油蒿在沙坡头地区沙地植被演替中的地位

本文通过对沙坡头地区铁路两侧人工植被和天然植被演替过程的调查研究,应用定性和定量分析方法,论述了油蒿在沙坡头地区沙地植被演替中的地位及稳定性。油蒿是沙生演替系列中的前期植物种之-,随着沙面表土层的增厚及生境的旱化,如果不受人为干扰,最终将被其它植物群落所代替。然而,只要地表保持沙质疏松,油蒿就能很顺利地天然更新,并以其发达的浅层根系对水分的竞争能力,使其在群落中占据着优势地位。因此,在人畜对地表的长期扰动下,油蒿在本地区可以形成-种相对稳定的群落或偏途演替顶极。     

Three-dimensional forward stratigraphic modelling of the sedimentary architecture of meandering-river successions in evolving half-graben rift basins

The spatial organisation of meandering-river deposits varies greatly within the sedimentary fills of rift basins, depending on how differential rates of fault propagation and subsidence interplay with autogenic processes to drive changes in fluvial channel-belt position and rate of migration, avulsion frequency and mechanisms of meander-bend cut off. This set of processes fundamentally influences stacking patterns of the accumulated successions. Quantitative predictions of the spatio-temporal evolution and internal architecture of meandering fluvial deposits in such tectonically active settings remain limited. A numerical forward stratigraphic model—the Point-Bar Sedimentary Architecture Numerical Deduction (PB-SAND)—is applied to examine relationships between differential rates of subsidence and resultant fluvial channel-belt migration, reach avulsion and channel-deposit stacking in active, fault-bounded half-grabens. The model is used to reconstruct and predict the complex morphodynamics of fluvial meanders, their generated channel belts, and the associated lithofacies distributions that accumulate as heterogeneous fluvial successions in rift settings, constrained by data from seismic images and outcrop successions. The 3D modelling outputs are used to explore sedimentary heterogeneity at various spatio-temporal scales. Results show how the connectivity of sand-prone geobodies can be quantified as a function of subsidence rate, which itself decreases both along and away from the basin-bounding fault. In particular, results highlight the spatial variability in the size and connectedness of sand-prone geobodies that is seen in directions perpendicular and parallel to the basin axis, and that arises as a function of the interaction between spatial and temporal variations in rates of accommodation generation and fault-influenced changes in river morphodynamics. The results have applied significance, for example, to both hydrocarbon exploration and assessment of groundwater aquifers. The expected greatest connectivity of fluvial sandbody in a half-graben is primarily determined by the complex interplay between the frequency and rate of subsidence, the style of basin propagation, the rates of migration of channel belts, the frequency of avulsion and the proportion and spatial distribution of variably sand-prone channel and bar deposits.     

Ordovician tectonic transition from passive margin into peripheral foreland in the southern Ordos: A diagnostic insight into the closure of Erlangping Ocean between the North Qinling Arc and North China Block

Achieving a reliable closure time of a back-arc ocean is an essential aspect in studies on detailed tectonic processes of an active continental margin and arc–continent collision. This is particularly the case for the northern Qinling Orogen, which records the accretion of the North Qinling Arc (NQA) onto the North China Block (NCB) after the Erlangping back-arc ocean closure. Sedimentological, petrological and geochronological signatures from the Ordovician successions in the southern Ordos reveal a tectonic transition from passive continental margin to peripheral foreland in the southern NCB at the beginning of Katian. Sedimentological and geochronological investigations reveal an abrupt shift of accelerating basin subsidence and deepening at the earliest Katian, separating ca. 300-m-thick shallow-marine carbonate shelf assemblages from overlying ca. 2000-m-thick deep-water carbonate slope and turbidite associations. Zircon age spectra of the Katian turbidites are characterized by early-Palaeozoic and Neoproterozoic age clusters, which are different from those of the Middle Ordovician quartz arenites sourced merely from the NCB basement. Instead, these age patterns match well with those of the coeval successions in the northern NQA, indicating a spatially linked abyssal deposystem. Stratigraphic architecture deciphers a typical foreland basin geometry, involving, from south to north, northward-propagating turbiditic wedge, northward-backstepping carbonate slope and progressively shoaling carbonate platform, embodying foredeep, forebulge and backbulge, respectively. These characteristics of basin-fill evolution reflect the northward migration of the flexural wave as a dynamic response to the northward expansion of the thickened NQA thrust wedge. Together with the other geological and geochronological data, our new insights indicate a southward subduction polarity of the Erlangping back-arc oceanic crust followed by its termination at ca. 450 Ma, which was earlier than that of the main Proto-Tethyan Shangdan Ocean between the NCB and South China Block. Our new data provide an updated view of the complex history of the Proto-Tethys closure during the Gondwana assembly.     

