Wrench Fault Zone Research Articles

Active negative flower structure at the western edge of the Tunisian Atlas: Morphotectonic evidence from the case study of Borj Edouane-El Gara Quaternary basin

Located at the Tunisian Atlas area, the Quaternary basin of Borj Edouane-El Gara could serve as a good example for close relation between the continental infill and the neotectonic morphostructural pattern. This Quaternary basin is superimposed on pre-Quaternary basement rocks in the form of an active negative flower structure in a divergent wrench fault zone. The neotectonic evolution of the region has been guided by the plate convergence system. During the Middle-Late Pleistocene, subsidence took locally place in a transtensional deformation zone essentially controlled by strike-slip faults. Closely linked to N–S synthetic and NW-SE antithetic faults, the internal structure of this basin is controlled by a rotational scissor-like kinematics. These faults sets represent inherited structures with normal and lateral components producing a downward rotation of the northern part and an upward rotation of the southern one of the basin. Paleostress analysis shows a progressive change from transtensional in the North to transpressional and compressional deformation toward the Southern corner of the basin where the main synthetic and antithetic faults overlap. During the Holocene, the reactivation of the inherited faulting system has caused the landscape rejuvenation, the basin chopping and the present drainage network architecture. The rates of active tectonics in the Borj Edouane-El Gara Basin has been interpreted through a detailed morphotectonic study of the fault-generated mountain fronts and fluvial systems.

Carboniferous\u2013Permian magmatism and Mo\u2013Cu (W) mineralization in the contact zone between the Ma\u0142opolska and Upper Silesia Blocks (south Poland): an echo of the Baltica\u2013Gondwana collision

The Kraków–Lubliniec tectonic zone (KLFZ) in southern Poland, which divides the Małopolska Block (MB) from the Upper Silesia Block (USB), is a portion of the SW margin of the Trans-European Suture Zone. Zircon U–Pb dating of a variety of igneous rocks (granodiorites, dacites, lamprophyre and diabase) from the subsurface Kraków–Lubliniec igneous belt along the KLFZ shows that magmatism spanned within a narrow time period (ca. 10 Ma) between 303.8 ± 2.2 and 292.7 ± 4.9 Ma. The earlier magmatism (303.8 ± 2.2–294.7 ± 2.3 Ma) was felsic calc-alkaline, and the contemporaneous or/and slightly later alkaline volcanism (294.4 ± 4.9–292.7 ± 4.9 Ma) was of mafic–intermediate composition. The felsic rocks (granitoids and dacitoids) are weakly peraluminous, medium to high K, moderate Mg# (0.39–0.46), weakly evolved and I-type rocks. Due to the intensive development of hydrothermal alteration, these rocks are commonly strongly altered and locally mineralized by porphyry and other types of Mo–Cu (W) ores that are closely related to the felsic magmatism in space and time. The zircon U–Pb dating yielded ages which are similar to the previously measured Re–Os ages of molybdenites from the KLFZ. Felsic magmatism at the Myszków Mo–Cu–W deposit yielded ages in the range 301.0 ± 2.1–295.9 ± 2.9 Ma. The youngest rocks dated are from the Mysłów area in the USB—volcanic alkaline rocks (lamprophyre and diabase) of shoshonitic character, with low Mg# (0.49 and 0.69, respectively) and Ni contents (< 62 ppm), indicative of a relatively juvenile magma composition. Inherited zircon cores, remnant detrital zircon from a sediment component in the source rocks, were dated to be ranging from ca. 2775 to 575 Ma. Inheritance of ca. 600 Ma (Cadomian basement) and ca. 1.40 Ga (Mesoproterozoic) is common in the rocks from both blocks, but those from the MB contain additional inheritance with dates of 2.78–2.67 and 2.05–1.92 Ga, both ages characteristic of zircon from the Svecofennian of northern Europe (Baltica). The inherited zircon from the youngest alkaline rocks provided evidence for Mesoproterozoic (ca. 1.55–1.44 and 1.09 Ga) and Palaeoproterozoic (1.96 Ga) thermal events in the USB, and its possible affinity to Avalonian cratonic crust as a source for its igneous protolith. U–Pb isotopic studies of zircons from KL igneous belt indicate its inherited signatures from the crustal sources and magma emplacements during the KLFZ wrenching which allowed channels and room for magma emplacement along the MB and USB in upper Carboniferous–lower Permian on SW margin of the East-European Craton. Mo–Cu (W) ore mineralization, associated with the ~ 300 Ma felsic magmatism, represents rather the product of decompression melting induced in the areas of decreased pressure, undergone in the regional wrench fault zones than the classic Mo–Cu porphyry-style mineralization.

