparse arrays or regional sampling from a single dense array. The intermediate approach of this study utilizes many densely spaced seismic arrays distributed around the globe. We systematically compute teleseismic P-to-S receiver functions for each seismic array and invert for the 1-D seismic velocity structure of the mantle transition zone beneath each array to facilitate a comparison between densely sampled regions. We stack 3,600 receiver functions on average at 67 arrays in total. The stack is used in a probabilistic inversion to estimate the mantle transition zone interface depths and velocities beneath each array. We focus on the 410-km discontinuity (410) because it is a prominent seismic interface that is clearly linked to a single mineral phase transition between olivine and wadsleyite. The depths and velocity contrasts of the 410 are mapped to temperatures and compositions using mineral physics constraints. The depth of the 410 ranges from ∼405–440 km, which is consistent with a ∼360 K temperature range in a dry mantle and a ∼260 K temperature range in a wet mantle (2 wt. % water). The Vs contrast across the 410 ranges from ∼2.5–8 %, which is consistent with ∼20–70 vol. % olivine composition in a dry mantle and ∼25–80 vol. % in a wet mantle. The bulk composition of the upper mantle near the 410-km discontinuity is typically considered to be well-mixed because there is no thermodynamic impediment to convection at the olivine to wadsleyite phase transition. However, the wide range of inferred olivine content from our study suggests that there are large lateral variations in the bulk composition of the upper mantle near the 410-km discontinuity.

Seismic Study of An Isolated Cable-Stayed Bridge under Near-Fault Ground Motions

During strong earthquakes, pounding may occur on large-span bridges and their approach bridges. The effect and mitigation measures of such pounding have rarely been explored in previous studies. This paper primarily uses finite element models to investigate the pounding effects at the expansion joints between the main cable-stayed bridge and its approach bridge. Friction pendulum bearings (FPBs) and fluid viscous dampers (FVDs) are used to alleviate poundings. Furthermore, a detailed analysis is conducted on how the pounding effect of the isolated main bridge with FPBs and FVDs is affected by the wave passage effect, ground motion type, and soil type. This study reveals that FPBs and FVDs can effectively reduce pounding effects and the associated risks. Even with the installation of FPBs and FVDs, lower seismic wave velocities and near-fault seismic motions with pulse effects can significantly increase the pounding effects between the cable-stayed bridge and its approach bridge.

IM-based seismic reliability assessment of the pre-code masonry building stock in metropolitan area of Lisbon

Earthquakes have a long history of causing catastrophic damage to communities, resulting in structural collapses, loss of life, and economic turmoil. To enable informed decision-making and reduce the impact of these events in earthquake-prone regions, seismic risk studies provide relevant information to support stakeholders in the implementation of effective risk-based policies. The present work addresses the seismic reliability of the pre-code masonry building stock in the Metropolitan Area of Lisbon, which is the region of Portugal that faces the highest seismic risk due to the coexistence of moderate to high seismic hazard and highest demographic-economic exposure. The adopted general framework combines several hazard studies developed for the region under investigation and a synthetic database of masonry buildings representative of the pre-code building stock in Lisbon. Through analytical–numerical probabilistic approaches, new second-order hazard solutions with structural dependency are derived for the mean annual frequency of limit-state exceedance, which can be integrated into national application documents for Eurocode 8. In light of these results, the reliability assessment of the building stock is conducted in several Local Administrative Units by means of an improved SAC/FEMA formulation. The study represents the first comprehensive investigation of its kind in this region, providing essential information to define appropriate target safety level for code calibration and support future risk studies.

