Tectonic Stress Research Articles

Spatially varying crustal stress along the Zagros seismic belt inferred from earthquake focal mechanisms

We determine the stress field of the Zagros fold-and-thrust belt (ZFTB) in the collisional zone between the Arabian and Iranian plates. Using 898 mainshock focal mechanisms, which occurred along the belt between 1956 and 2021, we calculate stress at 32 locations. The results reveal that the crustal stress in the Zagros belt is heterogeneous with variations in the orientation of SHmax as well as in the stress ratio. The interpolation of the Simpson's index Aϕ points to three distinct domains: northern, central and southern, which are characterized by wrench, compressional, and wrench-compressional to compressional tectonic regimes, respectively. Tectonic stress in the study area is characterized by a horizontal to sub-horizontal maximum compression axis in the ∼NE-SW to ∼NNW-SSE direction. The GPS measurements of the strain tensor and the SHmax direction inferred from the stress inversion indicate that both the deformation pattern and the seismicity along the ZFTB zone are primarily affected by convergence of the Arabian and Iranian plates.

Insights into fundamental problems of rockburst under the modern structure stress field

Rockbursts are some of the most severe dynamic disasters in coal mines. In this paper, the discrimination method of the tectonic stress field is proposed by analyzing the modern stress field in China. The tectonic stress field formed by modern tectonic movement guides in situ stress measurements. According to the stress state classification, most rockbursts in coal mines in China are closely associated with tectonic stress. For tectonic stress-driven rockbursts, modern tectonic movement and modern tectonic stress fields must be considered. The stress change and energy transfer caused by tectonic movement affect the geological structure where coal mines are located. Energy accumulation under rockburst conditions is mainly formed by natural geo-dynamic movement and the mining configuration, and energy accumulation is the basis for rockbursts. The application of the geo-dynamic environmental evaluation method to determine the coalfield geo-dynamic process and the influence of modern tectonic movement is proposed. Accordingly, the classification method of rockbursts in coal mines is established. Based on the distribution characteristics of modern tectonic conditions in China, it is revealed that these dynamic disasters follow a “110” distribution. Finally, a “three condition” criteria of rockbursts is proposed: the geo-dynamic environment is a necessary condition for rockbursts, mining disturbance is a sufficient condition for rockbursts, and risk-releasing measures are a condition controlling rockburst risk mitigation.

Tectonic stress fields inferred from long-term CMT data ranging over different periods

SUMMARYWe have developed an inversion method for estimating 3-D tectonic stress fields from centroid moment tensor (CMT) data of seismic events. To obtain reliable inversion analysis results, we need to use as much data as possible, ranging over different periods. In this study, we improved the previously developed CMT data inversion method to incorporate preceding inversion analysis results into the present analysis as direct prior information about the stress field. The spatial distribution of seismic events and/or their focal mechanisms in a region would change from one period to another, reflecting temporal stress changes there. In the improved inversion method, in addition to the hyperparameter controlling the roughness of stress fields, we introduced another hyperparameter that controls the relative weight of direct prior information to the observed data to be analysed. The relative weights of direct and indirect prior information to the observed data are appropriately determined by using Akaike's Bayesian Information Criterion. We applied the improved inversion method to the observed CMT data of seismic events of 24 yr (1997−2020) in northeast Japan, where the Tohoku-oki megathrust event (Mw 9.0) occurred on 11 March 2011 at the North American–Pacific Plate boundary. To investigate temporal changes in tectonic stress orientation, we divided the target period into the inter-, pre- and post-seismic periods of the megathrust event: P1 (January 1997−January 2007), P2 (February 2007−February 2011), and P3 (March 2011−December 2020). According to successive inversion analysis results for P1 and P2, we confirmed that the tectonic stress orientation was stable for 14 yr before the megathrust event. On the other hand, successive inversion analysis results for P2 and P3 indicated a possibility that the 2011 megathrust event caused significant changes in tectonic stress orientation in three regions. However, two of them were negative in the quantitative evaluation of the reliability of detected temporal changes. In conclusion, the stress orientation change in the region off Fukushima and Ibaraki, the southern margin of the main rupture area of the megathrust event, seems to be real.

