正断层中继构造扩展演化机制及对成矿构造研究的启示

正断层的分段构造型式及其扩展演化机制的核心内容可以归结为正断层的中继构造模式。本文从正断层的断块变形、断裂扩展以及断裂力学特征等角度,总结了正断层中继构造的扩展演化机制。正断层的断块变形是指分段断层位移转换形成的中继斜坡,可分为内倾和外倾两种斜坡类型,位移曲线揭示了中继带变形的特征。正断层的断裂扩展有多种扩展方式,可分为断层内、断层间和断层系扩展,且可以形成不同型式的中继构造。正断层中继构造是在三维空间扩展的,将断层边缘的断裂力学性质和断层面的放射状扩展方向相结合,可完整描述中继构造的空间分布规律。正断层形成于伸展构造环境,是控制油气和金属矿产资源的重要构造型式,结合SEDEX型矿床同生断层和岩体侵位控制的正断层控矿研究实例,初步讨论了正断层中继构造扩展演化在SEDEX型矿床和正断层相关控矿断裂成矿构造研究中的作用。     

邢北深部勘查区低角度正断层成因浅析

通过邢北深部勘查区钻孔中所见的断层构造迹象分析,认为原来部分定为高角度的正断层是受太行山隆起赞皇变质核杂岩东侧拆离构造带影响而派生的中、小型低角度正断层。由于变质基底与上覆沉积盖层之间为软硬差距较大的主拆离构造面,在其影响下,上覆地层发育了若干个次级拆离构造面,邢北深部低角度正断层正是受基底拆离构造影响而形成。     

新疆甘肃交界红柳河蛇绿岩中伸展构造与古洋盆演化过程

红柳河蛇绿岩中保存了大量伸展特征构造，如堆晶辉长岩层中发育丰富的辉长质糜棱面理、伸展褶劈理、小型韧性低角度正断层、韧-脆性共轭正断层和脆性正断层等伸展变形构造。蛇绿岩中伸展变形构造经历了完整的变形序列：从韧性变形、经韧脆性变形到脆性变形。构造几何学关系表明这些构造形成于红柳河古洋盆闭合之前洋壳扩张过程中。^40Ar／^39Ar年代学的研究确定了红柳河古洋盆演化的过程：洋盆扩张发育在462Ma之前，并在412Ma前闭合。     

赣中变质岩带对该区铀成矿控制作用的研究

本文从变质岩带的含铀性分析入手,研究了赣中变质岩带中铀矿化与变质岩带的含铀性、构造岩浆活动带、变质岩带出露的动力学机制及变质核杂岩构造的关系。研究表明:铀成矿与构造岩浆活动带以及地壳减薄、地幔上隆和在变质核杂岩边缘沿着低角度正断层的地壳伸展构造有着实质的关系。     

中国东部拉张区正断层的几何学和运动学特征与盆地动力学过程

中国东部拉张区变形期间发育的正断层,按其几何形态和运动学特征的差异,可确定为四种类型:1.非旋转平面状正断层;2.旋转平面状正断层;3.犁状正断层;4.低角度正断层或滑脱断层。它们及其组合控制着沉积盆地的外部轮廓、规模大小、沉积建造类型和内部变形以及油气构造的形成。本文综合分析了各类正断层特征及其演化过程,认为不同层次、不同尺度和不同类型正断层的发育过程,也是中国东部地壳拉伸变薄及沉积盆地的形成过程。     

雪峰山加里东造山运动及其体制转换

本文论述了雪峰山地区加里东造山运动的变形序列,加里东运动期间,至少存在３个连续的构造热事件。并且阐述了挤压体制向伸展体制的转换,形成低角度滑脱带,高角度正断层及变质核杂岩。     