Three Types of Flower Structures in a Divergent‐Wrench Fault Zone

AbstractFlower structures are typical features of wrench fault zones. In conventional studies, two distinct kinds of flower structures have been identified based on differences in their internal structural architecture: (1) negative flower structures characterized by synforms and normal separations and (2) positive flower structures characterized by antiforms and reverse separations. In addition to negative and positive flower structures, in this study, a third kind of flower structure was identified in a divergent‐wrench fault zone, a hybrid characterized by both antiforms and normal separations. Negative flower structures widely occur in divergent‐wrench fault zones, and their presence indicates the combined effects of extensional and strike‐slip motion. In contrast, positive and hybrid flower structures occur only in fault restraining bends and step overs. A hybrid flower structure can be considered as product of a kind of structural deformation typical of divergent‐wrench zones; it is the result of the combined effects of extensional, compressional, and strike‐slip strains under a locally appropriate compressional environment. The strain situation in it represents the transition stage that in between positive and negative flower structures. Kinematic and dynamic characteristics of the hybrid flower structures indicate the salient features of structural deformation in restraining bends and step overs along divergent‐wrench faults, including the coexistence of three kinds of strains (i.e., compression, extension, and strike‐slip) and synchronous presence of compressional (i.e., typical fault‐bend fold) and extensional (normal faults) deformation in the same place. Hybrid flower structures are also favorable for the accumulation of hydrocarbons because of their special structural configuration in divergent‐wrench fault zones.

Interpretation of wrench faulting and faultrelated pressure compartmentalization, Wattenberg Field, Denver Basin Colorado

A structural interpretation of a 128 km2 3D seismic data set from Wattenberg Field, Colorado indicates a northeast-trending step-over fault system in the Niobrara Formation. These step-over faults are the product of a fault block rotation that is caused by two large-scale dextral wrench faults: the Longmont and the Lafayette wrench fault zones. An investigation into different fault orientations between the Niobrara and the overlying Pierre Shale indicates that a rotation of the maximum horizontal stress has occurred during the Laramide Orogeny. The step-over faults and stress rotation result in reservoir compartmentalization in the Niobrara. Seismic inversion shows the different stress field compartmentalization. Low impedance occurs in a lower effective stress environment caused by high pore pressure. These compartments may constitute ‘sweet spots’ in exploration and production in the Niobrara Formation. The Niobrara Formation is a major hydrocarbon reservoir deposited during the Late Cretaceous (Figure 1a). This formation consists of the Smoky Hill Member and Fort Hays Limestone. The Smoky Hill member consists of A, B, and C chalks, and A, B, and C marls. Bratton (unpublished work, 2015) indicates that the overpressure regime extends into the overlying Sharon Springs Member of the Lower Pierre Formation. Figure 1B shows the geologic events of the Late Cretaceous Petroleum System (Higley and Cox, 2007). The Laramide Orogeny occurred during the Late Cretaceous and Early Tertiary (between 70-50 ma.). This event is thought to be responsible for the structural features in the study area (Higley and Cox, 2007). The products of this movement include several wrench fault zones located in the area mapped by Weimer (1996).

Oroclinal bending of the Middle and Late Paleozoic volcanic belts in Kazakhstan: Paleomagnetic evidence and geological implications

Paleomagnetic data on Middle- and Late-Paleozoic rocks from the central part of the Ural-Mongolian Belt in Kazakhstan are considered. The primary remanences in the Permian rocks and secondary magnetization components of the same age in pre-Permian rocks of central and northern Kazakhstan are not rotated relative to the East European Platform. In southern Kazakhstan adjoining the Tien Shan almost all data point to large, up to 90°, counterclockwise rotation of blocks. These rotations, related to the regional wrench fault zone, must be subtracted from older paleomagnetic data to ensure their correct interpretation. The paleomagnetic declinations in Upper Carboniferous rocks coincide more or less over all of Kazakhstan, whereas the Silurian and Early Devonian declinations in the north and south of Kazakhstan differ approximately by 180°. It can be suggested that the Devonian volcanic belt, having a horseshoe outline, was initially an almost rectilinear NW-trending feature. Its oroclinal bending took place in the Devonian and Early Carboniferous and completed by the Late Carboniferous. We compared the model of the Kazakh Orocline based on paleomagnetic data with the geological events in this territory. It turned out that a slow bending of an initially rectilinear subduction zone is consistent with lateral migration of active volcanism and folding inside a developing loop, whereas extension outside the loop was accompanied by subsidence and rifting. In general, the proposed model connects the main tectonic events in Kazakhstan with the movements established from paleomagnetic data.

