Finite-element modelling of pull-apart basin formation

We present the results of a finite-element modelling study of pull-apart basin formation related to left-stepping left lateral strike-slip faults. The modelling quantifies the relationship between fault geometry (i.e., fault overlap and separation) and pull-apart basin formation. Two depocentres (subbasins) separated by a broad zone of relative uplift in between may develop if the strike-slip domain is characterized by fault underlap. For overlapping faults migration of the subbasins is predicted by the models. Deep subbasins in a large area of subsidence which spans the entire inner fault zone may form if fault overlap is about three times the fault separation.

The models suggest that a topographic asymmetry within the fault zone may arise due to a different displacement ratio of the strike-slip faults. The modelling results show that this asymmetry in topography becomes more pronounced towards the more active fault. Thus, basin deepening occurs progressively towards the fault characterized by the largest amount of lateral displacement. Moreover, the results indicate that the smaller the fault separation (less than basin length) the less pronounced the topographic asymmetry.

The models provide quantitative estimates for the effects of changes in elastic material properties, the magnitude of the compressive far-field stress and the coefficient of friction of the faults on the resulting topography.

Comparison of the modelling results with field observations from the Cerro Blanco-El Barranquete (CBB) subbasin located in the Internal Zone of the Betic Cordillera, southeastern Spain support an interpretation in which the interplay of major faults has formed the CBB subbasin.     

Age constraints on faulting and fault reactivation: a multi-chronological approach

Movement within the Earth’s upper crust is commonly accommodated by faults or shear zones, ranging in scale from micro-displacements to regional tectonic lineaments. Since faults are active on different time scales and can be repeatedly reactivated, their displacement chronology is difficult to reconstruct. This study represents a multi-geochronological approach to unravel the evolution of an intracontinental fault zone locality along the Danube Fault, central Europe. At the investigated fault locality, ancient motion has produced a cataclastic deformation zone in which the cataclastic material was subjected to hydrothermal alteration and K-feldspar was almost completely replaced by illite and other phyllosilicates. Five different geochronological techniques (zircon Pb-evaporation, K–Ar and Rb–Sr illite, apatite fission track and fluorite (U-Th)/He) have been applied to explore the temporal fault activity. The upper time limit for initiation of faulting is constrained by the crystallization age of the primary rock type (known as “Kristallgranit”) at 325 ± 7 Ma, whereas the K–Ar and Rb–Sr ages of two illite fractions <2 μm (266–255 Ma) are interpreted to date fluid infiltration events during the final stage of the cataclastic deformation period. During this time, the “Kristallgranit” was already at or near the Earth’s surface as indicated by the sedimentary record and thermal modelling results of apatite fission track data. (U–Th)/He thermochronology of two single fluorite grains from a fluorite–quartz vein within the fault zone yield Cretaceous ages that clearly postdate their Late-Variscan mineralization age. We propose that later reactivation of the fault caused loss of helium in the fluorites. This assertion is supported by geological evidence, i.e. offsets of Jurassic and Cretaceous sediments along the fault and apatite fission track thermal modelling results are consistent with the prevalence of elevated temperatures (50–80°C) in the fault zone during the Cretaceous.     

Structural evolution of the Rides Prerifaines (Morocco): structural and seismic interpretation and analogue modelling experiments

The Rides Prerifaines (RP) of Morocco constitute the leading edge of the Rif chain. They involve a Triassic–Palaeocene succession deposited on a peneplained Palaeozoic fold belt and accumulated in basins delimited by NE–SW-trending normal fault systems. A significant hiatus separates an overlying Middle Miocene–Upper Miocene foredeep sequence. The reconstruction of the complex structural evolution of the RP during the later compressive phases that affected the Rif chain since Middle Miocene time has been the aim of this paper. We integrated field structural analyses, seismic line interpretation, and analogue modelling in order to evaluate the control exerted by the Late Triassic–Jurassic normal fault systems onto the later compressive tectonics. The maximum compression direction associated with the first compressive phase is roughly NE–SW to ENE–WSW oriented. During this phase the Mesozoic basin fill was scooped-out from the graben and the main décollement level were the Triassic evaporites. Since Pliocene times the maximum compression direction was oriented roughly N–S. During this phase the RP assumed their present structural setting. The earlier normal faults delimiting the Mesozoic graben were reactivated in a strike–slip mode also involving the Palaeozoic basement. The analogue modelling experiments demonstrated that the basement reactivation promoted salt tectonics and favoured fluid circulation.     

