Analogue modelling of the influence of shape and particle/matrix interface lubrication on the rotational behaviour of rigid particles in simple shear

The rotational behaviour of a rigid particle embedded in a linear viscous matrix undergoing cylindrical simple shear (Couette) flow was studied in 2D rock-analogue experiments. The influence of particle shape (elliptical vs. monoclinic), aspect ratio and the nature of the matrix/particle interface (lubricated vs. unlubricated) was investigated. Both matrix (PDMS) and lubricant (liquid soap) were linear viscous, with a viscosity ratio of ca. 10⁴. Without lubricant, the rotational behaviour of all particles closely approximates the Jeffery theory. Lubricated monoclinic particles with the long diagonal initially parallel to the shear direction show back rotation and approach a stable position. Lubricated elliptical particles initially parallel to the shear direction also show back rotation but only transiently stabilize. Weak planar zones in the matrix adjacent to unlubricated elliptical particles do not induce backward rotation. In general for elliptical particles, rotation rate as a function of orientation depends on axial ratio and thickness of the lubricant mantle. For thick mantles (initially >10% of the volume of the particle), rotation rates are faster than Jeffery theory. For very thin mantles they are markedly slower compared with thick mantles, particularly when the long axis is nearly parallel to the shear direction. Rotation rates are never strictly zero, so true stabilization does not occur. However, for more elongate particles (axial RATIO=6) rotation rates are so slow that a very strong shape preferred orientation would develop in a lubricated elliptical particle population. In experiments, the volume of lubricant is constant and the thickness adjacent to the long side of the particle progressively decreases with increasing strain. In natural examples of porphyroclast systems, the weak mantle continually develops by recrystallization and/or cataclasis of the rigid clast core and a steady state between production and thinning could be attained, potentially leading to true stabilization for particles with a high axial ratio.     

On the mechanics of basin formation in the Pannonian basin: Inferences from analogue and numerical modelling

We present the results of a thrust fault reactivation study that has been carried out using analogue (sandbox) and numerical modelling techniques. The basement of the Pannonian basin is built up of Cretaceous nappe piles. Reactivation of these compressional structures and connected weakness zones is one of the prime agents governing Miocene formation and Quaternary deformation of the basin system. However, reactivation on thrust fault planes (average dip of ca. 30°) in normal or transtensional stress regimes is a problematic process in terms of rock mechanics. The aim of the investigation was to analyse how the different stress regimes (extension or strike-slip), and the geometrical as well as the mechanical parameters (dip and strike of the faults, frictional coefficients) effect the reactivation potential of pre-existing faults.

Results of analogue modelling predict that thrust fault reactivation under pure extension is possible for fault dip angle larger than 45° with normal friction value (sand on sand) of the fault plane. By making the fault plane weaker, reactivation is possible down to 35° dip angle. These values are confirmed by the results of numerical modelling. Reactivation in transtensional manner can occur in a broad range of fault dip angle (from 35° to 20°) and strike angle (from 30° to 5° with respect to the direction of compression) when keeping the maximum horizontal stress magnitude approximately three times bigger than the vertical or the minimum horizontal stress values.

Our research focussed on two selected study areas in the Pannonian basin system: the Danube basin and the Derecske trough in its western and eastern part, respectively. Their Miocene tectonic evolution and their fault reactivation pattern show considerable differences. The dominance of pure extension in the Danube basin vs. strike-slip faulting (transtension) in the Derecske trough is interpreted as a consequence of their different geodynamic position in the evolving Pannonian basin system. In addition, orientation of the pre-existing thrust fault systems with respect to the Early to Middle Miocene paleostress fields had a major influence on reactivation kinematics.

As part of the collapsing east Alpine orogen, the area of the Danube basin was characterised by elevated topography and increased crustal thickness during the onset of rifting in the Pannonian basin. Consequently, an excess of gravitational potential energy resulted in extension (σ_v > σ_H) during Early Miocene basin formation. By the time topography and related crustal thickness variation relaxed (Middle Miocene), the stress field had rotated and the minimum horizontal stress axes (σ_h) became perpendicular to the main strike of the thrusts. The high topography and the rotation of σ_h could induce nearly pure extension (dip-slip faulting) along the pre-existing low-angle thrusts. On the contrary, the Derecske trough was situated near the Carpathian subduction belt, with lower crustal thickness and no pronounced topography. This resulted in much lower σ_v value than in the Danube basin. Moreover, the proximity of the retreating subduction slab provided low values of σ_h and the oblique orientation of the paleostress fields with respect to the master faults of the trough. This led to the dominance of strike-slip faulting in combination with extension and basin subsidence (transtension).     