Trapped K‐feldspar phenocrysts as a signature of melt migration pathways within active high‐strain zones

AbstractMelt migration through high‐strain zones in the crust fundamentally influences their rheological behaviour and is important for the transfer of fluids to upper crustal regions. The inference of former melt‐present deformation, based on field observations, may be hampered if the high‐strain zone experience a low time‐integrated melt flux or high melt volume expulsion during deformation. In these cases, typical macro‐scale field evidence of former melt presence limits interpretations. In this contribution, we investigate igneous field evidence ranging from obvious to cryptic in the Gough Dam shear zone (central Australia), a 2‐ to 4‐km‐wide high‐strain zone shown to have acted as a significant melt pathway during the Alice Springs Orogeny. Within bands of the high‐strain zone, granitic lenses are easily discernible in the field and are inferred to have formed during melt present deformation. Related coarse K‐feldspar is observed in biotite‐rich (>75 vol%) schist (glimmerite) as either isolated grains, forming trails (sub)parallel to the main foliation, or in aggregates with subordinate quartz. Detailed characterization of the granitic lenses shows that pockets of phenocrysts may be entrained in the shear zone. If melt expulsion and melt‐rock interaction is severe, isolated K‐feldspar grains in glimmerite may form. These grains exhibit (i) partially preserved crystal faces; (ii) a lack of internal grain deformation; (iii) reaction textures preferentially formed along the main crystallographic axes showing dissolution of K‐feldspar and precipitation of dominantly biotite; (iv) low‐strain domains between multiple K‐feldspar grains being inferred to enclose crystallized melt pockets, with some apparently isolated grains showing connectivity in three dimensions; and (v) a weak quartz and K‐feldspar crystallographic preferred orientation. These observations suggest an igneous phenocrystic origin for the isolated K‐feldspar grains hosted in glimmerite, which is consistent with the observed REE concentration patterns with positive Eu anomaly. We propose that the K‐feldspar phenocrysts are early‐formed crystals that were entrained into the glimmerite rocks as reactive melt migrated through the actively deformatting high‐strain zone. Previously entrained K‐feldspar phenocrysts were trapped during the collapse of the melt pathway when melt flux‐related fluid pressure waned while confining pressure and tectonic stress were still significant. The active deformation facilitated expulsion or loss of the melt phase but retainment and trapping of phenocrysts. Hence, the presence of isolated or ‘trains’ of K‐feldspar phenocrysts is a cryptic signature of syndeformational melt transfer. If melt transfer occurs in an open chemical system, phenocrysts will be entrained within the reaction product of melt‐rock interaction. We suggest that these so‐called trapped phenocrysts are a viable indicator of former syntectonic melt passage through rocks.

Seismicity and Stress State in the Ryukyu Islands Subduction Zone

Based on the newly compiled and mostly complete unified earthquake catalogue for China’s seas and adjacent areas, further information was obtained about the structural shape and dip angle of the Benioff zone in the Ryukyu Islands subduction zone during the different subduction stages. In addition, using the damped regional stress tensor inversion method, we were able to investigate the complex stress field characteristics and the dynamic significance of the shallow and intermediate earthquakes in the Ryukyu Islands subduction zone. The results show that the tectonic stress field of the Ryukyu Islands subduction zone was extensional along the subduction direction in the northern area of the Tokara Strait and was compressional along the subduction direction in the southern area of the Tokara Strait. The R value of the shallow stress field of the Okinawa Trough was low, and the σ3 was stable in the NNW direction with a small dip angle (>30°). The type of stress field in the shallow part of the Okinawa Trough transitioned from strike-slip type to normal fault type from north to south, reflecting the difference in the degree of development of the trough, and the southern segment of the trough began to transform into the expansion stage. The northeastern portion of the study area and southeast Taiwan constituted the high R value (0.68–0.87) region where the σ2 had tensile components. The stress state was biaxial tension–uniaxial compression, and the principal compressive stress was determined to be in the SEE direction with a large dip angle (>30°). The σ1 in northeast Taiwan exhibited a nearly vertical (>60°) plunge, while the σ2 and σ3 were nearly horizontal. The σ2 was thrust in the ENE–WSW direction, and the σ3 was extended in the NNW direction. Through this research, a greater understanding has been gained of the seismicity characteristics and shape of the Ryukyu Islands subduction zone. Supplementary research has also been completed on the focal mechanism solution and stress field of the Ryukyu Islands subduction zone. Finally, this research is important for earthquake hazard analysis and earthquake engineering safety evaluation in this area.