Testing the applicability of ground motion prediction equations for the Hainaut region (Belgium) using intensity data

In regions where strong earthquakes occurred before the deployment of dense seismic and accelerometric networks, intensity datasets can help select appropriate ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs) for seismic hazard studies. This is the case for the Hainaut seismic zone, which was one of the most seismically active zones in and around Belgium during the twentieth century. A recent reassessment of the intensity dataset of the area showed that intensities in this region attenuate much faster with distance than in other parts of northwestern Europe. Unfortunately, this characteristic has not yet been taken into account in current hazard maps for Belgium and northern France. Based on this dataset, we evaluate the goodness of fit of published GMPEs with intensities in Hainaut by means of a ground-motion-to-intensity conversion equation (GMICE) and according to different metrics (Likelihood, Log-likelihood and Euclidean-based Distance Ranking) published in literature. We also introduce a new measure to specifically evaluate the distance trend. Our results show that none of the tested GMPEs convincingly fits the intensity dataset, in particular the fast attenuation with distance. Nevertheless, applying the few GMPEs that show a reasonable fit in seismic hazard computations, we observe a decrease of the influence of the Hainaut seismicity on hazard maps for Belgium and northern France. This result is compatible with the earthquake intensity observations for the last 350 years in this part of Europe.

Mineral chemistry of chrome-diopside bearing lamprophyre from Mesoproterozoic Settupalle igneous complex of Prakasam alkaline province: insights on the magma dynamics at shallow lithospheric mantle beneath the NE margin of the Cuddapah basin, Southern India

The Eastern Dharwar Craton shows considerable variations in the activity of kimberlite, lamproite and lamprophyre and their related lithospheric thickness, thermal structure and magmatic source characteristics from the innermost core to the margin. These variations have been revealed through seismic studies and the analysis of xenoliths, and xenocrysts carried in alkaline magmas, particularly kimberlites. This study reports the occurrence of chrome-diopside phenocrysts from a lamprophyre of the Settupalle pluton, located on the northeastern margin of the Cuddapah basin, Prakasam alkaline province in South India. Studied lamprophyre are characterized by phenocrystic clinopyroxene (Cpx) and biotite, embedded in a groundmass of amphibole, biotite, opaques, calcite, feldspar, nepheline and sodalite, with the latter minerals forming ocellar structures. Clinopyroxene displays normal zoning, with a high Mg–Cr rich diopside core (up to 1.92 wt%) and a Na 2 O-, Al 2 O 3 , FeO and TiO 2 -enriched salite rim. These chemical variations, along with elemental substitutions from core to rim, indicate the significant role of fractionation in the evolution of lamprophyre magma. The lack of chemical disparity among the studied Cpx suggests closed system fractionation, under high oxygen fugacity conditions. Thermobarometry results indicate polybaric crystallization for the Cpx (1206–1269°C, 11.82–18.04 kbar) and biotite (825–856°C, 3.49–6.94 kbar). The gradient inferred from the pressure of the Cpx suggests that its crystallization occurred at a depth of 43–66 km, implying shallow lithospheric magma contribution for the genesis of the lamprophyre magma.

Seismic Stability Study of Bedding Slope Based on a Pseudo-Dynamic Method and Its Numerical Validation

Earthquakes are one of the main causes of bedding slope instability, and scientifically and quantitively evaluating seismic stability is of great significance for preventing landslide disasters. This study aims to assess the bedding slope stability under seismic loading and the influences of various parameters on stability using a pseudo-dynamic method. Based on the limit equilibrium theory, a general solution for the dynamic safety factor of bedding slope is proposed. The effects of parameters such as slope height, slope angle, cohesion, internal friction angle, vibration time, shear wave velocity, seismic acceleration coefficient, and amplification factor on stability are discussed in detail. To evaluate the validity of the pseudo-dynamic solution, the safety factors are compared with those given by early cases, and the results show that the safety factors calculated by the present formulation coincide better with those of previous methods. Moreover, a two-dimensional numerical solution of bedding slope based on Mohr–Coulomb’s elastic–plastic failure criterion is also performed by using the finite element procedure, and the minimum safety factor is essentially consistent with the result of the pseudo-dynamic method. It is proved that the pseudo-dynamic method is effective for bedding slope stability analyses during earthquakes, and it can overcome the limitations of the pseudo-static method.