Evolution of lithospheric mantle beneath the Tan-Lu fault zone, eastern North China Craton: Evidence from petrology and geochemistry of peridotite xenoliths

A suite of peridotite xenoliths from Cenozoic Beiyan basalts within the Tancheng-Lujiang (Tan-Lu) wrench fault zone, eastern North China Craton (NCC), has been studied to provide constraints on the nature and evolution of the lithospheric mantle beneath this region. These xenoliths commonly have porphyroclastic, granuloblastic to resorption textures with the absence of coarse-grained texture. They can be subdivided into three types: lherzolite, clinopyroxene (cpx)-rich lherzolite and wehrlite. Lherzolites are characterized by low forsterite contents (Fo) (88–91) in olivines. Whole rock and cpx separates from lherzolites have convex-upward rare earth element (REE) patterns except for one sample which has the highest Fo in olivine and shows a spoon-shaped REE pattern. The Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of cpx separates are depleted, similar to those of mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB). These geochemical characteristics indicate that the lherzolites represent fragments of newly accreted lithospheric mantle that makes up much of the Late Mesozoic–Cenozoic lithosphere beneath the Tan-Lu fault zone. Cpx-rich lherzolite and wehrlite reflect the interaction of the lithosphere with melt, as evidenced by relatively lower Fo (< 87) than the lherzolites (Fo ∼ 90), and higher enrichment in cpx and light rare earth elements (LREE). Shallow relics of the Archean cratonic mantle have not been found in this region. Therefore, the abundant cpx-rich lherzolites and wehrlites could be the result of recent modification of lherzolites by asthenospheric melt. The Tan-Lu fault zone facilitated the ascent and migration of asthenospheric melt and enhanced lithospheric mantle—asthenospheric melt reaction. Combined with the data for mantle xenoliths from the adjacent regions, a highly heterogeneous and secular evolution of the lithosphere is inferred beneath the Jiaodong region during Phanerozoic times.

Role of shear along horizontal plane in the formation of helicoidal structures

An unusual structural paragenesis, complicated by brachyanticlines, is revealed for the first time in the sedimentary cover of the West Siberian Plate by 3D seismic surveying. These are linear (in plan view) systems of en-echelon arranged low-amplitude normal faults related to wrench faults in the basement. On different sides off a wrench fault, the planes of normal faults dip in opposite directions, forming a helicoidal structure that resembles the blades of a propeller. In the section parallel to the wrench fault, the boundaries of the beds and normal fault planes dip in opposite directions as well. In the section across the strike of the normal faults converging toward the basement, the beds take the shape of an antiform with a crest sagged along the normal faults (flower structure). This structural assembly was formed as a result of interference of stress fields of horizontal shear in the vertical plane (induced by faulting in the basement) and in the horizontal plane (caused by gravity resistance of the cover). In this case, the displacements along the normal faults develop in both the vertical and, to a greater extent, horizontal directions, so that the faults in cover are actually characterized by normal-strike-slip kinematics. The regional N-S-trending compression of the West Siberian Plate is the main cause of shearing along the NW- and NE-trending faults in the basement, which make up a rhomb-shaped system in plan view. Petroliferous brachyanticlines, whose axes, notwithstanding tectonophysical laws, are oriented in the direction close to the maximum compression axis, are known in the large wrench fault zones of Western Siberia. Our experiments with equivalent materials showed that a local stress field arising at the ends of echeloned Riedel shears within a wrench fault zone may be a cause of the formation of such brachyanticlines. The progressive elongation of Riedel shears leads to the corresponding elongation of the brachyanticlines located between their ends. The performed study has shown that the known types of interference of elementary geodynamic settings such as horizontal shear along the vertical plane + horizontal compression (transpression) and horizontal shear along the vertical plane + horizontal extension (transtension) may be supplemented by combination of horizontal shears along the vertical and horizontal planes, resulting in tectonic lamination. By analogy, we propose to name this type of interference of elementary shear settings translamination. Petroliferous helicoidal structures arise in the given geodynamic setting of translamination.