Tracking sand‐fairways through a deformed turbidite system: the Numidian (Miocene) of Central Sicily,Italy

Understanding ancient deep‐water sedimentary systems that accumulated at complex plate boundaries requires confronting the stratigraphic record of deformed sedimentary successions by tracking sand‐fairways and identifying original relationships in later deformed sequences. Here, we investigate the Numidian turbidite system (early to mid‐Miocene) of Central‐East Sicily to explore a deep‐water sedimentary system deposited at an active thrust belt on the Central Mediterranean. Turbidites include multi‐metre thick‐bedded, ultra‐mature quartz sandstones that were sourced from North Africa and are now deformed and dismembered within the Apennine‐Maghrebian orogen. To date, much research has focused on the little‐deformed sections that sample discrete parts of the original turbidite pathways. Yet the bulk of these systems are represented by deformed successions and these have attracted little modern sedimentological and stratigraphic investigation. We present new data based on field mapping, sedimentological/structural fieldwork, and biostratigraphy (planktonic foraminifera and nannofossils) that focus on the Numidian turbidites of Central‐East Sicily. Thickness and facies variations, together with evidence of large‐scale sediment bypass and local substrate reworking, characterize the Numidian turbidites of the study area, consistent with a partially confined turbidite system. Our work demonstrates that the Numidian turbidite system accumulated across active structures and these provided tortuous, evolving corridors through which turbidity currents were routed, transporting coarse sand over many hundreds of km. These results provide insight on structurally confined turbidites in analogous tectonic settings and demonstrate the need to seek sedimentological and stratigraphic data from deformed and dismembered parts of deep‐water systems.     

Tectonic activation,source area stratigraphy and provenance changes in a rift basin: the Early Cretaceous Tucano Basin (NE‐Brazil)

Changes in sandstone and conglomerate maturity in tectonically active basins can be considered either as the product of climatic change or of tectonic restructuring of the feeder drainage system. Besides these regional controls, changes in the configuration of local sources can expressively affect basin fill composition. The Early Cretaceous fluvial successions of the Tucano Basin, a rift basin in northeastern Brazil related to the South Atlantic opening, contain one such case of abrupt change in maturity, marked by the passage from pebbly sandstone and conglomerate rich in quartz and quartzite fragments (Neocomian to Barremian São Sebastião Formation) to more feldspathic pebbly sandstone and conglomerate bearing pebbles of varied composition (Aptian Marizal Formation). Systematic analysis of stratigraphic and spatial variation in palaeocurrents and composition of pebbles and cobbles from both units, integrated with the recognition of fluvial and alluvial fan deposits distribution, revealed an abrupt decrease in maturity during the passage from the São Sebastião Formation to the Marizal Formation. This change is explained by exhumation of basement rocks and erosional removal of originally widespread Silurian to Jurassic sandstone and conglomerate units which were a major source of reworked vein quartz and quartzite pebbles to the São Sebastião Formation. Basin border faults activation during the deposition of the Marizal Formation caused adjacent basement uplift above the local erosional base level at the basin borders, whereas during the São Sebastião Formation deposition, the basin border fault scarps probably exposed mineralogically mature sedimentary units. The proposed model has important implications for interpreting changes in sediment maturity in rift basin successions, as similar results are expected where activation of basin border faults occurs after the erosional removal of older sedimentary or volcanic units that controlled syn‐rift successions composition.     

Volumetric contraction during the compaction of mudrocks: a mechanism for the development of regional-scale polygonal fault systems

This paper describes the geometry and strain characteristics of a complex system of small extensional faults affecting Lower Tertiary mudrock-dominated successions throughout the central North Sea Basin. Structural mapping using three-dimensional seismic data shows that the fault trace geometry is polygonal. The shallow origin of the faults is confirmed by the recognition of growth sequences developed in their hangingwalls. Line balancing techniques were used to measure the extensional strain in two survey areas. This was found to be radially isotropic in the map plane. Extension in any line of section was found to vary from 6 to 19%. Since the deformation is clearly layer-bound and there is no evidence for displacement transfer to basement structures, it is argued that the only explanation for this apparent extension is by layer-parallel volumetric contraction. This is believed to occur in response to fluid expulsion from the mudrocks during early compaction. The conditions for failure may be achieved through increased pore fluid pressure or through tensile stresses generated as a result of pore fluid loss, or a combination of these two processes. Far-field tectonic stresses are not considered to be responsible for the formation of this fault system.     