Characterization of Carbonate Reservoir Potential in Salawati Basin, West Papua: Analysis of Seismic Direct Hydrocarbon Indicator (DHI), Seismic Attributes, and Seismic Spectrum Decomposition

Carbonate reservoir of Kais Formation in Salawati Basin, West Papua, is the most famous oil and gas reservoir in the eastern part of Indonesian Archipelago since 1970’s. Nowadays, new prospects in this area are more challenging and most relevant near the infrastructure of previous oil and gas fields. In this study, a relatively new seismic dataset was investigated to figure out new prospects in carbonate reservoir rocks in the area of interest. In this preliminary study, where seismic data are not supported by well data, direct hydrocarbon indicator (DHI), seismic attribute, and spectral decomposition (CWT: continuous wavelet transform) allow the authors to characterize the reservoir geometry and to predict pore fluids within the reservoir rocks. The reservoir geometry of carbonate reef of Kais Formation (C1) was identified by seismic reflectors with high amplitude contrast at the top C1. The hydrocarbon indicator was predicted by DHI where dim spots, flat spots, and polarity reversals are indicative of hydrocarbon prospects. From the attribute analysis, the attribute instantaneous amplitude detected the top carbonate C1, whereas pore fluids were predicted from high sweetness attribute. In addition, spectral decomposition CWT method confirms the top C1, identified as saturated rock by the frequency of 10 Hz, 20 Hz, and 30 Hz. Based on a seismic study in the researched area, the target zone is expected to be a very promising hydrocarbon reservoir, specifically a carbonate reservoir. As a result, the preferred well-test location is in a region with access to the Kais Formation limestone reef layer. This study can assist in reservoir characterization, especially in areas with limited well control.

Seis-PnSn: A Global Million-Scale Benchmark Data Set of Pn and Sn Seismic Phases for Deep Learning

Abstract The seismic phases Pn and Sn play a crucial role in investigating the velocity and anisotropic characteristics of the uppermost mantle. However, manually annotating these phases can be time-intensive and prone to subjective interpretation. Consequently, the use of travel-time data for these seismic phases remains limited. Despite the potential of deep learning to address this challenge, the scarcity of extensive training data sets for Pn and Sn presents significant constraints. To address this challenge, our research compiled a global million-scale benchmark data set of Pn and Sn seismic phases, namely Seis–PnSn. The data set is derived from earthquake events with epicenter distances ranging from 1.8° to 18°. The high-quality travel-time data used in this study are all from the International Seismological Centre and span the period 2000 to 2019. The waveform data were sourced from data centers located in different regions of the world under the International Federation of Digital Seismograph Networks. By leveraging the unique attributes of this data set, we trained baseline models and explored the prevailing challenges in deep-learning-based Pn and Sn phase picking as the scope transitions from local to regional epicenter distances. Our results show that the performance of the model is considerably enhanced after training on the proposed data set. Our study is a significant complement to the data foundation for future data-driven Pn and Sn seismic phase-picking studies, which will contribute to enhancing our understanding of the uppermost mantle structure of Earth, for example, the seismic velocity, anisotropy, and attenuation characteristics.

UPDATE OF PETROPHYSICAL AND GEOLOGICAL MODEL OF MIDDLE JURASSIC DEPOSITS DURING WELL MONITORING

Tyumen deposits of the studied subsoil area of Western Siberia were put into operation from the middle of the last century, but active development of the YuS2 formation began not so long ago. Currently, the share of wells planned for the operation of this target in the coming years is growing. There are cases when the well performance does not meet the forecasts, which calls into question the correctness of the model used in the development of the target and the structure of the section itself.For high-quality planning of the production stock, it is necessary to prepare a reliable geological basis. The problem of updating the model and improving its reliability lies in the complex geological structure of the formation, which is characterized by high lateral and vertical heterogeneity, as well as in the absence of the basis for all geological models - seismic studies of the investigated subsoil area.The cross-section of the YuS2 reservoirs is complex for petrophysical and geological modeling and is characterized by low reservoir properties. The reservoirs are represented by thin interbeds of permeable interlayers and impermeable clay, carbonaceous and dense rocks.The article examines the specifics of building petrophysical models of YuS2 formations during development drilling using all available core and borehole data to detail the deposits of the Tyumen formation. The purpose of the work is to create own dependencies for interpretation of well geophysical survey data taking into account sedimentation conditions.To detail the Jurassic section, a comprehensive analysis of lithological and petrographic studies of core material from the point of view of geology and petrophysics was used.Facies analysis of the Tyumen deposits in the absence of seismic studies 3D acts as the main factor improving the quality of the predictive ability of geological models in support of development drilling. Adaptation of the petrophysical model to modern geological and technical conditions of well drilling is shown.An integrated approach to the study of the Tyumen formation deposits based on facies and petrophysical studies made it possible to improve the quality of the forecast of the distribution of the reservoir of formation YuS2 and obtain a detailed model. This will help optimize the placement of the production stock, as well as identify the prospects for the development of deposits in areas not covered by drilling.

