http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674987114000024

We propose that the brittle-ductile transition(BDT) controls the seismic cycle.In particular,the movements detected by space geodesy record the steady state deformation in the ductile lower crust,whereas the stick-slip behavior of the brittle upper crust is constrained by its larger friction.GPS data allow analyzing the strain rate along active plate boundaries.In all tectonic settings,we propose that earthquakes primarily occur along active fault segments characterized by relative minima of strain rate,segments which are locked or slowly creeping.We discuss regional examples where large earthquakes happened in areas of relative low strain rate.Regardless the tectonic style,the interseismic stress and strain pattern inverts during the coseismic stage.Where a dilated band formed during the interseismic stage,this will be shortened at the coseismic stage,and vice-versa what was previously shortened,it will be dilated.The interseismic energy accumulation and the coseismic expenditure rather depend on the tectonic setting(extensional,contractional,or strike-slip).The gravitational potential energy dominates along normal faults,whereas the elastic energy prevails for thrust earthquakes and performs work against the gravity force.The energy budget in strike-slip tectonic setting is also primarily due elastic energy.Therefore,precursors may be different as a function of the tectonic setting.In this model,with a given displacement,the magnitude of an earthquake results from the coseismic slip of the deformed volume above the BDT rather than only on the fault length,and it also depends on the fault kinematics.     

Multisphere Tectonics of the Earth System

The fundamental theoretical framework of the Multisphere Tectonics of the Earth System is as follows: (1) It intends to extend the geotectonic studies from the crustal and lithospheric tectonics to the multisphere tectonics of the Earth system as a whole. (2) The global dynamics driven by both the Earth system and the cosmic celestial system: solar energy, multispheric interactions of the Earth system and the combined effects of the motions of celestial bodies in the cosmos system are the driving forces of various geological processes. (3) The Continent-Ocean transformation theory: the continent and ocean are two opposite yet unified geological units, which can be transformed into each other; neither continent nor ocean will survive forever; there is no one-way development of continental accretion or ocean extinction; the simple theory of one-way continental accretion is regarded as invalid. (4) The continental crust and mantle are characterized by multiple layers, with different layers liable to slide along the interfaces between them, but corroboration is needed that continents move as a whole or even drift freely. (5) The cyclic evolution theory: the development of Earth’s tectonics is not a uniform change, but a spiral forward evolution, characterized by a combination of non-uniform, non-linear, gradual and catastrophic changes; different evolutionary stages (tectonic cycles) of Earth have distinctive global tectonic patterns and characteristics, one tectonic model should not be applied to different tectonic cycles or evolutionary stages. (6) The structure and evolution of Earth are asymmetric and heterogeneous, thus one tectonic model cannot be applied to different areas of the world. (7) The polycyclic evolution of the continental crust: the continental crust is formed by polycyclic tectonics and magmatism, rather than simply lateral or vertical accretion. (8) The role of deep faults: the deep fault zones cutting through different layers of the crust and mantle usually play important roles in tectonic evolution. For example, the present-day mid-ocean ridge fault zones, transform fault zones and Benioff zones outline the global tectonic framework. Different tectonic cycles and stages of Earth’s evolution must have their own distinctive deep fault systems which control the global tectonic framework and evolutionary processes during different tectonic cycles and stages. Starting from the two mantle superplumes Jason (Pacific) and Tuzo (Africa), the study of the evolutionary process of the composition and structure of the crust and mantle during the great transformation and reorganization of the Meso-Cenozoic tectonic framework in China and the other regions of Asia is a good demonstration of theory of Multisphere Tectonics of the Earth System.     

The boring billion? – Lid tectonics, continental growth and environmental change associated with the Columbia supercontinent