肥东花岗质岩脉的变形及年代学特征对郯庐断裂带早白垩世构造活动的指示

郯庐断裂带肥东段位于大别造山带与苏鲁造山带之间。在肥东段西韦采石场内发育了大规模的北北东向左行走滑韧性剪切带和一条低角度的韧性滑脱正断层。走滑韧性剪切带为郯庐断裂带走滑活动的产物,低角度滑脱正断层则代表了伸展背景下的构造活动。低角度滑脱正断层上、下盘发育未变形和变形的岩脉,走滑韧性剪切带内外也发育有受剪切带活动而变形的岩脉。对采石场内岩脉的构造和同位素年代学研究表明,低角度韧性滑脱正断层在129~126Ma之间发生过剪切活动,走滑韧性剪切带的活动时间在125Ma之后。综合研究认为,郯庐断裂带的伸展活动可能开始于早白垩世早期(130Ma),但在早白垩世并非一直处于伸展活动之中,125Ma之后的左行走滑活动很可能发生在早白垩世的晚期。     

塔里木盆地塔中—巴楚地区反转构造及其石油地质意义

根据地震剖面解释成果,对塔中—巴楚地区反转构造变形特征和发育期次进行了探讨和研究,并分析了反转构造的石油地质意义。基底正断层形成以后在加里东早期、加里东中期、海西晚期—燕山晚期发生了构造反转。受基底正断层的影响,研究区发育继承反转型、截断取直型和反向截断型3种类型的反转构造:当基底正断层倾角较小时,构造反转沿先存正断层发生,形成继承反转型反转构造;当基底正断层倾角较大不利于反转时,正断层为后期的逆冲断层提供应力集中点,形成截断取直型反转构造;基底正断层也可能被后期倾向相反的逆断层所错断,形成反向截断型反转构造。研究区内3期构造反转形成的圈闭与寒武系烃源岩生排烃期具有良好的时空配置关系,有利于油气聚集成藏。     

塔里木盆地中部阿-满低梁带断裂构造分析

塔里木盆地北部坳陷中部存在一个北东-南西方向的下古生界的（鞍状）低梁带（阿-满低梁带）。它是阿瓦提凹陷和满加尔凹陷之间的天然分界,以此低梁带的脊线划分出两个凹陷。以三维地震资料解释为依据,本文研究了阿-满低梁带的断裂构造特征。研究区主要发育4期断裂构造：1）南华纪-奥陶纪的正断层与罗迪尼亚超大陆的裂解有关,并可进一步划分为南华纪-震旦纪和寒武纪-奥陶纪两个断裂活动阶段。南华纪-震旦纪正断层的成因是罗迪尼亚超大陆的裂解作用,形成堑垒构造,寒武纪-奥陶纪正断层的成因是塔里木自罗迪尼亚超大陆裂解出来后,游离于古特提斯洋所处的区域性弱伸展构造背景,形成负花状构造。2）晚奥陶世-中志留世断层包括晚奥陶世-志留纪初的滑脱-冲断构造和早-中志留世的挤压走滑断裂,形成断层传播褶皱和正花状构造。其形成的动力来源是昆仑加里东碰撞造山作用。3）晚志留世-石炭纪正断层是昆仑加里东碰撞造山后构造应力松弛阶段的产物,形成典型的负花状构造,组合成雁列状张扭性断层带。4）二叠纪正断层是大陆裂谷作用的结果,往往受相关岩浆作用的改造。剖面上形成堑垒构造和负花状构造,平面上组合成雁列状张扭性断层带。二叠纪断裂与晚志留世-石炭纪的断裂可能有继承关系。     

从反转构造的砂箱模型看柴达木早-中侏罗世盆地的构造性质

设计了基底均匀伸展半地堑正反转、基底均匀伸展书斜式正反转和对称地堑正反转等3个砂箱实验模型,着重研究后期构造反转对前期正断层构造的叠加与改造作用.单侧挤压实验结果表明,正反转过程中,挤压变形主要通过形成新的低角度逆冲断层实现,前期正断层多数可被保存下来,仅倾角不同程度地变陡.前期正断层全部反转为逆断层的可能性极小,仅在强烈逆冲变形带,逆冲断层才有可能完全取代前期的正断层.根据实验结果并结合柴达木盆地的实际资料,认为柴达木盆地早-中侏罗世时期为挤压性质的盆地.     