Editorial: Advances in the spatial and temporal evolution of oceanic arc-backarc systems

Oceanic arcs and their associated backarc basins are highly dynamic systems as their evolution is 12 strongly linked with far-field plate tectonic stresses, the regional geodynamic setting, local crustal 13 structure and mantle dynamics. The individual evolutionary stages of arc and backarc systems are 14 associated with significant changes in the physical and chemical conditions that control the 15 compositions of melts during generation, transport and storage, and eventually volcanic eruption. The 16 magmas are generated under variable conditions that range from fluxed melting due to the 17 devolatilization of the slab underneath the forearc and arc to dry adiabatic decompressional melting of 18 the mantle, especially underneath the backarc (Figure). The structure, composition and geometry of 19 the slab from the forearc to the backarc thus exerts an important control on metamorphic and 20 metasomatic processes and melting in the overlying mantle wedge. This research topic covers the 21 spatial evolution of arcs from the mantle (Bénard et al., 2022;Bénard, 2022) common in these settings and their location is controlled by regional geodynamics, magmatism and 72 local tectonics.

Characteristics of stress field and crustal kinematics of the southern region of Sichuan-Yunnan block, southern Tibet Plateau

The Red River fault is a massive tectonic shear zone of the Sichuan-Yunnan block, southern Tibet Plateau. The target area of this study is the Red River fault's middle-northern section and adjacent areas. Considering the spatial difference of tectonic structures and the inhomogeneity of focal mechanism solutions, we divided the target area into three structural units: the northern extension area, the middle strike-slip movement area, and the west complex rupture area. The study is carried out on the basis of zoning. Using the CAP method to invert the focal mechanism of moderate earthquakes and the principal compressive and tensile stress. Restoring the seismic source spectrum of small and medium earthquakes, then inversion the stress drops in three sub-units based on Brune model using digital waveform records. Our study suggests that: (1) Many high-stress drop earthquakes occurred in the transitional areas from the Weixi-Qiaohou fault to the Red River fault and from the Chuxiong fault to the Qujiang fault, also occurred in the Changning-Baoshan-Yongping area, revealing a large accumulation of local tectonic stress. (2) Some events with Δσ ≥ 20 MPa have occurred in the prominent low-speed anomaly area, indicating that a passive deformation crossed the Red River fault and extended to the west. Yangbi MS 6.4 earthquake (2021) occurred in a strongly locked area with high potential earthquake risk. (3) In the north of the study region, the movement of the Sichuan-Yunnan block to SE-SSE orientation was governed by the dextral strike-slip movement of the NW strike fault; in the middle region, the SE-orientated movement of the block relative to the South China block was governed by the sinistral slip movement of the SN-strike faults; and in the west region, the tectonic stress was governed by clockwise rotation of the block and the sinistral slip movement of the NE strike faults. We suggest that strike slip and rotation of the Red River fault's middle section may drive and aggravate passive movement in the north section, resulting in locally geophysical field responses. Therefore, the potential risk of a large earthquake in the middle-northern section of the Red River fault should be monitored.

Depth‐Dependent Crustal Stress Rotation and Strength Variation in the Charlevoix Seismic Zone (CSZ), Québec, Canada

AbstractIntraplate tectonic stress fields are complex due to the imprint of a long geological history. Here we use a new data set of earthquake focal mechanism solutions and relocated events to investigate the relationship between regional stress, crustal strength, and seismicity in the Charlevoix Seismic Zone (CSZ), the most active seismic zone in eastern Canada. Our stress inversion shows that SHmax gradually rotates clockwise from approximately St. Lawrence River‐parallel (∼54°) near the surface to river‐perpendicular (∼120°) in the lower crust, as postglacial rebound stress becomes increasingly dominant at greater depth. The stress rotation occurs primarily between ∼13 and ∼26 km depth, where glacial rebound induced stress perturbation is further amplified by a “weaker” middle crust. Finally, depth‐dependent b‐values confirm the rheological difference between upper and middle crust in the CSZ.