Structural control of Au–Pd mineralization (Jacutinga): An example from the Cauê Mine, Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Brazil

Precambrian banded iron formations (BIFs) in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero host a special kind of Au–Pd mineralization known as Jacutinga. The main orebodies are hosted within the Cauê Syncline, a SW-verging fold that involves Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks in the Itabira District, a regional synclinorium with BIFs in the core of synclinal folds in the northeastern part of Quadrilatéro Ferrífero, Minas Gerais. Structural analysis reveals two important features of the district: the polydeformed character of the rocks and the importance of brittle structures in the control of the orebodies. Two deformational events are recognized in this area. The first event developed the main foliation, S1, that is the enveloping surface of the Cauê Syncline. The second event is better defined in the northern boundary of the structure where it is represented by a right-lateral wrench fault zone that has developed a foliation, S2, that truncates S1. This wrench fault was also responsible for the development of a system of fractures (Frm) that host the Au–Pd mineralization. The auriferous bodies of Cauê Syncline (Y, X, Área Central, Aba Norte, Noroeste and Aba Leste/Aba Leste Inferior) were generated during this second event. Shear fractures (R, R′ and P) and tension fractures (T) developed in response to the wrench fault system under brittle conditions. The best-developed, and most commonly mineralized fractures are R and T in all auriferous bodies. Elsewhere, the best mineralization occurs in the contacts of hematite bodies (soft/hard) and intrusive rocks with fractured itabirites. Other mineralization (Aba Norte, Área Central and X) is hosted on the contacts of other units. A system of fractures, as well as their intersections, thus represents the structural control on Jacutinga bodies and is responsible for the geometry of the orebodies. Of importance, there is no control by mineral/stretching lineations, fold axes and other ductile structure on the geometry and plunge of the orebodies.

Structure of late Variscan Millevaches leucogranite massif in the French Massif Central: AMS and gravity modelling results

In the Limousin area, Variscan leucogranitic plutons are spatially associated with normal faults and major strike-slip shear zones that are a continuation of the South Armorican shear zone. Our study focuses on the large N–S-trending Millevaches granitic massif (Massif Central, France), and intends to highlight, through gravity modelling, structural and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS), the massif structure at depth and to discuss the mode of emplacement of granites within a strike-slip tectonic context. The mica subfabric suggests that the magnetic foliations display a general NW–SE sub-horizontal pattern on both sides of the N–S Pradines dextral wrench fault zone that deforms the core of the massif on 5 km width. The magnetic lineation trend exhibits a sigmoïdal pattern, N–S in the Pradines fault zone and NW–SE on both sides of it, which are consistent with a dextral wrench component. The horizontal magnetic foliations and lineations are consistent with the thin granite laccolith model. There is no significant imprint of the extensional Variscan belt collapse on the internal fabric of Millevaches granites than the tectonic dextral transcurrent movement prevailing in this area.

Pre-stack depth migration and velocity model building for imaging in the North Sea

One of NAM’s Rotliegend prospects is situated at c . 2800 m below a major wrench-fault zone. Large lateral impedance contrasts across the faults are believed to be one of the main causes for the poor seismic imaging at the Rotliegend objective. Three-dimensional pre-stack depth migration (PSDM) seismic processing using hard-layer model updating was applied to the data in 2000. The results showed a significant improvement compared to previous post-stack depth migration (post-SDM) results and the original post-time migration processing. Despite these improvements in data quality, ambiguity still remained over the exact seismic pick of the top Rotliegend objective at the prospect. There was a clear case to optimize further the data quality at the prospect because only the high case interpretation proved to be economically viable. A review of the 2000 PSDM processing concluded that there was still considerable scope for further improvement of the data by fine-tuning the velocity model near the complex re-activated fault systemas well as by detailed pre-stack data analysis. It was decided to embark on another 3D PSDM iteration to improve the structural definition of the prospect by using the latest available velocity modelling tools within Shell. The selected technique is based on non-layer constrained RMO measurements, followed by a velocity model inversion. This approach allows full and flexible interaction with the pre-stack data, a pre-requisite for proper velocity modelling in complicated wrench-fault systems.