Physically based modelling of shallow landslide sediment yield at a catchment scale

 A shallow landslide erosion and sediment yield component, applicable at the basin scale, has been incorporated into the physically based, spatially distributed, hydrological and sediment transport modelling system, SHETRAN. The component determines when and where landslides occur in a basin in response to time-varying rainfall and snowmelt, the volume of material eroded and released for onward transport, and the impact on basin sediment yield. Derived relationships are used to link the SHETRAN grid resolution (up to 1 km), at which the basin hydrology and final sediment yield is modelled, to a subgrid resolution (typically around 10–100 m) at which landslide occurrence and erosion is modelled. The subgrid discretization, landslide susceptibility and potential landslide impact are determined in advance using a geographic information system (GIS), with SHETRAN then providing information on temporal variation in the factors controlling landsliding. The ability to simulate landslide sediment yield is demonstrated by a hypothetical application based on a catchment in Scotland. Received: 30 October 1996 · Accepted: 25 June 1997     

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).     

Miocene tectonics of the Maramures area (Northern Romania): implications for the Mid-Hungarian fault zone

The interplay between the emplacement of crustal blocks (e.g. “ALCAPA”, “Tisza”, “Dacia”) and subduction retreat is a key issue for understanding the Miocene tectonic history of the Carpathians. Coeval thrusting and basin formation is linked by transfer zones, such as the Mid-Hungarian fault zone, which seperates ALCAPA from Tisza-Dacia. The presented study provides new kinematic data from this transfer zone. Early Burdigalian (20.5 to ∼18.5 Ma) SE-directed thrusting of the easternmost tip of ALCAPA (Pienides), over Tisza-Dacia is linked to movements along the Mid-Hungarian fault zone and the Periadriatic line, accommodating the lateral extrusion of ALCAPA. Minor Late Burdigalian (∼18.5 to 16 Ma) NE-SW extension is interpreted as related to back-arc extension. Post Burdigalian (post-16 Ma) NE–SW shortening and NW–SE extension correlate with “soft collision” of Tisza-Dacia with the European foreland coupled with southward migration of active subduction. During this stage the Bogdan-Voda and Dragos-Voda faults were kinematically linked to the Mid-Hungarian fault zone. Sinistral transpression (16 to 12 Ma) at the Bogdan-Voda fault was followed by sinistral transtension (12–10 Ma) along the coupled Bogdan-Dragos-Voda fault system. During the transtensional stage left-lateral offset was reduced eastwards by SW trending normal faults, the fault system finally terminating in an extensional horse-tail splay.     

Basin modelling of gas migration and accumulation in volcanic reservoirs in the Xujiaweizi Fault-depression,Songliao Basin

The Xujiaweizi Fault-depression of Songliao Basin has developed typical and widespread volcanic gas reservoirs. We studied the formation process of volcanic gas reservoirs by using basin modelling software and evaluated the influence of volcanic porosity, the 3D spatial and temporal field of the thermal history, and the 3D fault patterns on the basin modelling results. The 1D basin modelling results indicate that hydrocarbon generation of deep layer source rocks has a relay characteristic in time (128–0 Ma) and space (sag and slope zone) in the Xujiaweizi Fault-depression. The 2D basin modelling results show that (i) the distribution of volcanic reservoirs was controlled by the volcanic apparatus, (ii) gas source faults facilitated the vertical migration of natural gas, and (iii) the development of volcanic porosity controlled the lateral migration and accumulation of natural gas in the carrier bed. The 3D basin modelling results demonstrate that JHM, JHC, KSHC, and KSHM (source rocks) started hydrocarbon generation during the late deposition of the Denglouku Formation (113 Ma), the main hydrocarbon expulsion period was during the deposition of the late Quantou Formation (100 Ma), when the largest volcanic gas reservoir was formed; and from 84 Ma to the present (0 Ma), the area of the volcanic gas reservoir has decreased gradually. The insight gained from the basin modelling results of the volcanic gas-bearing system of the Xujiaweizi Fault-depression is that volcanic porosity, the 3D spatial and temporal field of the thermal history, and the 3D fault patterns have important influences on gas reservoir formation history and accumulation location. We are the first to establish different patterns for relations between different volcanic lithofacies porosity and burial depth, and we expect to provide a reference for basin model of other volcanic oil- and gas-bearing systems.     