长江三峡黄腊石滑坡缓倾角断裂显微构造研究

本文主要从显微尺度研究黄腊石滑波区缓倾角断裂的微观,超微观构造特征,进而分析构造应力方向和差异应力大小。同时探讨缓倾角断裂的变形机制和成因,讨论缓倾角断裂与滑波发生演化过程之间的关系,为滑坡监测与防治提供地质依据。     

Elastic modeling of the Alto Tiberina normal fault (central Italy): geometry and lithological stratification influences on the local stress field

Two-dimensional, elastic, plane-strain, finite element models (FEMs) are generated to study the state of stress and failure induced by a low-angle normal fault, the Alto Tiberina Fault of the Northern Apennines (central Italy): it is beyond the scope of the present work to show that slip can occur on such a fault. The numerical study was performed to evaluate the influences on the local stress field of the litho-mechanical stratification of formations surrounding the fault, and those induced by the geometry of the fault. The performed models have shown the important role played by evaporites and basement formations of the Umbria-Marche succession as seismogenetic layers. The model results have also underlined that the flat-ramp geometry of the fault induces high relative concentration of stresses in correspondence with the low-angle, east-dipping, synthetic normal faults observed today in shallow depth near the Alto Tiberina surface trace. The stress regime predicted by the final model, in which the behavior of the Alto Tiberina together with the antithetic normal fault of Gubbio was simulated, reconciles available geological and geophysical observable to a greater extent. The numerical results can assist interpretation of the tectonic evolution of the region.     

Analogue and numerical modeling of normal fault patterns produced due to slip along a detachment zone

In this paper, we investigate normal fault patterns produced by the sliding motion along a gently dipping normal fault by using analogue model tests and numerical modeling. The motivation for this study was offered by microseismic test data that indicate the existence of an active low-angle shear zone at a depth of 9–11 km in the extensional region of high seismic activity of the Gulf of Corinth (Greece). Both modeling techniques seem to support the hypothesis that the system of high-angle normal faults that are responsible for the final asymmetrical graben formation initiate at the tip of the active basal detachment nearest to the free surface. The normal faults propagate upwards with progressive sliding of the inclined basal plane, resulting in a first phase of symmetrical graben configuration that is delimited by a main synthetic fault and an antithetic fault forming a Rankine zone. Subsequent sliding on the inclined base induces a family of secondary antithetic normal faults, which are responsible for the asymmetry of the failure pattern and the diffusive character of deformation in that area. Shear deformation is more intense and localized along the synthetic normal fault than along the antithetic faults. Elaboration on the analogue test results has led to the phenomenological relations among four main parameters that describe the geometry of grabens, namely, (i) the width and (ii) the maximum subsidence of the graben, (iii) the dip angles of the conjugate normal faults, and (iv) the amount of sliding along the low-angle normal fault. However, analogue models do not produce the system of synthetic faults that is observed in the Gulf of Corinth. The effects of both friction angle variation along the detachment base and of the constitutive behavior of the model material on the configuration of the final structural pattern were also studied with a series of numerical continuum models. It was found that (a) the fault pattern of the Gulf of Corinth may be reproduced with either a strain-softening material with low elastic modulus or a constant strength material, and (b) two consecutive grabens, such as those of Gulfs of Corinth and Evia, may also be reproduced by an appropriate combination of variation of dip and frictional properties along the hypothesized detachment zone.     

Emplacement of the Monteregian Hills of Quebec; Geophysical evidence

Constraints are placed on the shape of intrusions of the Monteregian Hills and a model of their emplacement is proposed. Integrated geophysical data (magnetic, gravimetric and seismic reflection) and drainage pattern information indicate that the Monteregian Hills are shallow intrusives having the form of saucers nourished by thin planar feeders. These feeders are apparently tectonically controlled by steeply dipping normal faults in the crystalline basement and intermediate to low-angle thrust faults in the overlying Lower Paleozoic sequence. Field geological evidence, geochemical and geophysical data indicate a slow ascending motion of the cooling magma and a sub-vertical rather than sub-horizontal injection mode. In view of the relatively cold state of the intruded magma and paleomagnetic data, partial and progressive melting of an olivine basalt magma is a more acceptable origin for the Monteregian Hills than a continental hot spot theory.     