The formation of the 8˚20’ N seamount chain, east pacific rise

Near-axis seamounts provide a unique setting to investigate three-dimensional mantle processes associated with the formation of new oceanic crust and lithosphere. Here, we investigate the characteristics and evolution of the 8˚20’N Seamount Chain, a lineament of seamounts that extends ~ 175 km west of the East Pacific Rise (EPR) axis, just north of the fracture zone of the Siqueiros Transform Fault. Shipboard gravity, magnetic, and bathymetric data acquired in 2016 are utilized to constrain models of seamount emplacement and evolution. Geophysical observations indicate that these seamounts formed during four distinct episodes of volcanism coinciding with changes in regional plate motion that are also reflected in the development of intra-transform spreading centers (ITSCs) along the Siqueiros transform fault (Fornari et al. 1989; Pockalny et al. 1997). Although volcanism is divided into distinct segments, the magnetic data indicate continuous volcanic construction over long portions of the chain. Crustal thickness variations along the chain up to 0.75 km increase eastward, inferred from gravity measurements, suggest that plate reorganization has considerably impacted melt distribution in the area surrounding the Siqueiros-EPR ridge transform intersection. This appears to have resulted in increased volcanism and the formation of the 8˚20’N Seamounts. These findings indicate that melting processes in the mantle and subsequently the formation of new oceanic crust and lithosphere are highly sensitive to tectonic stress changes in the vicinity of fast-spreading transform fault offsets.

Three-dimensional stress state above and below the plate boundary fault after the 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku earthquake

The Integrated Ocean Drilling Program conducted Expedition 343 and 343T, named the Japan Trench Fast Drilling Project (JFAST), to drill through the plate boundary fault that ruptured during the 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku earthquake in the area with the largest fault slip displacement near the Japan trench. Analyses of breakouts observed from borehole C0019B produced postearthquake stress states above the plate boundary fault between the subducting Pacific plate and overriding North American plate. To supplement the lack of stress data below the rupture zone of the earthquake, we conducted core-based three-dimensional stress measurements by the anelastic strain recovery (ASR) method using four whole-round core samples of sediments, of which three samples were located above, but one sample was located below the plate boundary fault in borehole C0019E. As a result of the stress measurements, the postearthquake three-dimensional stress magnitudes at ∼802 and ∼828 meters below seafloor (mbsf) across the plate boundary fault at ∼820 mbsf reveal a normal faulting stress regime. The differences between the three-dimensional intermediate principal stress and the minimum principal stress at the two depths are less than 1 MPa, suggesting a complete release of horizontal tectonic stresses that accumulated before the earthquake. In addition, the maximum horizontal stress SHmax azimuth N115°E at ∼828 mbsf below the plate boundary fault from ASR measurements shows consistency with the SHmax azimuth N139 ± 23°E (mean ± standard deviation) at ∼550–810 mbsf from breakout analyses above the fault. Taken together with the similar stress magnitudes at ∼802 and ∼828 mbsf, we interpret that the postearthquake stress states are almost the same in the sediments above and below the plate boundary fault. In other words, the stress state in terms of both orientation and magnitude is continuous across the fault. At a shallower depth of ∼177 mbsf in the slope sediments, the ASR stress data reveal a “stress state at rest”, which is likely free from tectonic effects of plate subduction, suggesting that the stress state was reset by the great coseismic displacement of ∼50 m slipped during the Tohoku earthquake.