The evolution of Earth＇s biosphere,atmosphere and hydrosphere is tied to the formation of continental crust and its subsequent movements on tectonic plates.The supercontinent cycle posits that the continental crust is periodically amalgamated into a single landmass,subsequently breaking up and dispersing into various continental fragments.Columbia is possibly the first true supercontinent,it amalgamated during the 2.0-1.7 Ga period,and collisional orogenesis resulting from its formation peaked at 1.95-1.85 Ga.Geological and palaeomagnetic evidence indicate that Columbia remained as a quasi-integral continental lid until at least 1.3 Ga.Numerous break-up attempts are evidenced by dyke swarms with a large temporal and spatial range; however,palaeomagnetic and geologic evidence suggest these attempts remained unsuccessful.Rather than dispersing into continental fragments,the Columbia supercontinent underwent only minor modifications to form the next supercontinent （Rodinia） at 1.1 -0.9 Ga; these included the transformation of external accretionary belts into the internal Grenville and equivalent collisional belts.Although Columbia provides evidence for a form of ‘lid tectonics’,modern style plate tectonics occurred on its periphery in the form of accretionary orogens.The detrital zircon and preserved geological record are compatible with an increase in the volume of continental crust during Columbia＇s lifespan; this is a consequence of the continuous accretionary processes along its margins.The quiescence in plate tectonic movements during Columbia＇s lifespan is correlative with a long period of stability in Earth＇s atmospheric and oceanic chemistry.Increased variability starting at 1.3 Ga in the environmental record coincides with the transformation of Columbia to Rodinia; thus,the link between plate tectonics and environmental change is strengthened with this interpretation of supercontinent history.     

Fault oneoff versus coseismic fluids reaction

The fault activation (fault on) interrupts the enduring fault locking (fault off) and marks the end of a seismic cycle in which the brittle-ductile transition (BDT) acts as a sort of switch. We suggest...     

断裂构造研究的进展和趋势

Fault is the most important type of tectonics in the earth crust一lithosphere. It is the faults，is a dominant elements,SVhich construct regional tectonic architecture. Fault controlled not only the evolution and the transverse inhomogenity of regional tectonics,but also the laminary structure of the earth crust-lithosphere. Three kinds of faults(compressional fault，extensional fault and strike-slip fault) may be formed by three kinds of tectionic stress-fields in the earth crust. The fault might occur individually and combine to each other as well. The recent progress and the tendency of fault research are summarized in this paper from historical review and recent analysis of study in three type fault,in orderto undertand the orentation which must be held.     

Arterial faults and their role in mineralizing systems

In quartzo-feldspathic continental crust with moderate-to-high heat flow,seismic activity extends to depths of 10-20 km,bounded by isotherms in the 350-450 C range.Fluid overpressuring above hydrostatic in seismogenic crust,is heterogeneous but tends to develop in the lower seismogenic zone(basal seismogenic zone reservoir=b.s.z.reservoir) where the transition between hydrostatically pressured and overpressured crust is likely an irregular,time-dependent.3-D interface with overpressuring concentrated around active faults and their ductile shear zone roots.The term Arterial Fault is applied to fault structures that root in portions of the crust where pore fluids are overpressured(i.e.at hydrostatic pressure) and serve as feeders for such fluids and their contained solutes into overlying parts of the crust.While arterial flow may occur on any type of fault,it is most likely to be associated with reverse faults in areas of horizontal compression where fluid overpressuring is most easily sustained.Frictional stability and flow permeability of faults are both affected by the state of stress on the fault(shear stress,τ;normal stress,σ_n),the level of pore-fluid pressure,P_f,and episodes of fault slip,allowing for a complex interplay between fault movement and fluid flow.For seismically active faults the time dependence of permeability is critical,leading to fault-valve behaviour whereby overpressures accumulate at depth during interseismic intervals with fluid discharged along enhanced fault-fracture permeability following each rupture event.Patterns of mineralization also suggest that flow along faults is non-uniform,concentrating along tortuous pathways within the fault surface.Equivalent hydrostatic head above ground level for near-lithostatic overpressures at depth(1.65×depth of zone) provides a measure of arterial potential.Settings for arterial faults include fault systems developed in compacting sedimentary basins,faults penetrating zones of active plutonic intrusion that encounter overpressured fluids exsolved from magma,together with those derived from contact metamorphism of fluid-rich wallrocks,and/or from regional devolatilisation accompanying prograde metamorphism.Specially significant are active faults within accretionary prisms rooted into overpressured subduction interfaces,and steep reverse faults activated by high overpressures from b.s.z.reservoirs during compressional inversion.     

POSITIVE INVERSION STRUCTURE OF THE CENTRAL STRUCTURE BELT IN TURPAN-HAMI BASIN

The central structure belt in Turpan-Hami basin is composed of the Huoyanshan structure and Qiketai structure formed in late Triassic-early Jurassic, and is characterized by extensional tectonics. The thickness of strata in the hanging wall of the growth fault is obviously larger than that in the footwall, and a deposition center was evolved in the Taibei sag where the hanging wall of the fault is located. In late Jurassic the collision between Lhasa block and Eurasia continent resulted in the transformation of the Turpan-Hami basin from an extensional structure into a compressional structure, and consequently in the tectonic inversion of the central structure belt of the Turpan-Hami basin from the extensional normal fault in the earlier stage to the compressive thrust fault in the later stage. The Tertiary collision between the Indian plate and the Eurasian plate occurred around 55Ma, and this Himalayan orogenic event has played a profound role in shaping the Tianshan area, only the effect of the collision to this area was delayed since it culminated here approximately in late Oligocene-early Miocene. The central structure belt was strongly deformed and thrusted above the ground as a result of this tectonic event.     