Anticosti foreland basin offshore of western Newfoundland: Concealed record of northern Appalachian orogen development

The Anticosti Basin, largely hidden beneath the Gulf of St. Lawrence, includes foreland basin successions that record multiple tectonic events associated with the Ordovician to Devonian evolution of the northern Appalachian orogen. Due to the lack of well ties and minimal onshore exposure, geophysical data must be used in mapping the offshore stratigraphy. Outcropping geologic boundaries are tied to magnetic lineaments that parallel stratigraphy. These lineaments are correlated with reflections on seismic profiles in order to interpret the subsurface. Seismic isochron maps for successive basin development episodes display differences in geometry, implying that orogenic loading varied through time. The geometry and subsidence rates recorded by the Middle Ordovician Goose Tickle Group imply that it formed in a pro-arc setting associated with loading during arc-continent collision that was most intense in the northern Newfoundland Appalachians. The geometry and subsidence recorded by the overlying Long Point Group imply pro-arc loading by Taconian allochthons in the Québec segment of the orogen. Diachronous subduction polarity reversal along the margin placed the Long Point Group in a combined retro-arc and pro-arc setting, comparable to that experienced by parts of the north Australian margin at the present day. The uppermost Silurian to Lower Devonian Clam Bank Formation and Lower Devonian Red Island Road Formation represent foreland basin successions associated with the later Salinian and Acadian orogenies. Their consistent thickness implies a broad, shallow basin, suggesting that the lithosphere was cooler and stronger than during earlier subsidence, and are consistent with a retro-arc setting.     

Tidal amplification and along‐strike process variability in a mixed‐energy paralic system prograding onto a low accommodation shelf,Edgeøya,Svalbard

The study describes the depositional development and sediment partitioning in a prograding paralic Triassic succession. The deposits are associated with the advance of large prism‐scale clinoforms across a shallower platform area. Approaching the platform, the limited accommodation and associated relative higher rates of deposition generated straighter clinoforms with lower foreset angles. The vertical restriction across the platform is interpreted to have amplified the tidal signature. Sediment was redistributed from the coast into increasingly sandy delta‐front deposits, compared to offshore equivalents. The deposits comprise extensive compound dune fields of amalgamated and increasingly clean sandbodies up‐section. Rapid deposition of significant amounts of sand led to differential subsidence and growth‐faulting in the delta front, with downthrown fault blocks further amplifying the tidal energy through funnelling. A mixed‐energy environment created along‐strike variability along the delta front with sedimentation governing process‐regime. Areas of lower sedimentation were reworked by wave and storm‐action, whereas high sedimentation rates preserved fluvially dominated mouth bars. A major transgression, however, favoured tidally dominated deposits also in these areas, attributed to increasing rugosity of the coastline. Formation of an extensive subaqueous platform between the coast and delta front dampened incoming wave energy, and tidally dominated deposits dominate the near‐shore successions. Meanwhile formation of wave‐built sand‐bars atop the platform attest to continued wave influence. The strong tidal regime led to the development of a heterolithic near‐shore tidally dominated channel system, and sandier fluvial channels up‐river. The highly meandering tidal channels incising the subaqueous platform form kilometre wide successions of inclined heterolithic stratification. The fluvially dominated channels which govern deposition on the delta plain are narrower and slightly less deep, straighter, generally symmetric and filled with cleaner sands. This study provides important insight into tidal amplification and sand redistribution during shallowing on a wide shelf, along with along‐strike process‐regime variability resulting from variations in sediment influx.     