Modes of extensional tectonics

Although hundreds of papers have been devoted to the geometric and kinematic analysis of compressional tectonic regimes, surprisingly little has been written about the details of large-scale strain in extended areas. We attempt, by means of quantitative theoretical analysis guided by real geological examples, to establish some ground rules for interpreting extensional phenomena. We have found that large, very low-angle normal faults dominate highly extended terranes, and that both listric and planar normal faults are common components of their hanging walls. The very low-angle normal faults may have displacements from a few kilometres up to several tens of kilometres and we regard their hanging walls as extensional allochthons, analogous (but with opposite sense of movement) to thrust-fault allochthons. Differential tilt between imbricate fault blocks suggests listric geometry at depth, whereas uniformly tilted blocks are more likely to be bounded by planar faults. The tilt direction of imbricate normal-fault blocks within large extensional allochthons is commonly away from the transport direction of these sheets, but in many cases tilts are in the same direction as transport, thus limiting the usefulness of the direction of tilting as a transport indicator. The presence of chaos structure, a structural style widely recognised in the Basin and Range Province, implies large scale simple shear on very low-angle normal faults and does not necessarily form as a result of listric faulting.     

Statistic and genetic investigation of faults in North Tehran tectonic wedge (South Central Alborz)

In this research, we have focused on the geometrical characteristics of young faults in North Tehran tectonic wedge which is confined with the Mosha and North Tehran faults, the most outstanding active faults in Alborz fold-thrust belt. The statistical, genetic, and kinematic relationships between internal faults, boundary faults, and the stress regime in the area (at the finite state of deformation path) are considered in detail with the help of rose diagrams and Riedel??s model. On this basis, all faults with diverse mechanisms have been classified into different Riedel fractures and their orders of formation are identified. Pattern of faults implies a more or less N?CS compression at the period of faulting. Consideration of geometry and tectonic setting of abundant normal faults have led to propose folding and listric faulting model to explain the origin of normal faults in a compressional tectonic region. These structural models represent the mechanism of normal faulting in response to compression in crustal and upper crustal scales, respectively.     

Mineralization and Ore-controlling Implications of Low-angle Faults

Low-angle faults include those occurring in thrust-nappe structures in a compressive setting and the detachment of metamorphic core complexes in an extensional setting. All low-angle faults have their own particularities. The low-angle fault plays an important role in controlling over some endogenetic metallic ore deposits. Based on studies of the Xiaoban gold deposit, Xinzhou gold deposit, and Longfengchang polymetallic ore deposit, and comparisons with other mines, the authors conclude the ore-controlling implications of low-angle faults as follows. (1) Because of high temperature and high pressure, as well as strong ductile deformation, the internal energy of the elements rises in the large-scale deep ductile low-angle faults, which causes the elements to activate and differentiate from the source rocks, forming ore-bearing hydrothermal solution, and bring mineralization to happen. (2) When rising from depths and flowing along the low-angle faults, the ore-bearing hydrothermal solution will alter and     

Internal structure of a collapsed terrain: The Lújar syncline and its significance for the fold- and sheet-structure of the Alborán Domain (Betic Cordilleras, Spain)

Detailed structural analysis of the Sierra de Lújar in the western Alpujarras region (Betic Cordilleras, S Spain), a very representative area of the terrain known as the Alborán Domain, has revealed the existence of a very large N-vergent recumbent syncline which involves the whole mountain massif and neighbouring areas. The Lújar syncline and, probably, the associated recumbent anticline which crops out southeast of Sierra de Lújar show a great variation in the orientation of the hinge line. Although having a curved shape, the hinge line is contained in a plane whose attitude coincides with the main attitude of the axial-plane crenulation foliation (Sc), suggesting that it is a sheath fold.The strongly deformed overturned limb of the syncline is cut by two low-angle normal faults displacing towards the north. Similarity in the kinematics between the faults and the fold, and the association between the faults and the high-strain zone in the overturned limb of the fold, suggest that they are related. Regional constraints on the age of the crenulation cleavage and the low-angle normal faults indicate that they formed during the early Miocene late-orogenic extensional event in the Alborán Domain.We propose an alternate explanation for the structure of the Alpujarras region in which the Lújar syncline forms part of a recumbent syncline–anticline pair that extends along much of the Alpujarride outcrop in the southern Betic Cordillera. In several places, the fold is disrupted by low-angle normal faults, and it is overlain by an upper Alpujárride extensional sheet mainly composed of medium- to high-grade metamorphic rocks. We suggest that all these structures arose from the extensional deformation under decreasing temperature conditions of a previously thickened and metamorphosed orogenic crust.     