A review of natural hydrofractures in rocks

AbstractHydrofractures, or hydraulic fractures, are fractures where a significantly elevated fluid pressure played a role in their formation. Natural hydrofractures are abundant in rocks and are often preserved as magmatic dykes or sills, and mineral-filled fractures or mineral veins. However, we focus on the formation and evolution of non-igneous hydrofractures. Here we review the basic theory of the role of fluid pressure in rock failure, showing that both Terzaghi’s and Biot’s theories can be reconciled if the appropriate boundary conditions are considered. We next discuss the propagation of hydrofractures after initial failure, where networks of hydrofractures may form or hydrofractures may ascend through the crust as mobile hydrofractures. As fractures can form as a result of both tectonic stresses and an elevated fluid pressure, we address the question of how to ascertain whether a fracture is a hydrofracture. We argue that extensional or dilational fractures that formed belowc.2–3 km depth are, under normal circumstances, hydrofractures, but at shallower depth they may, but must not be hydrofractures. Since veins and breccias are often the products of hydrofractures that are left in the geological record, we discuss these and critically assess which vein structures can, and which do not necessarily, indicate hydrofracturing. Hydrofracturing can suddenly and locally change the permeability in a rock by providing new fluid pathways. This can lead to highly dynamic self-organization of crustal-scale fluid flow.

Structural diagenesis and high-quality reservoir prediction of tight sandstones: A case study of the Jurassic Ahe Formation of the Dibei gas reservoir, Kuqa depression, Tarim basin, NW China

• The paleo-tectonic stress was verified to be an important factor for porosity reduction in tight sandstones . • The structural diagenesis of tight sandstone of Ahe Formation was quantitatively characterized. • The favorable reservoir areas were predicted based on structural diagenesis and stress field simulation. Structural diagenesis is an important factor controlling the reservoir characteristics of the Jurassic Ahe Formation (J 1 a) of the Dibei gas reservoir in the northern structural belt of the Kuqa depression, which is mainly manifested as the compaction-attributed porosity reduction by the paleo-tectonic stress and structural fracture formation. Based on the analysis of the reservoir and tectonic stress characteristics, the control effects of the paleo-tectonic stress on porosity reduction and structural fracture characteristics of the Ahe Formation reservoir are quantitatively investigated. With numerical simulation based on the finite element method, the high-quality reservoir area of the Jurassic Ahe Formation of the Dibei gas reservoir is predicted. The results show that paleo-tectonic stress is an important element affecting reservoir physical properties and structural fracture characteristics of the Ahe Formation. The maximum paleo effective compressive stress is negatively linearly correlated with the average reservoir porosity, while it is positively exponentially correlated with the porosity reduction attributed to tectonic compaction. The direction of the maximum paleo effective compressive stress controls the dominant striking direction of structural fractures, and the stress magnitude determines the development degree of structural fractures. A clear positive exponential correlation is found between the maximum paleo effective compressive stress and both the areal density and plane porosity of fractures. The Well DX1-YN2-DB104 district and Well TZ4 district present high gas production, and the circular zone in the central-southern part of the study area has paleo-tectonic stress and reservoir characteristics similar to those of the above two districts. Thus, it is a potential favorable area for high gas production and should be considered a key exploration orientation of the Dibei gas reservoir.

Magnitudes and orientations of present-day in-situ stresses in the Kurdistan region of Iraq: Insights into combined strike-slip and reverse faulting stress regimes

The study area is in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, including the northwestern extension of the Zagros suture zone, where present-day stress data derived from actual measurements is rare. The magnitudes and orientations of principal in-situ stresses were determined using well logging data. The deepest drilled formation in this study was the Albian upper Qamchuqa Formation in northeastern Iraq, which is a carbonate hydrocarbon reservoir. In the present study, several wireline logs including borehole image logs, conventional wireline logs, and six-arm caliper logs for two vertical wells provided detailed borehole breakout and drilling-induced tensile fracture (DITF) data between depths of 1600 and 2240 m. Two oil wells (wells A and B) were evaluated, and in well A, several breakouts occurred in eight distinct zones. Below the depth of 1600 m, 26 pairs of breakouts with considerable length were observed. The standard deviation of breakout azimuths was 11°, and the mean azimuth of the breakouts was N162°E. Using breakout and DITF data, the orientations of the maximum and minimum horizontal stresses (SH and Sh) were determined, and the results were validated by six-arm caliper measurements and lithological evaluation from wireline log data. The mean azimuth of maximum horizontal in-situ stress was N72°E, which showed relative consistency with the NE–SW to E–W direction of tectonic movement and previous studies in the nearby Zagros suture zone. Ultimately, the magnitudes of the three principal in-situ stresses were determined by two methods: poroelastic strain theory and breakout analysis. The stress regime below the depth of 1600 m was a reverse faulting stress regime, and above this depth, it likely changed to a strike-slip faulting stress regime. The determined stress regime was consistent with the nature and dynamics of the tectonic plate movement of the Arabian and Eurasian (Iranian) plates. Consequently, results suggest that the pattern of present-day tectonic stress is controlled mainly by the collision between the Arabian and Eurasian plates.