Geology and regional significance of the Sarnoo Hills,eastern rift margin of the Barmer Basin,NW India

The Barmer Basin is a poorly understood rift basin in Rajasthan, northwest India. Exposures in the Sarnoo Hills, situated along the central eastern rift margin of the Barmer Basin, reveal a sedimentary succession that accumulated prior to the main Barmer Basin rift event, and a rift‐oblique fault network that displays unusual geometries and characteristics. Here, we present a comprehensive study of Lower Cretaceous sedimentology on the basin margin, along with a detailed investigation of rift‐oblique faults that are exposed nowhere else in the region and provide critical insights into Barmer Basin evolution. Lower Cretaceous sediments were deposited within a rapidly subsiding alluvial plain fluvial system. Subsequent to deposition, the evolving Sarnoo Hills fault network was affected by structural inheritance during an early, previously unrecognised, rift‐oblique extensional event attributed to transtension between India and Madagascar, and formed a juvenile fault network within the immediate rift‐margin footwall. Ghaggar‐Hakra Formation deposition may have been triggered by early rifting which tectonically destabilised the Marwar Craton prior to the main northeast–southwest Barmer Basin rift event. The identification of early rifting in the Barmer Basin demonstrates that regional extension and the associated rift systems were established throughout northwest India prior to the main phase of Deccan eruptions. Inheritance of early oblique fault systems within the evolving Barmer Basin provides a robust explanation for poorly understood structural complications interpreted in the subsurface throughout the rift. Critically, the presence of syn‐rift sedimentary successions within older oblique rift systems obscured beneath the present‐day Barmer Basin has significant implications for hydrocarbon exploration.     

Chemostratigraphic correlation of carbonate successions in the Gariep and Saldania Belts, Namibia and South Africa

ABSTRACT Inter‐ and intrabasinal correlation of Neoproterozoic carbonate successions and associated glaciogenic deposits from the Pan‐African Gariep Belt and the Kango inlier in the Saldania Belt (Namibia and South Africa) is proposed on the basis of new δ¹³C_Carb and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_I data. Highly positive δ¹³C_Carb values (as much as + 8.65‰) and low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_I ratios (0.7071–0.7077) were obtained on carbonate successions of the Hilda Subgroup between an older and a younger diamictite in the Port Nolloth Group (Gariep Belt). These results are in agreement with data elsewhere that suggest deposition between the global ～ 750 Ma Sturtian and ～ 580 Ma Marinoan glaciations. Considerably lower, positive δ¹³C_Carb values (up to + 1.01‰) and higher ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_I ratios (0.7082–0.7085) mark the carbonates (Bloeddrif Member, Holgat Formation) on top of the Numees Formation diamictite and support a correlation of this diamictite with the Marinoan glaciation. In the southern extension of the Gariep Belt, correlation of the Widouw Formation limestone (Gifberg Group) with the Bloeddrif Member carbonates is proposed based on similar isotopic characteristics. In the Kango inlier of the Saldania Belt, two carbonate‐bearing members exist in the Matjies River Formation. The lower one of these two (Nooitgedacht Member) compares well with the Hilda Subgroup, whereas the upper one (Kombuis Member) shows strong similarities to the Bloeddrif Member carbonates. This implies that all younger stratigraphic units of the Kango inlier are not correlatives of the Port Nolloth Group, as previously assumed, but syn‐ to post‐orogenic with respect to the 540–580 Ma Pan‐African orogeny.     

喀斯特高原不同植被演替阶段土壤动物群落特征

选择贵州喀斯特高原三个典型地貌单元作为研究区,于2009-05对不同植被演替阶段的土壤动物群落进行研究.共获土壤动物3 992只,隶属于5门10纲26目,共31个类群,优势类群为弹尾目(Collembola)、甲螨亚目(Oribatida)、中气门亚目(Mesostigmata);常见类群为前气门亚目(Prostigmata)、膜翅目(Hymenoptera)、鞘翅目(Coleoptera)、半翅目(Hemiptera )、近孔寡毛目(Plesiopora)、双翅目(Diptera)、双尾目(Diplura).研究结果表明,随着喀斯特植被的不断退化,土壤动物数量不断减少,表现为林地＞灌丛＞草地＞石漠化地;类群数亦呈减少趋势.各演替阶段土壤动物表聚性明显,但人为干扰(如翻耕等)可导致土壤动物出现逆分布现象.土壤动物多样性分析表明,中小型土壤动物的多样性指数从林地到石漠化地逐渐减小.     