The δ18O stratigraphy of the Hoxnian lacustrine sequence at Marks Tey,Essex, UK: implications for the climatic structure of MIS 11 in Britain

Marine Isotope Stage 11 (MIS 11) is considered one of the best analogues for the Holocene. In the UK the long lacustrine sequence at Marks Tey, Essex, spans the entirety of the Hoxnian interglacial, the British correlative of MIS 11c. We present multiproxy evidence from a new 18.5‐m core from this sequence. Lithostratigraphy, pollen stratigraphy and biomarker evidence indicate that these sediments span the pre‐, early and late temperate intervals of this interglacial as well as cold climate sediments that post‐date the Hoxnian. The δ¹⁸O signal of endogenic carbonate from this sequence produces several clear patterns that are interpreted as reflecting the climatic structure of the interglacial. As well as providing evidence for long‐term climate stability during the interglacial and a major post‐Hoxnian stadial/interstadial oscillation the δ¹⁸O signal provides strong evidence for abrupt cooling events during the interglacial itself. One of these isotopic events occurs in association with a short‐lived increase in non‐arboreal pollen (the NAP phase). The results presented here are discussed in the context of other MIS 11 records from Europe and the North Atlantic, particularly with respect to our understanding of the occurrence of abrupt climatic events in pre‐Holocene interglacials. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Quaternary Science Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.     

Role of fluid mixing and wallrock sulfidation in gold mineralization at the Semna mine area, central Eastern Desert of Egypt: Evidence from hydrothermal alteration, fluid inclusions and stable isotope data

The Semna gold deposit is one of several vein-type gold occurrences in the central Eastern Desert of Egypt, where gold-bearing quartz veins are confined to shear zones close to the boundaries of small granitoid stocks. The Semna gold deposit is related to a series of sub-parallel quartz veins along steeply dipping WNW-trending shear zones, which cut through tectonized metagabbro and granodiorite rocks. The orebodies exhibit a complex structure of massive and brecciated quartz consistent with a change of the paleostress field from tensional to simple shear regimes along the pre-existing fault segments. Textural, structural and mineralogical evidence, including open space structures, quartz stockwork and alteration assemblages, constrain on vein development during an active fault system. The ore mineral assemblage includes pyrite, chalcopyrite, subordinate arsenopyrite, galena, sphalerite and gold. Hydrothermal chlorite, carbonate, pyrite, chalcopyrite and kaolinite are dominant in the altered metaggabro; whereas, quartz, sericite, pyrite, kaolinite and alunite characterize the granodiorite rocks in the alteration zones. Mixtures of alunite, vuggy silica and disseminated sulfides occupy the interstitial open spaces, common at fracture intersections. Partial recrystallization has rendered the brecciation and open space textures suggesting that the auriferous quartz veins were formed at moderately shallow depths in the transition zone between mesothermal and epithermal veins.Petrographic and microthermometric studies aided recognition of CO₂-rich, H₂O-rich and mixed H₂O–CO₂ fluid inclusions in the gold-bearing quartz veins. The H₂O–CO₂ inclusions are dominant over the other two types and are characterized by variable vapor: liquid ratios. These inclusions are interpreted as products of partial mixing of two immiscible carbonic and aqueous fluids. The generally light δ³⁴S of pyrite and chalcopyrite may suggest a magmatic source of sulfur. Spread in the final homogenization temperatures and bulk inclusion densities are likely due to trapping under pressure fluctuation through repeated fracture opening and sealing. Conditions of gold deposition are estimated on basis of the fluid inclusions and sulfur isotope data as 226–267 °C and 350–1100 bar, under conditions transitional between mesothermal and epithermal systems.The Semna gold deposit can be attributed to interplay of protracted volcanic activity (Dokhan Volcanics?), fluid mixing, wallrock sulfidation and a structural setting favoring gold deposition. Gold was transported as Au-bisulfide complexes under weak acid conditions concomitant with quartz–sericite–pyrite alteration, and precipitated through a decrease in gold solubility due to fluid cooling, mixing with meteoric waters and variations in pH and fO₂.