Numerical Analysis of Pillar Stability in Longwall Mining of Two Adjacent Panels of an Inclined Coal Seam

Longwall mining is one of the most widespread methods globally. During the preliminary development of the working, the coal seam is sectioned into panels divided by protective pillars. The pillars are necessary for maintaining the service life of underground mines, a highly productive stope, and personnel safety. In this work, we apply the finite-difference continuum damage mechanics approach to modeling the stress–strain evolution of the rock mass during the extraction of two adjacent longwall panels of an inclined seam. A new modification of the damage accumulation kinetic equation is proposed. The numerical-modeling approach accounts for an explicit number of numerous factors affecting the rock mass behavior. These factors are gravity forces, lithology, tectonic stresses, natural discontinuities, geotechnical, and mining parameters. When the model parameters are calibrated against the in situ observations, the results of the numerical-modeling approach provide a reliable basis for a pillar stability assessment. We build a structural model of a rock mass containing an underground working based on a simplified stratigraphy of the Kondomsky deposit, Kuznetsk coal basin, Russia. Based on the results of the numerical modeling, the stability of a pillar is analyzed. A new numerical technique extending the classical approach to the stability analysis is proposed and verified against the field data.

CAGE21-3 Cruise Report: Ocean bottom seismics and acoustic surveys on the West-Svalbard margin – a study of local seismicity and its effect on methane seepage

Cruise CAGE21-3 with UiT’s research vessel R/V Helmer Hanssen was carried out to address the following objectives within the SEAMSTRESS project (Tectonic stress effects on Arctic methane seepage):1- Recovery of 10 Ocean Bottom Seismometers (OBS) deployed last year north of the Knipovich Ridge-Molloy Transform Fault corner (see report CAGE20-5).2- Conduction of an active source OBS experiment for the study of shear waves propagation in relation to local stress field and focused fluid flow.3- Acquisition of seismic lines for completing a side survey for the FRAME-IODP proposal.In 2020, 10 ocean-bottom seismometers (OBS) were deployed at the northern termination of the Knipovich Ridge to monitor seismic activity. The aim is to detect regional and local earthquakes. If localearthquakes are captured we will investigate the stress field in the region and how faults and fluids react to such stress (Figure 1). From the 10 instruments 8 are from Awi and 2 from UiT. IODP proposal 985 Eastern Fram Strait Palaeo-archive (FRAME) proposed to drill five sites on the western Svalbard margin in order to study chronostratigraphy, palaeoceanography, the palaeoclimatic evolution, and the forcing mechanisms responsible for main climatic transitions and the dynamics of the Svalbard Barents Sea Ice Sheet complex. This cruise acquired additional site survey seismic data for proposed primary and alternate drill sites. The cruise may be known as: CAGE21_3

Temporal Variation of the Spectral Decay Parameter Kappa Detected before and after the 2016 Main Earthquakes of Central Italy