Controls on channel sinuosity changes: a case study of the Tisza River, the Great Hungarian Plain

The planform geometry of the Tisza, the trunk river of the subsiding Great Hungarian Plain is studied by reconstruction of the last pre-regulation river course. The thalweg sinuosity has been computed for the main alluvial section of the river. Remarkable sinuosity changes have been found to correlate with discharge and sediment load changes at the inflow of tributaries, as well as with active deformation areas, like differential subsidence and wrench fault zones. Analysing the change of the river pattern, a new discrimination line has been derived, which separates the meandering zone on the classic slope vs. discharge diagram into two subzones. The first subzone (lower slope values) corresponds to a range of true, self-organized meandering. The second subzone (higher slope values) corresponds to a range of ‘unorganized meandering’. This is a range where river sinuosity decreases although the channel slope increases. In the case of the Tisza River, this subzone equals to the wandering river pattern.

Petroleum system and production characteristics of the Muddy (J) Sandstone (Lower Cretaceous) Wattenberg continuous gas field, Denver basin, Colorado

Wattenberg field is a continuous-type gas accumulation. Estimated ultimate recovery from current wells is 1.27 tcf of gas from the Lower Cretaceous Muddy (J) Sandstone. Mean gas resources that have the potential to be added to these reserves in the next 30 yr are 1.09 tcf; this will be primarily through infill drilling to recover a greater percentage of gas in place and to drain areas that are isolated because of geologic compartmentalization. Greatest gas production from the Muddy (J) Sandstone in Wattenberg field occurs (1) from within the most permeable and thickest intervals of Fort Collins Member delta-front and nearshore-marine sandstones, (2) to a lesser extent from the Horsetooth Member valley-fill channel sandstones, (3) in association with a large thermal anomaly that is delineated by measured temperatures in wells and by vitrinite reflectance contours of 0.9% and greater, (4) in proximity to the bounding Mowry, Graneros, and Skull Creek shales that are the hydrocarbon source rocks and reservoir seals, and (5) between the Lafayette and Longmont right-lateral wrench fault zones (WFZs) with secondary faults that act as conduits in areas of the field. The axis of greatest gas production is north 25 to 35 degrees northeast, which parallels the basin axis. Recurrent movement along five right-lateral WFZs that crosscut Wattenberg field shifted the Denver basin axis to the northeast and influenced depositional and erosional patterns of the reservoir and seal intervals. Levels of thermal maturity within the Wattenberg field are anomalously high compared to other areas of the Denver basin. The Wattenberg field thermal anomaly may be due to upward movement of fluids along faults associated with probable igneous intrusions. Areas of anomalous high heat flow within the field correlate with an increased and variable gas-oil ratio.

Geologic hazards of an embankment dam constructed across a major, active plate boundary fault

Abstract The geological structures associated with the site of the 55 million m 3 Karameh embankment dam constructed in the Jordan Valley and the tectonic effects on dam foundation and reservoir margins were reviewed. The dam crosses the strike-slip fault of the Jordan Valley Rift Zone. Trace evidence of the fault indicates a displacement of 8 to 15 m over a rupture length of some 130 km, which probably took place several centuries ago. Earthquakes with Richter magnitudes as great as 7.8 have occurred along the Jordan Valley Fault. Deterministic studies by Tapponnier (1992) indicated that the dam design should incorporate the possibility of a 7.8 event, a maximum horizontal rupture displacement on the fault of 10 m and a design peak ground acceleration (PGA) of 0.74 g at the site of the dam. These values are consistent with those which would be used in the USA for a similar case. However, the dam was actually designed by a consultant and constructed for a PGA of about a quarter of this value, based on seismic hazard analysis following guidelines of the International Committee on Large Dams (ICOLD) (1989). Moreover, the dam was designed for displacements of 6 m horizontal and 2 m vertically. Liquefiable sand layers were found in the dam foundation. A PGA of 0.50 g will trigger liquefaction of the sand layers in the dam foundation which would be expected to result in a crest settlement of 4.4 m. Slope stability analysis indicated deep failure planes in the foundation zone. The excavation of loose materials from under the dam foundation has not precluded the possibility of liquefaction occurring under the expected earthquake. Field mapping of geological features during the dam foundation excavation and construction revealed that: a) the most likely location of the Jordan Valley fault is in the area where the Wadi Mallaha stream crosses the dam axis, b) zones of en echelon type open fissures have been defined in the laminates sub-parallel to the Jordan Valley Fault Zone, c) at the Wadi Mallaha stream bed a parallel zone of faulting and warping of the Lisan Formation was identified, and d) the alignment is clearly confirmed by the exposure immediately upstream of the core at Ch 1375. The main wrench fault zone crosses the embankment footprint (upstream to downstream approximately) and reaches the surface around Ch 1375. The critical safety elements of the embankment are the core, the downstream fine filter, the chimney drain and the drainage blanket. To resist large earthquake events safely, the following safety measures should be implemented: 1. A freeboard of 7.0 m instead of the 5.0 m constructed. 2. The foundation of the dam should be stabilized against liquefaction. 3. The embankment internal zoning should be designed to accommodate damage resulting from earthquake events with a magnitude of 7.8. 4. The foundation needs relief measures downstream to lower the pore pressure. This paper describes the measures taken during construction as overall defense against future fault movements through a wide plastic core, an extensive upstream blanket, a 5.0-m thick downstream chimney filter and drain zones, a 5-m freeboard and an upstream crack stopper zone which may be critical for normal faults with a lateral extension component. The geological determination of the main wrench fault alignment resulted in the addition of an extra 2-m width to each of the already wide chimney filter and drain zones. In order to reduce potential seepage, local cut-off trenches or slush grouting were used for treatment of any open fissures at the upstream edge of the external blanket and the right bank ridge. The scale and scope of this dam and inherent engineering geological hazards are unprecedented. The design is considered deficient. This paper documents serious safety issues with the dam. The constructed dam presents serious safety risks and represents a case history of a disaster waiting to happen.