Episodic,two-stage Neogene extension and short-term intervening compression in Western Turkey: field evidence from the Kiraz Basin and Bozdağ Horst

Western Anatolia (Turkey) is a region of widespread active N-S continental extension that forms the eastern part of the Aegean extensional province. The extension in the region is expressed by two distinct/different structural styles, separated by a short-term gap: (1) rapid exhumation of metamorphic core complexes along presently low-angle ductile-brittle normal faults commenced by the latest Oligocene-Early Miocene period, and; (2) late stretching of crust and, consequent graben evolution along Plio-Quaternary high-angle normal faults, cross-cutting the pre-existing low-angle normal faults. However, current understanding of the processes (tectonic quiescence vs N-S continental compression) operating during the short-time interval is incomplete. This paper therefore reports the results of recent field mapping and structural analysis from the NE of Küçük Menderes Graben—Kiraz Basin—that shed lights on the processes operating during this short-time interval. The data includes the thrusting of metamorphic rocks of the Menderes Massif over the Mio-Pliocene sediments along WNW-ESE-trending high-angle reverse fault and the development of compressional fabrics in the metamorphic rocks of the Menderes Massif. There, the metamorphic rocks display evidence for four distinct phases of deformation: (1) southfacing top-N ductile fabrics developed at relatively high-grade metamorphic conditions, possibly during the Eocene main Menderes metamorphism (amphibolite facies) associated with top-N thrust tectonics (D₁); (2) top-S and top-N ductile gentle-moderatley south-dipping extensional fabrics formed at relatively lower-grade metamorphic (possibly greenschist facies) conditions associated with the exhumation of Menderes Massif along presently low-angle normal fault plane that accompanied the first phase of extension (D₂); (3) moderately north-dipping top-S ductile-brittle fabrics, present configuration of which suggest a thrust-related compression (D₃); and (4) south-facing approximately E-W-trending brittle high-angle normal faults (D₄) that form the youngest structures in the region. It is interpreted that D₄ faults are time equivalent of graben-bounding major high-angle normal faults and they correspond to the second phase of extension in western Anatolia. The presence of thrust-related D₃ compressional fabrics suggests N-S compression during the time interval between the two phases of extension (D₂ and D₄). The results of the present study therefore support the episodic, two-stage extension model in western Anatolia and confirm that a short-time, intervening N-S compression separated the two distinct phases.     

Influence of syntectonic sedimentation on thrust geometry. Field examples from the Iberian Chain (Spain) and analogue modelling

Steep thrusts are usually interpreted as oblique-slip thrusts or inverted normal faults. However, recent analogical and numerical models have emphasised the influence of surface mass-transfer phenomena on the structural evolution of compressive systems. This research points to sedimentation and erosion during deformation as an additional explanation for the origin of steeply dipping thrusts. The present study uses both field observations and analogue modelling to attempt to isolate critical parameters of syntectonic sedimentation that might control the geometry of the upper part of thrust systems.A field study of thrust systems bounding two compressive intermountain Tertiary basins of the Iberian Chain is first briefly presented. We describe the surface geometry of thrusts surrounding the Montalbán Basin and the Alto Tajo Syncline at the vicinity of deposits of Oligocene–Early Miocene alluvial fans at the footwall of faults. Field observations suggest that synthrusting sedimentation should influence the structure of thrusts. Indeed, the faults are steeper and splitted at the edge of the syntectonic deposits.Effects of sedimentation rate on footwall of thrusts, and of its change along fault strike are further investigated on two-layer brittle-ductile analogue models submitted to compression and syntectonic sediment supply. Two series of experiments were made corresponding to two end-members of depositional geometries. In the first series, the sedimentation was homogeneously distributed on both sides of the relief developed above the thrust front. In the second series, deposits were localised on a particular area of the footwall of thrust front. In all experiments, the sedimentation rate controls the number and the dip of faults. For low sedimentation rates, a single low-angle thrust develops; whereas for high sedimentation rates, a series of steeper dipping thrust is observed. In experiments with changing sedimentation rate along fault strike, the thrust geometry varies behind the areas with the thickest sediment pile.