ABSTRACTWe investigated the temporal variation of the spectral decay parameter κ before and after two main earthquakes that occurred in the central Italy region, namely the Amatrice (Mw 6.0) of 24 August 2016 and the Norcia (Mw 6.5) of 30 October 2016 earthquakes. For this analysis, we used seismograms from the central Italy dense seismic array stations, and earthquakes located at hypocenter distances r < 80 km, having magnitudes Mw 3.4–6.5. The dataset consists of 393 events recorded at 92 stations. We estimated, for both earthquake sequences, average functions κ˜(r) that describe the distance dependence of κ along the S-wave source-station paths using acceleration spectra from foreshocks, mainshock, and aftershocks. We observed that there was a regional attenuation drop within approximately two months after the Amatrice earthquake. Then, κ˜(r) tends to return toward the attenuation values observed before the occurrence of the main event, namely to the values of κ˜(r) obtained from the foreshocks, when the earthquake cycle is probably completed. We also estimated the near-source kappa (κs) using aftershocks from 24 August 2016 to 3 September 2016. The results show that the values of κs are lower than those from aftershocks located to the north near the epicenter of the Amatrice earthquake, suggesting that the tectonic stress was probably high near the rupture zone, and that there may be a likely fluid flow of crustal fluids. κ˜(r) obtained from the foreshocks of the Norcia earthquake is like that calculated with the records of the Amatrice aftershocks. Then, κ˜(r) drops to lower attenuation values during the Norcia main event and tends to increase again during the aftershocks. From the analysis of these two earthquake sequences that occurred in a short-time interval in central Italy, we conclude that the temporal variation of κ˜(r) could be a valuable indicator to monitor the earthquake cycle.

Geomorphological Classification of Monogenetic Volcanoes and Its Implication to Tectonic Stress Orientation in the Middle Atlas Volcanic Field (Morocco)

The Middle Atlas Volcanic Field (MAVF) covers an area of 1500 km2, with a total erupted volume of solid products (e.g., Dense Rock Equivalent or DRE) estimated to be more than 80 km3. The MAVF comprises 87 monogenetic basaltic volcanoes of Tertiary-Quaternary age as scoria cones (71%) and maars (29%). These monogenetic basaltic volcanoes have various morphologies (e.g., circular, semi-elliptic, elliptic in map views). They can be isolated or form clustered monogenetic complexes. They are largely grouped in the Middle Atlas, in an intraplate geotectonic context forming two distinct major alignments (N160–170° and N40–50°), each closely associated with regional structural elements. By the best estimates, the preserved bulk pyroclastic products do not exceed 0.7 km3, and they show large textural and componentry diversity (e.g., bedded/unbedded, coarse/fine, dense/scoriaceous fallout and pyroclastic density current deposit, etc.). Lava flows also demonstrate great variety of preserved surface textures, including pāhoehoe, ‘a’ā, and clastogenic types. Morphostructural features of lava flows linked to lava flow dynamics have also been recognized, and the presence of hornitos, columnar jointed basaltic flow units, lava tubes, tumuli, and clastogenic lava flows have been recognized and mapped. Some half-sectioned dykes expose interior parts of magmatic shallow feeding pipes. The current morphology of the volcanoes of the MAVF reflects various syn- and post-eruptive processes, including (1) erosional features due to weathering, (2) gravitational instability during and after volcanic activity, (3) vegetation impact, and (4) successive burial of lava flows. The documented volcanic features of this typical monogenetic volcanic field form the core of the region’s geoheritage elements and are considered to be unique in the new African geoheritage context. Hence, they will likely form the basis of future geotourism, geoeducation, and geoconservation ventures.

Numerical simulation of fault deformation and seismic activity in the southern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

The moderate-strong (M ≥ 5, since 1976; or M ≥ 6.5, overall) earthquakes of the north to south trending (NS-trending) faults and their vicinity in the southern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau exhibit prominent spatial concentration distribution characteristics. However, research on the southern Tibet faults is limited. Hence, this study used a two-dimensional viscoelastic finite element model to simulate crustal movement in southern Tibet based on 1991–2015 GPS velocity data. The current deformation field, tectonic stress field, fault slip, and stress accumulation rates distribution were obtained to analyze the relationship between fault activity and earthquake distribution. The results revealed that the simultaneous effected by of the NE-trending compression and uneven EW-trending tension on the study area. Crustal deformation exhibited simultaneous NS-trending compression and EW-trending stretching. The EW- and NWW-trending faults and the NS-trending faults differed in their mechanical properties and movement modes. The NS faults were primarily subjected to extensional stress with normal motion. The remarkable heterogeneity of the fault segments influenced the distribution of moderate-strong earthquakes and types of earthquake ruptures. The concentrated distribution of moderate-strong earthquakes on the NS-trending normal fault and its vicinity depended largely on the high slip rate, strong tensile stress, and geometric strike of the fault segment. This study aids in understanding the heterogeneity in normal fault activity in southern Tibet and is the basis for seismic hazard assessment.