NW-oriented features on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean: evidence for a Paleozoic collision that formed the Labrador-Biscay wrench fault zone?

Northwest-oriented features have been recognized for many years as fundamental components of the geology of the northwestern European continental shelves. Similarly oriented lineations and faults have been mapped throughout southwestern Britain, western France and across the English Channel. On land in Europe, similar trends are identified as far east as the Urals. Features of similar orientation, extending over a broad area on the North American continental shelf, have recently been identified from geophysical trends. On land in eastern Canada NW-SE faults have been mapped geologically and detected using geophysical and remote sensing data. A Mercator projection map on which the Atlantic Ocean has been restored to its pre-Mesozoic configuration, i.e. before the initiation of the most recent opening of the North Atlantic Ocean, shows that the features are similarly oriented.&#x0D; &#x0D; Although some of the trends showing this direction may be younger, the geological data from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean suggest that the event that led to the formation of these NW-SE features post-dated the Variscan orogeny and may have been associated with the collision between Gondwana and Laurasia. The geometric patterns of the features interpreted as associated with the collision are consistent with patterns produced by a simple physical sandbox model of indentation with a rigid confinement to the west and a small lateral confinement to the east. This configuration is similar to that expected of Gondwana and Laurasia during the late Paleozoic. Faults considered younger than this collision may represent tectonic rejuvenations associated with the initiation of the opening of the North Atlantic Ocean.&#x0D; &#x0D; RÉSUMÉ&#x0D; L'orientation obscrvée du nord-est vers le sud-est des formations rocheuses est reconnue depuis de nombreuses années comme une caractéristique géologique fondamentale des plateaux continentaux du nord-ouest de l'Europe. Des structures linéaires et des failles d'orientation similaires ont été répertoriées dans tout le sud-ouest de l'Angleterre, dans I'ouest de la France et à travers la Manche. Sur le continent européen, des tendances analogues ont pu fitre observées aussi loin à l'est que dans la chaine de l''Oural. Ces caractérstiques orientées qui recouvrent une vaste région du plateau continental de l'Amerique du Nord ont récemment été observées à partir de tendances géophysiques. Dans l'Est canadien, des failles orientées NO-SE ont été portées sur des cartes géologiques et déectées a l'aid.e de données géophysiques et de télélédétection. Ces caractéristiques observées ont été portées sur une carte a projection de Mercator oò figure l'océan Atlantique dans sa configuration d'origine pendant l'ère pré-mésozoTque, soit avant que ne s'amorce rouverture la plus récente de l'Atlantique Nord. Ces caractéristiques nsproduisent la même orientation lorsqu'elles sont portées ainsi sur la carte.&#x0D; &#x0D; Bien que certaines des tendances qui signalent cette orientation semblent d'apparition plus récente, les données géologiques des deux côtés de l'Atlantique portent à croire que le phénomène qui a mené la création de ces linéations NO-SE est survenu après l'orogenése de varisque et peut fltre relié à l'hypercollision survenue entre la Gondwanie et la Laurasie. Les formes géomètriques de ces linéations interprétées en relation avec la collision sont du même type que eel les produites dans un modèle d'échancrure géologique dans un simple carré de sable, celles-ci présentant un confinement rigide è l'ouest et un petit confinement latéral è Test. Il s'agit d'une configuration semblable à celle qui serait caractéristique de la Gondwanie et de la Laurasie. Les failles jugés plus récentes et issues de cette collision pourraient être attribuables à une régénération tectonique qui a accompagné le début de rouverture de l'Atlantique Nord.&#x0D; &#x0D; Traduit par la rédaction