Joint Inversion of the 3D P Wave Velocity Structure of the Crust and Upper Mantle under the Southeastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau Using Regional Earthquake and Teleseismic Data

The special seismic tectonic environment and frequent seismicity in the southeastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau show that this area is an ideal location to study the present tectonic movement and background of strong earthquakes in mainland China and to predict future strong earthquake risk zones. Studies of the structural environment and physical characteristics of the deep structure in this area are helpful to explore deep dynamic effects and deformation field characteristics, to strengthen our understanding of the roles of anisotropy and tectonic deformation and to study the deep tectonic background of the seismic origin of the block's interior. In this paper, the three-dimensional(3D) P-wave velocity structure of the crust and upper mantle under the southeastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau is obtained via observational data from 224 permanent seismic stations in the regional digital seismic network of Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces and from 356 mobile China seismic arrays in the southern section of the north–south seismic belt using a joint inversion method of the regional earthquake and teleseismic data. The results indicate that the spatial distribution of the P-wave velocity anomalies in the shallow upper crust is closely related to the surface geological structure, terrain and lithology. Baoxing and Kangding, with their basic volcanic rocks and volcanic clastic rocks, present obvious high-velocity anomalies. The Chengdu Basin shows low-velocity anomalies associated with the Quaternary sediments. The Xichang Mesozoic Basin and the Butuo Basin are characterised by lowvelocity anomalies related to very thick sedimentary layers. The upper and middle crust beneath the Chuan–Dian and Songpan–Ganzi Blocks has apparent lateral heterogeneities, including low-velocity zones of different sizes. There is a large range of low-velocity layers in the Songpan–Ganzi Block and the sub–block northwest of Sichuan Province, showing that the middle and lower crust is relatively weak. The Sichuan Basin, which is located in the western margin of the Yangtze platform, shows high-velocity characteristics. The results also reveal that there are continuous low-velocity layer distributions in the middle and lower crust of the Daliangshan Block and that the distribution direction of the low-velocity anomaly is nearly SN, which is consistent with the trend of the Daliangshan fault. The existence of the low-velocity layer in the crust also provides a deep source for the deep dynamic deformation and seismic activity of the Daliangshan Block and its boundary faults. The results of the 3D P-wave velocity structure show that an anomalous distribution of high-density, strong-magnetic and high-wave velocity exists inside the crust in the Panxi region. This is likely related to late Paleozoic mantle plume activity that led to a large number of mafic and ultra-mafic intrusions into the crust. In the crustal doming process, the massive intrusion of mantle-derived material enhanced the mechanical strength of the crustal medium. The P-wave velocity structure also revealed that the upper mantle contains a low-velocity layer at a depth of 80–120 km in the Panxi region. The existence of deep faults in the Panxi region, which provide conditions for transporting mantle thermal material into the crust, is the deep tectonic background forthe area's strong earthquake activity.     

A Preliminary Study on the Soft–Sediment Deformation Structures in the Late Quaternary Lacustrine Sediments at Tashkorgan, Northeastern Pamir, China

This study identified soft–sediment deformation structures(SSDS) of seismic origin from lacustrine sediments in the late Quaternary paleo–dammed lake at Tashkorgan, northeastern Pamir. The observed deformation structures include sand dykes, liquefied diapir and convolute structures, gravity induced SSDS, and thixotropic pillar and tabular structures. We conducted a preliminary study on the morphology, formation and trigger mechanisms of pillar and tabular structures formed by liquefaction of underlying coarse sand and thixotropy of the upper silty clay. The regional tectonic setting and distribution of lacustrine strata indicate that the most probable trigger for the SSDS in lacustrine sediments was seismic activity, with an approximate earthquake magnitude of M6.0; the potential seismogenic fault is the southern part of the Kongur normal fault extensional system. AMS 14 C dating results indicate that the SSDS were formed by seismic events occurring between 26050±100 yr BP and 22710±80 yr BP, implying intense fault activity in this region during the late Pleistocene. This study provides new evidence for understanding tectonic activity and regional geodynamics in western China.     