A snapshot of the transition from monogenetic volcanoes to composite volcanoes: case study on the Wulanhada Volcanic Field (northern China)

Abstract. The transition processes from monogenetic volcanoes to composite volcanoes are poorly understood. The Late Pleistocene to Holocene intraplate monogenetic Wulanhada Volcanic Field (WVF) in northern China provides a snapshot of such a transition. Here we present petrographic observations, mineral chemistry, bulk rock major and trace element data, thermobarometry, and a partial melting model for the WVF to evaluate the lithology and partial melting degree of the mantle source, the crystallization conditions, and pre-eruptive magmatic processes occurring within the magma plumbing system. The far-field effect of India–Eurasia collision resulted in a relatively high degree (10 %–20 %) of partial melting of a carbonate-bearing eclogite (∼ 3 wt % carbonate; Gt/Cpx ≈ 2 : 8, where Gt denotes garnet and Cpx denotes clinopyroxene) followed by interaction with ambient peridotite. The primary melts ascended to the depth of the Moho (∼ 33–36 km depth), crystallized olivine, clinopyroxene and plagioclase at the temperature of 1100–1160 ∘C with the melt water contents of 1.1 wt %–2.3 wt %. Part of the primary melt interacted with the lithospheric mantle during ascent, resulting in an increase in the MgO contents and a decrease in the alkaline contents. The modified magma was subsequently directly emplaced into the middle crust (∼ 23–26 km depth) and crystallized olivine, clinopyroxene and plagioclase at the temperature of 1100–1160 ∘C. The primary melts from the same mantle sources migrated upward to the two-level magma reservoirs to form minerals with complex textures (including reverse and oscillatory zoning and sieve texture). Magma erupted along the NE–SW-striking basement fault and the NW–SE-striking Wulanhada–Gaowusu fault in response to the combined effects of regional tectonic stress and magma replenishment. The crustal magma reservoir in the WVF may represent a snapshot of the transition from monogenetic volcanoes to composite volcanoes. It is possible to form a composite volcano with large magma volumes and complex compositions if the magma is continuously supplied from the source and experiences assimilation and fractional crystallization processes in the magma plumbing system at crustal depth.

Paleomagnetic constraints on Paleogene-Neogene rotation and paleo-stress in the northern Qaidam Basin

Knowing the rotation and paleo-stress history in Qaidam Basin is a fundamental parameter to quantify the mechanism of intracontinental deformation in Tibetan Plateau. However, few studies have been conducted on tectonic rotation and stress evolution over long timescales in the Qaidam Basin. Here, we report new magnetic declination and the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) from a ∼52–7 Ma sequence of fluvial and lacustrine sediments in the Dahonggou (DHG) section in the northern Qaidam Basin. The magnetic declination revealed that the northern Qaidam Basin underwent a clockwise rotation 25.1° ±8.6° during ∼33–17 Ma, followed by a counterclockwise rotation 16.9°±6.8° during ∼17–13.5 Ma. The AMS results showed that the “earliest deformation” fabrics were interrupted by the “pencil structure” fabrics in the intervals of ∼52–45 and ∼21–15 Ma. The interruption, synchronous with the marked deceleration of the India-Asia convergence rate, indicates pulse of strong tectonic compressive stress. In addition, the AMS results documented a transition in stress direction from S-N to SW-NE at ∼15 Ma, suggesting a kinematic shift in the northeastern TP. Our constraints on the rotation and stress from the northern Qaidam Basin support the two-stage evolution of the Altyn Tagh Fault (ATF). The fast-rate slip motion on the ATF during the early Oligocene caused the clockwise rotation in the northern Qaidam Basin; the second stage with enhanced thrusting since the middle Miocene caused extensive crustal shortening and dispersive NW-trending folds and faults in the Qaidam Basin and the northeastern TP.