Deformation character and palaeo-fluid flow across a wrench fault within a Palaeozoic subduction–accretion system: Waratah Fault Zone, southeastern Australia

Mélange formation, cataclasis, meso- to micro-scale faulting, and veining reflect faulting processes within turbidite and limestone sequences juxtaposed along a steeply dipping, sinistral wrench-fault zone in the Lachlan Orogen, southeastern Australia. Fault damage occurs across a zone up to 600 m wide. Effects of faulting in the turbidites are shown by a 100–150 m wide zone of scaly mudstone-matrix mélange, mud-injection `dykes' and veinlets, and refolding of mélange fabrics, with minor subsidiary brittle-faulting and cataclasis extending up to 500 m from the major fault plane. Veining and cataclastic zones occur in the limestone and are most pronounced up to 100 m from the main brittle fault. Fluid inclusion data from quartz and calcite veins suggest faulting took place at temperatures between 160 and 200°C, whereas folding is inferred to have taken place at temperatures above 300°C. Fluid-assisted, fault zone `weakening' mechanisms (pressure solution/solution transfer) were active over the whole fault zone. Veining, characteristic of fluid-assisted fault zone `strengthening' processes (i.e. rock-mass cementation), is confined to the limestone sequence. Here, calcite precipation led to fault rocks with lower porosity and permeability than in the turbidite sequence. Overprinting between different veins and fractures, and zonation in vein cement suggest cyclic deformation and fluid flow. The repeated change between brittle fracturing and veining/cementation led to a combined conduit–barrier system in the limestone sequence, whereas the mélange zone in the turbidites acted as a fluid conduit only.

Mechanisms of inheritance of rift faulting in the western branch of the East African Rift, Tanzania

The western branch of the East African Rift system is commonly cited as a result of Phanerozoic reactivation of the Paleoproterozoic Ubendian belt in western Tanzania. Geological evidence is provided to show that prominent mechanical anisotropies successively appeared during Proterozoic evolution of the Precambrian basement and that their different reactivation behavior contributed to the Phanerozoic rift pattern. The Ubende belt (1950–1850 Ma) is a NW oriented, amphibolite facies ductile lateral shear belt in which older (2100–2025 Ma) and complex granulite facies terranes are included along trend. Retrograde multiphase sinistral strike‐slip mylonites developed along the NW oriented ductile shear belt. They reflect persistent Proterozoic wrench fault reactivation of the latter. Shallow level sedimentary basins upon and along the ductile shear belt display deformational structures attributable to the Proterozoic wrench fault reactivation. Neoproterozoic sinistral transpression produced the final geometrical pattern of the wrench fault zone, which appears as an elongate and NW trending positive flower structure, locally enhanced by late Proterozoic contraction. Phanerozoic rifting is demonstrated by others to occur in three distinct episodes, during which the complex rift segment formed upon the multiphase Proterozoic wrench fault zone. The evaluation of the relationship between multiphase rift and multiphase prerift fabrics is reconsidered. The Proterozoic prerift fabrics correspond with a dextral transpressional and ductile deformational pattern, which became selectively reactivated by sinistral transpressional ductile‐brittle mylonites. Proterozoic mylonites constitute shallow level mechanical anisotropies and define the general trend of the rift faults. According to the position of these mylonites in the center or in the external parts of their NW oriented Neoproterozoic transpression, they reactivate as complex and multiphase rift faults or as normal and recent faults, respectively. The Paleoproterozoic NW oriented and ductile lateral shear belt constitutes the deep level mechanical anisotropy. Its reactivation in Phanerozoic stress fields is likely dextral oblique transtension, considered as a leading mechanism of the pluriphase and NW oriented deep rift basins.