The genesis of mud volcano conduits through thick evaporite sequences

This study documents the seismic expression of the conduits underlying over 350 mud volcanoes that were erupted in an area of the western Nile Cone in the past 5.3 Myr. The study is based on a c. 4300 km² 3D seismic survey. The conduits are interpreted to transect the >1000‐m‐thick Messinian Evaporite succession, demonstrating that the eruptive process is sufficiently dynamic to breach the formidable seal represented by the evaporites. The mud volcano conduits are remarkably similar in geometry and seismic characteristics to many previously described examples of fluid escape pipes. They are vertical to subvertical structures with a crudely cylindrical geometry, but that can either widen or narrow upwards towards their upper terminations in the mud volcano edifices. Imaging at depth within the Messinian Evaporites and pre‐evaporite successions is more uncertain, but direct sampling of mud from surface volcanoes suggests a pre‐Messinian source, confirming the seismic interpretation that they root within presalt stratigraphy. A conceptual model for the genesis of these mud volcano conduits through salt is proposed, for which hydraulic fracturing is driven by high overpressures that developed in the presalt source stratigraphy as a response to the Messinian Salinity Crisis. Dissolution and removal of evaporites resulting in fracturing and collapse via a stoping mechanism is a slow process by comparison to hydraulic fracturing but is argued to potentially contribute to conduit formation. The analysis presented here demonstrates the potential for bypassing a >1‐km‐thick unit of sealing evaporites via focused fluid and sediment mobilisation from deeper overpressured cells in other salt basins worldwide, and has significant implications for hydrocarbon exploration, CO₂ sequestration and nuclear waste disposal.     

A Comparison of Sediment Varves (1950–2003 AD) in Two Adjacent Lakes in Northern Sweden

Koltjärnen and Nylandssjön are two closely situated lakes (<2 km apart) in northern Sweden. During the past century, distinct varved sediments have formed in these lakes. Nylandssjön has two varved, deep basins. Since lake and catchment characteristics superficially appear very similar for the two lakes and they are exposed to the same climate, one would expect the sediment varves to be similar. This investigation compares the varves in the two deep basins of Nylandssjön, and in the two lakes. The comparison of basins of Nylandssjön shows that varve thickness, water content and annual accumulation rates of organic matter and nitrogen are correlated for the period (1970–2003). The grey-scale curves are only clearly similar in about 50% of the varves. In the between-lake comparison varve thickness, water content and annual accumulation rates of organic matter and nitrogen are correlated for the period (1950–1996). However, the annual accumulation rates of dry mass, minerogenic matter and biogenic silica differ between the lakes, as well as within-varve successions in grey-scale. A general explanation to the differences is that the prerequisites for varve formation are not totally similar because of differences in catchment size, catchment- to-lake material fluxes, lake productivity and land-use influence. This study illustrates the complex relationships that exist between a lake, its catchment, in-lake productivity and formation of sediment varves. As a consequence, we must not apply a too simplistic view of the potential of varves as past climatic indicators, especially if the lakes are affected by land-use.     

Thermal history and exhumation of the Northern Apennines (Italy): evidence from combined apatite fission track and vitrinite reflectance data from foreland basin sediments

ABSTRACT Apatite fission track ages of 20 samples collected from turbidite successions deposited in foreland basins adjacent to the Northern Apennines range between ∼3 and ∼10 Ma. The youngest fission track ages are concentrated in a NW–SE elongated belt, which approximately runs through the centre of the study area, while gradually increasing ages are distributed towards the south-western and north-eastern borders. Integration of apatite fission track data and published vitrinite reflectance values indicate this region of the Apennines experienced continuous but variable exhumation starting from ∼14 Ma. The extent of exhumation and uplift range between 5 and 6 km at the south-western and north-eastern borders of the study area, and ∼7 km in the central part. Exhumation was driven mainly by erosion, with minor faulting in response to structural readjustment related to differential exhumation. Regional exhumation and erosion are interpreted as the result of isostatic rebound following crustal thickening in the lower part of the orogen.     