Development of Seismic microzonation for Rancaekek Sub-District using microtremor method

Abstract Rancaekek sub-district located in the Bandung Regency is geologically characterized by soft and loose sediment layers such as clays, silts, and sands associated with the old Bandung Lake. Due to the existence of the Sesar Lembang Fault, the Rancaekek area is also vulnerable to seismic disasters. To provide knowledge on seismic vulnerability, therefore, a seismic microzonation study was conducted at 25 locations in the Rancaekek area using the microtremor method. Based on the available microtremor measurement data, the seismic vulnerability of the Rancaekek sub-district varies from one area to another. Amongst other areas Northern part of Bojongloa, Northern part of Rancaekek Wetan and Northern part of Jelegong areas are the most vulnerable to seismic damage because these areas have low dominant frequencies with medium amplification zones, and low Vs30 values ranging from 90 to 127 m/s. Thus, any building and infrastructure development in these areas should follow the national building code to reduce damage due to earthquake shaking.

Crustal and uppermost mantle structures of the North American Midcontinent Rift revealed by joint full-waveform inversion of ambient-noise data and teleseismic P waves

The Midcontinent Rift (MCR), hosting several world-class ore deposits, is the fossil remnant of a massive Mesoproterozoic rifting event (1.1 Ga) that did not lead to the formation of an ocean basin. To better understand the lithospheric processes associated with the rifting stage and its subsequent failure, we developed a novel full-waveform joint inversion method using ambient noise data and teleseismic P waves for this seismically inactive region. We apply this approach to three years (2011-2013) of seismic recordings from the Superior Province Rifting EarthScope Experiment (SPREE) (~12 km average station spacing) and the USArray Transportable Array (~70 km average station spacing), and obtain a new 3D high-resolution Vs model down to 100 km depth, as well as Vp and density models down to 60 km depth. The model shows major velocity anomalies in agreement with previous seismic studies for the western arm of the MCR. In particular, we observe high density (2.8-3.0 g/cm3), Vp (6.3-6.5 km/s), and Vs (3.6-3.7 km/s) structures in the shallow upper crust within the rift, likely associated with volcanic rocks. Similar to a previously identified underplated layer, we also observe extensive normal-to-high Vs (3.8-4.2 km/s) along the whole rift axis and Vp (6.8-7.5 km/s) beneath the northern segment of the rift within the lower crust. However, the Vs and Vp values are lower than average for typical underplated materials. We suggest that this underplated layer may represent a combination of different intrusive rock types (e.g., gabbro, anorthosite) developed during magma differentiation processes, or contamination of the mafic magma by surrounding crustal material, or intrusions of sills.

Direct Estimation of the Source Corner Frequency of Minor to Moderate Earthquakes from Fourier Phase Spectra Fitting

ABSTRACT Estimating the corner frequency (fc) of an earthquake is of fundamental importance to improving our knowledge of the physics of the rupture that gives rise to a seismic event, while also having important implications by providing information on the high-frequency radiation for seismic hazard studies. However, the estimation of fc through spectral-fitting methods suffers from trade-offs with the estimation of seismic wave attenuation, making the obtained values precise but not necessarily accurate. For this reason, after a review of the source model proposed by Brune (1970), a new method of estimating fc, based on the phase fitting of Fourier spectra of the Brune’s seismic pulse related to S-waves, called Fourier phase spectra fitting (FPS), is proposed and evaluated in this study. The method can be applied in cases in which Brune’s model may be appropriate, while also considering the effects of propagation on impulse deformation, for which the synthetic tests have been conducted. The results, obtained first using synthetic seismograms generated under controlled conditions and then on a data set of recordings of real seismic events collected at the Groningen gas field in the Netherlands, showed the method to be promising (being accurate and precise) and at the same time pointed out its limitations, with its applicability being restricted to short hypocentral distances of <20 km.