Changes in tectonic stress field in northern Sunda Shelf basins

Abstract The Tertiary basins of the northern Sunda Shelf are underlain by normal and attenuated continental crust that is characterized by moderate to high average geothermal gradients in excess of 5°C/100 m. In the Malay basin, upper Oligocene and younger sediments are more than 12 km thick; in the other basins, such sediments are between 4 and 8 km thick. The Malay, Penyu and West Natuna basins are aulacogens meeting at a triple junction that marks a Late Cretaceous hot spot in the centre of the Malay Dome. Sub-basins (commonly half-graben) developed as pull-apart basins within regional, north to northwest-striking, wrench fault zones. The NW-striking Three Pagodas fault most probably extends farther southeast as the Axial Malay fault in the basement along the length of the Malay basin. Pre-late Oligocene sinistral slip along this fault developed east-west half-graben that fixed the position and orientation of inverted anticlines that later developed in the basin-filling sediments through strike-slip reversal along the fault. Initial basin subsidence took place during Eocene-Oligocene time. Regional tensional conditions prevailed until the early Miocene. During the middle to late Miocene, regional compressional stresses caused reversals of the sense of motion on the major wrench faults, and structural inversion of the basin-filling sediments. On some of the north-striking wrench faults there are indications of up to 45 km of right-lateral displacement which is possibly post-Miocene. The regional wrench faults have acted as domain boundaries with each tectonic domain characterized by different stress fields. The stress systems evolving during the Cenozoic are attributed to varying degrees of interference of plates coupled with changes in convergent directions and/or rates of motion of the Pacific plate, the Indian Ocean-Australian plate, and continued, differential extrusion of SE Asian crust following the collision of the Indian plate with the Eurasian plate.

Apache Wrench Fault Zone of West Texas: ABSTRACT

Apache Wrench Fault Zone of West Texas: ABSTRACT

A structural and palaeomagnetic study of a section through the eastern Subbetic, Southern Spain

A well-exposed 2 km section through the Eastern Subbetic, immediately to the south of the Crevillente wrench fault zone can be divided into an upper thrust sheet of Triassic rocks, a middle thrust sheet of Cenomanian-Turonian basinal sediments, and a lower thrust sheet of Jurassic limestones unconformably overlain by Upper Cretaceous-Palaeocene sediments. Structural relationships suggest that the middle sheet overthrust the lower sheet; and both units were subsequently folded and imbricated. This sequence was then overthrust by the upper sheet, incorporating a footwall duplex of Cenomanian-Turonian sediments. These structures can be related to the complex deformation associated with a single overthrusting event. The dominant thrust transport direction is to the east, strongly oblique to the overall trend of the orogen. However, a palaeomagnetic study isolates stable components which indicate no cumulative vertical axis rotation of the thrust sheets. The section is cut by strike-slip faults whose displacements appear to be relatively minor. The Triassic rocks of the upper thrust sheet form a highly disrupted thrust sheet extending over much of the Subbetic, rather than being local to the Crevillente fault zone. This section through the Subbetic can be interpreted as the result of a major east-directed thrust of basinal sediments of the Median Subbetic over marginal shelf facies of the Internal Subbetic, strongly oblique to the general ESE trend of the orogen. The shortened sequence is cut by a later set of strike slip faults which are probably related to movement on the Crevillente fault.

Devonian basin initiation in East Greenland: a result of sinistral wrench faulting and Caledonian extensional collapse

Following the Caledonian orogeny, large scale ESE–WNW extensional faulting and N–S directed sinistral wrenching affected East Greenland leading to the initiation of the Devonian basin. The NNE–SSW trending extensional faults have very large downthrows to the east exceeding 10 km and separate up to 90 km wide fault blocks, which during deformation were tilted approximately 12°. The tilting of one of the fault blocks led to uplift of deep-seated hot crystalline rocks in the eastern part causing contact metamorphism in the adjacent downfaulted block to the east. Based on K-Ar cooling ages, the faulting seems to have taken place during the Middle Devonian around 385 Ma, coinciding with the initiation of deposition within the Devonian basin. A N–S trending sinistral wrench fault zone developed in addition to the extensional faults leading to formation of synthetic and antithetic Riedel shears along the present-day western border of the Devonian basin. The timing of the wrench displacement cannot be younger than Middle Devonian. The extension faults and the wrench fault can be followed as regional structures in East Greenland and can be compared to similar Devonian extensional structures in northern Great Britain and to the major wrench faults in Scotland. No clear separation in time is possible between the extension and the wrenching, and a transtensional kinematic history is the most plausible. The basin-forming tectonic evolution in East Greenland during Middle Devonian can be related to an extensional collapse of an overthickened Caledonian crustal welt associated with wrench deformations due to late Caledonian shear displacements along plate boundaries. This evolution is analogous to the Devonian basin formation in northern Great Britain.