Paleoseismological Study of the Late Quaternary Slip-rate along the South Barkol Basin Fault and Its Tectonic Implications, Eastern Tian Shan, Xinjiang

The easternmost Tian Shan lies in eastern Xinjiang, Central Asia. The South Barkol basin fault(SBF) in the northern part of the easternmost Tian Shan is a major tectonic structure in this orogenic region. The late Quaternary activity, paleoseismology, and deformation characteristics of the fault provide important clues for understanding the tectonic process of the eastern Tian Shan orogen and implementing seismic mitigation. Through interpretation of high-resolution satellite images, unmanned aerial vehicle measurements, and detailed geological and geomorphic investigations, we suggest that the fault exhibits clear left-lateral slip along its western segment. Paleoseismic trenches dug near Xiongkuer reveal evidence of six large paleoearthquakes. The four latest paleoearthquakes were dated: the oldest event occurred at 4663 BC–3839 BC. Data on the horizontal offsets along the probable 1842 Barkol earthquake coseismic rupture suggest clear multiple relationships between cumulative offsets and possible ~4 m of coseismic left-lateral slip per event. From the cumulative offsets and 14 C sample ages, we suggest an average Holocene left-lateral slip rate of 2.4–2.8 mm/a on the SBF, accounting for ~80% of lateral deformation within the entire eastern Tian Shan fault system. This result is comparable with the shortening rate of 2–4 mm/a in the whole eastern Tian Shan, indicating an equal role of strike-slip tectonics and compressional tectonics in this orogen, and that the SBF may accommodate substantial lateral tectonic deformation.     

再论大陆构造与动力学

采用大陆构造时空动态相关分析法，对大陆构造进行系统的分层，分块，分阶段域构造解析，认为包括隆块，陷块和旋块等基本类型的断块构造具有不同的物质成分，变形强度，流变状态的层状构造是大陆构造的基本型式。在构造活动期间层流隆陷构造系统发生大规模的物质行，构成动态的循环体系，大陆地壳下部层圈以热动力作用为主，造成粘性热流物质和韧性固流物质沿着壳内流层从幔隆区流向拗区；上部层圈以应力作用为主，与下地壳层流相关     

塔里木盆地巴楚隆起构造格架及形成演化

巴楚隆起是塔里木盆地重要的油气勘探地区之一。文中基于新的地震、航磁、重力等资料解释结果和区域构造演化剖面,重新分析了巴楚隆起的构造格架及形成演化。研究认为:巴楚隆起在剖面上为压扭性断裂控制的"两断夹一隆"构造样式,在平面上具有"东西分区、南北分带"的构造格局。此与塔里木盆地断裂构造体系的展布、基底结构与构造、地壳深部地质背景及古构造应力场演变等关系密切。该隆起是一个从震旦纪开始发育演化的继承性活动型古隆起,其形成演化经历了加里东构造旋回阶段(Z—D2)、海西构造旋回阶段(D3—P)、印支—燕山构造旋回阶段(T—K)和喜马拉雅构造旋回阶段(E—Q)。这一新认识对巴楚地区的油气勘探部署和潜力评价均具有重要指导作用。     

地壳脆塑性转化带非稳态流变与震后松弛变形机制

大陆浅源地震密集分布层称为地震层,该深度处于石英脆塑性转化带,其变形除受温度控制外,地震周期各阶段变形随应变速率和应力发生变化,从间震期的稳态蠕变转化为同震破裂和震后松弛阶段非稳态蠕变。与间震期长期蠕变相关的野外塑性变形和稳态流变实验研究非常多,而与震后松弛相关的地壳深部脆塑性转化和非稳态蠕变研究非常有限,更缺少非稳态流变的本构方程。震后松弛阶段的断层滑动研究和基于GPS观测数据反演地壳形变研究都依赖于非稳态蠕变实验数据及其流变模型。本文介绍了野外断层脆塑性转化带非稳态流变和高温高压非稳态流变实验研究进展,分析震后松弛阶段断层脆塑性转化带的变形特征与变形模式,讨论了非稳态流变与脆塑性转化带强度定量化研究中存在的问题。     