Dynamic subsidence in the Colorado basin, offshore Argentina, South Atlantic

The Colorado basin in the SW Atlantic is one of the key exploratory frontier basins along the Argentine shelf. The stratigraphy shows a typical rift basin, divided into two major seismic successions, a Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous synrift followed by an Upper Cretaceous to Cenozoic postrift. They represent, respectively, the breakup of Gondwana and passive margin evolution. While the synrift basin formation was associated with the development of structural grabens, the preservation of thick (thousands of meters) postrift sequences are still debated because they cannot be accounted for only by thermal subsidence. In this work, we conducted a multimethodological subsidence analysis across the Colorado basin, including part of the continental slope. We performed a 1D backstripping analysis on 10 hydrocarbon exploration wells and 32 pseudo-wells, covering the whole basin area and a uniform stretching model, which were supported using dynamic topography data from the study region. From the backstripping analyses, considering the six major postrift sedimentary successions described in the literature, we could recognize three subsidence stages. An initial rapid subsidence stage during the post-rift (125–83 Ma), which is restricted to the main depocenters, followed by a stage of generalized and low subsidence focused on the main axis of the basin (83–33 Ma), with an increase in the last 33 my (33–0 Ma). The stretching models exhibit a typical asymptotic curve, depicting significant subsidence at the onset of the postrift stage, gradually diminishing to minimal values within a few tens of millions of years. Upon comparing the backstripping curves with the stretching subsidence models, particularly during the final flat segments, a residual negative value emerges over time (locally exceeding −500 m), indicating considerable residual subsidence during the Cenozoic postrift evolution along the Colorado Basin. This could be interpreted as dynamic subsidence. This residual sinking in the Argentina shelf matches with dynamic topography numerical models in the study region as well as the occurrence of accumulated slabs in the mantle detected by seismic tomography studies. We propose that the accumulation of slabs along this segment of the South American subduction zone might be the drivers of dynamic subsidence, which assisted to the preservation of a large thickness of post-rift strata along the SW Atlantic margin.

Unraveling the role of dextral faults in the formation of pull-apart basin structures and their implications on the genesis of ophiolites and pluto-volcanics

Rhombic structures have been observed in the Qom-Zefreh-Nayin-Dehsheir-Baft region, specifically along the direction of the dextral faults, which have caused significant changes in strike length. This study investigates the geological features and fault interactions in the region through the examination of aerial images, fault-lithology correlations, petrology, crustal thickness, and seismic studies. The analysis of aerial photos and geological correlations revealed the presence of ophiolites and pluto-volcanics associated with faults and rhombic structures. By conducting field geology and combining various geological studies, a pull-apart basin was identified in the area, contributing to the formation of three rhombic structures. This basin played a crucial role in the genesis of the region’s ophiolites and pluto-volcanics. The research suggests that the initial tensional stress leading to the pull-apart basin was caused by the right step of a dextral fault within the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic arc. This fault formation occurred due to the oblique Arabian subduction towards the Iranian plateau. During the Zagros orogeny, the stretched area persisted, leading to the formation of oceanic crust in this location. The subduction angle changes from subduction to super-subduction, resulting in the classification of the region into two types: C and E genes. Different types of magma, including alkaline, subalkaline, shoshonite, calcalkaline, and adakitic, were identified in this region. The study highlights the significance of tholeiitic arcs, abyssal features, crust thickness, and seismicity in understanding oblique diagonal subduction models and tensional pull-apart basins, which are crucial in the transition from subduction to super-subduction. This research offers valuable insights into the geological complexities of the region and opens up opportunities for further exploration of similar models.