近30年苏北滨海滩涂湿地演变特征与空间格局

苏北滨海滩涂湿地位于现代长江口与废黄河口之间,是最典型的淤泥质平原海岸,其演变特征及空间格局具有鲜明的特征。本文选用1980年、1992年、2008年的TM 和ALOS影像为主要数据源,构建了基于空间分割和转移矩阵分析模型,研究了近30年来苏北滨海滩涂湿地的演变特征及其空间格局。结果表明： ①苏北滨海滩涂发生了巨大变化,近30年间滩涂总面积减少了1273.11 km²,平均每年减少45.47 km²;滩涂湿地侵蚀/淤积面积约965.14 km²,0 m等深线冲刷后退减少的面积约为307.97 km²。②苏北滨海滩涂湿地区域差异性明显。南北方向上可划分为6个自然地理单元,东西方向上可划分为3个区域。③苏北滨海滩涂湿地演变中,湿地转型、湿地丧失和湿地演替分别占总面积的38.39%、14.80%、20.51%;其中天然湿地减少354.1 km²,人工湿地增加1061.45 km²,非湿地增加253.09 km²。④滩涂湿地主要植被群落演替特征和空间分布也呈现出差异性。湿地演替主要发生在净变区,与对应岸段的海岸侵蚀/淤积类型基本吻合。     

Rehabilitation of steppe pastures of Khakassia

We consider the current tendencies in the agricultural production of Siberia's steppe regions and the processes that are responsible for the current state and future utilization of pastures. It is shown that the ongoing reduction in livestock population, combined with a decrease in sown areas, has led to an increase in natural meadowlands, and to a widespread occurrence of post-pasture demutational successions. We outline the digression and demutation stages of steppe and sandy-steppe pastures and identify the features of their similarity and difference associated with resistance to grazing pressure. It is shown that overgrazing and underutilization decrease their natural potential. We have defined the degradation and desertification criteria for pastures, and the priorities of their utilization.     

The synthetic seismic expression of the Messinian salinity crisis from onshore records: Implications for shallow‐ to deep‐water correlations

The onshore–offshore correlation of sedimentary successions is a common problem in basin analysis, but it becomes critical for the full understanding of the Messinian salinity crisis (MSC), a complex array of palaeoenvironmental events which affected the Mediterranean basin at the end of the Miocene. The outcrop records show that the Messinian stratigraphic architectures may be highly complex as the deposits of the different MSC evolutionary stages can be lithologically similar and separated by erosional surfaces and/or morphostructural highs. The correct definition of the nature and stratigraphic position of Messinian deposits in offshore areas through seismic data may be almost impossible, especially where core data are sparse. To bridge the gap between onshore and offshore records, we have built synthetic seismic sections from well‐constrained outcrop successions. Our results provide useful insights and warnings for the interpretation of offshore data, pointing out that MSC units having different age, nature and depositional settings, may show similar seismic facies and geometries. Conversely, the same deposit may result in different seismic facies, either with parallel and high‐amplitude reflections or even transparent or chaotic due to interference patterns of seismic reflections related to dominant frequency. It follows that a correct interpretation of the nature and age of deep‐seated Messinian deposits can only be obtained through the integration of seismic and core data, and considering the onshore record. The application of our approach to the Balearic Promontory results in an alternative interpretation with respect to previous models. We show that this offshore area has good analogues in the onshore of the Betic Cordillera and includes both shallow and intermediate depth sub‐basins that underwent a strong post‐Messinian subsidence.     

Copper content and its distribution in soils of Tibet

The copper (Cu) content in 205 soil samples (0-20 cm) of Tibet, covering 5 soil classes, were analyzed. The results showed as follows: (1) the average content of Cu was 19.6 mg kg-1 (CV=49.28%); (2) the content of Cu in Tibetan soils was lower than the average level of China; (3) the content of Cu gradually decreased from the southeast to the northwest which was consistent with the direction of changes in the zonal successions of soil in Tibet; (4) Cu contents in Tibetan soils varied with soil properties, particularly soil parent materials that Cu contents were remarkably enriched in soils derived from shale materials.     

High to low velocity succession in the upper crust related to tectonic emplacement: Tras os Montes-Galicia (Iberia), Brittany and Limousin (France)

Summary. Seismic probing of the upper crust in a catazonal massif in Tras os Montes, Hercynian Iberia, demonstrates the absence of a root towards the lower crust and favours a mechanism of thrust and nappe emplacement. Similar high to low velocity successions in the upper crust are evidenced in particular segments of the Hercynian domain of France. All these occurrences are related to a type region to which a particular meaning has been given in a recent plate tectonics interpretation of the Hercynian orogenesis. This model, implying large-scale nappe displacement and intracrustal thrusts furnishes in turn a general mechanism for the tectonic formation of upper crustal high and low velocity layers of limited extent in orogenic cycles.