断块构造|活动断块构造与地震活动

张文佑院士是我国最杰出的构造地质学家和大地构造学家,他提出和倡导的地质构造力学分析和历史分析相结合及断块构造理论符合当代构造地质和构造运动研究的新方向。断块构造是地球构造运动最基本的型式,板块构造是全球范围内的岩石圈构造,是最高一级的岩石圈断块构造。活动断块是现今构造运动最基本的型式,它既控制主要活动构造带和地震活动带的分布,也控制不同地区地震活动特征的差异。断块边界构造带是在构造变形和运动场中的不连续变形带,应力在此释放,应变在此局部化,位移在此发生,其差异活动最为强烈,因此,断块边界构造带是强震发生带,其活动性质会控制震源断层的特性。大地震孕育和发生在边界活动构造带的某些特殊部位,对其成核的构造和物理过程尚需深入进行研究。要特别注意断块整体性活动对地震活动的控制作用,断块的这种整体性活动与一定时期内地震活动主体地区分布有密切关系,所以,在活动构造研究中,要把断块的整体性活动与活动构造带的个体活动结合起来。     

基于形变观测分析中国台湾东部花东纵谷断层运动特征

花东纵谷断层是中国台湾动力作用和地壳运动变形最强烈的断层之一,其断层运动特征和强震危险程度一直备受学者的关注。文中分别以同震地表位移、1992-1999年震间形变数据为约束,反演2003年成功MW 6.8地震同震位错分布和花东纵谷断层震间运动特征。结果表明：花东纵谷断层北段处于强闭锁状态（闭锁率高达0.9）,闭锁深度深（约27 km）;南段闭锁程度较弱（闭锁率约0.5）,闭锁深度较浅（约12 km）;中段闭锁程度与闭锁深度介于南北段之间。另一方面,2003年成功MW 6.8地震微观震中位于震间无震滑移区与闭锁区的过渡带附近。依据同震位错、震间断层运动反演结果,以及历史强震破裂分布特征,分析认为,花东纵谷断层南北段运动方式存在差异性,北段主要以强震形式运动,南段以蠕滑和地震两种形式运动。自1951年花莲-台东ML 7.3地震序列后,花东纵谷断层南段、中段和北段至2016年所累积的矩能量分别等价MW 6.4、MW 7.0、MW 7.4地震;若发生级联破裂,整个断层至2016年所累积的矩能量等价MW 7.5地震。     

湖北郧县王家庄绿色纤维状石英-云母脉特征及成因--对板块构造几个问题的思考

湖北郧县王家庄有两期脉体 ,早期为纤维状石英脉 ,总体呈北北东向分布 ,平行脉壁有一中间面使其对称分布 ,显示张性裂隙持续发育过程 ;与之垂直的横向压性裂隙将它“错开”。形貌上酷似板块构造的大洋中脊和转换断层。晚期云母脉叠置在上述两组裂隙之上 ,并使原来裂隙性质发生变化。这些特征与区域应力场分布 ,特别是与两郧断裂的演化息息相关。根据分形理论 ,将王家庄石英云母脉与板块构造进行对比 ,一方面从微观的角度证实了板块构造一些基本观点的合理性。同时从微观信息得到深入研究板块构造的一些新启示 :对板块形成机制不要局限于软流圈对流 ,而应从更深层次研究地幔物质运动规律 ;要将大陆和大洋作为一个整体研究全球应力场分布规律与构造演化历史 ,其中转换断层是联系大陆和大洋的纽带 ;加强RRR型三联点研究 ,它是研究深部 (地幔 )物质运动和上部 (地壳、岩石圈 )构造应力场相互关系的重要窗口     

松辽盆地滨北地区区域构造特征及意义——地震长剖面给出的证据

松辽盆地位于西太平洋大陆边缘北部,其主体部分位于黑龙江板块群的中部。松辽盆地整个上部地壳所受到的挤压应力场在南北两大地区存在空间差别。在板块构造理论指导下,利用研究区内的地震长剖面资料,研究松辽盆地滨北地区区域构造特征。通过分析认为,滨北地区东、西部多为隆起或斜坡区,而中部多是凹陷,从南向北,地层沉积厚度逐渐变薄。早期的断层活动导致了凹陷内凹隆相间的构造特点。     

南大西洋中段被动陆缘盆地下白垩统盐构造成因模式

随着巴西和西非海上巨型油气田的不断发现,盐相关勘探技术进步和数据资料快速积累,深入开展南大西洋被动陆缘盆地下白垩统盐岩成因环境及盐构造变形机理的研究,对于基础地质理论发展及海洋油气勘探开发具有重要的现实意义.南大西洋两岸被动陆缘盆地下白垩统阿普特阶盐岩构造具有明显的分带性特征,显示了从伸展构造到挤压构造连续过渡特点.巴...