A Discontinuous Approach to the Numerical Modelling of Rock Avalanches

Summary. The runout of dry rock avalanches produced by planar rockslides affecting a limestone formation with clayey interbeds is analysed by means of distinct element modelling. Potential and past rock avalanche events are described with reference to the geotechnical and structural conditions of the slope, typical of several Alpine valleys. Runout prediction analyses of potential rock avalanches performed with the PFC^2D code are based on independent measurement of strength, energy dissipation and stiffness parameters of the rock mass and are validated by means of the back analysis of a historical rockslide occurred in the investigated area. Physical aspects of the avalanching process evidenced by modelling are also discussed. Author’s address: Paolo Tommasi, CNR – Institute for Geo-Engineering and Environmental Geology, c/o Facoltá di Ingegneria, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy     

Post-collisional rapid exhumation and erosion during continental sedimentation: the example of the late Variscan Salvan-Dorénaz basin (Western Alps)

The Salvan-Dorénaz intramontane basin formed between ca. 308–293 Ma as an asymmetric graben along crustal-scale transtensional fracture zones within the Aiguilles-Rouges crystalline massif (Western Alps) and represents a feature of the post-collisional evolution of the Variscan orogens. It contains 1.5–1.7 km of continental clastic deposits which were eroded from granitic, volcanic, and metamorphic rocks. Textural and compositional immaturity of the sandstones, and the numerous lithic fragments with low chemical and physical stability suggest only short-range transport. ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar analyses of detrital muscovite are interpreted to represent cooling of the crystalline basement below the respective closure temperatures. Ages from detrital muscovite range between ca. 280–330 Ma. ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar white mica plateau ages from granitic boulders range between 301–312 Ma and suggest rapid cooling. The very short time interval recorded between the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar cooling ages and the stratigraphic age of the host sediment suggests that considerable portions of the upper crust were removed prior to the formation of the basin. Late Variscan granitic boulders document surface exposure and erosion of Late Carboniferous granites during early stages of the infilling of the basin. Therefore, unroofing of basement units, magmatic activity, and formation of the fault bounded Salvan-Dorénaz basin were acting concomitantly, and are highly suggestive of extensional tectonics. When compared with other orogens, this situation seems specific to the Variscan, especially the exclusively young ages of detrital material, however, modern analogous may exist.Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available for this article if you access the article at . A link in the frame on the left on that page takes you directly to the supplementary material.     

断层崩积楔单片再生法光释光测年:以山西忻定盆地西田探槽为例

为了研究断层崩积楔各部位沉积物光释光信号晒退情况及崩积楔形成年龄,利用中颗粒石英(63~90μm)单片再生法(SAR)对山西忻定盆地西田探槽断层崩积楔3个部位的4个样品进行光释光(OSL)定年。选择一代表性样品(08-OSL-22)进行等效剂量(DE)、LN/TN、循环比率、回授率与预热温度的关系分析,结果表明预热温度260℃、预热时间10 s为样品最佳预热条件。4个样品的测片循环比率基本在0.9~1.1之间,回授率均小于5%,表明所采用的中颗粒SAR法流程可以很好地校正测量过程中产生的释光感量变化,其等效剂量可信。利用等效剂量分布直方图和累积频率图,发现古地形面和坡积物的样品晒退均匀,崩积层样品则较差。对于晒退较差的样品利用累积频率法得到其等效剂量,从而得到崩积楔的近似年龄。最后获得该期崩积楔的形成年龄为(27.09±0.71)ka。     

Postcumulus processes in oceanic-type olivine-rich cumulates: the role of trapped melt crystallization versus melt/rock interaction

Combined microstructural and geochemical investigations on MORB-type primitive olivine-rich cumulates intruded in the Erro–Tobbio (ET) mantle peridotites (Voltri Massif, Ligurian Alps, Italy) revealed that significant chemical changes in minerals were caused by postcumulus crystallization. This is indicated by the occurrence of accessory interstitial minerals (Ti-pargasite, orthopyroxene and Fe–Ti oxides) and by systematic chemical zoning in intercumulus clinopyroxene, resulting in marked trace element (e.g. REE, Ti and Zr) enrichment at constant high Mg-numbers (0.88–0.91) and LREE depletion. Geochemical modelling shows that low trapped melt amounts (<5%) are sufficient to produce the observed trace element enrichments. Chemical zoning in large (mm-size) clinopyroxenes was dominantly caused by in situ fractional crystallization of trapped interstitial liquid rather then porous flow migration of externally derived evolved melts. Zr enrichment relative to REEs in vermicular clinopyroxene and pargasitic amphibole point to small-scale migration and interaction between residual evolved low melt fractions and the olivine cumulus matrix at final stage of crystallization. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

The role of the Najd Fault System in the tectonic evolution of the Hammamat molasse sediments,Eastern Desert,Egypt

The Hammamat molasse sediments of the Eastern Desert of Egypt were deposited in isolated basins formed during an initial stage of orogen parallel N–S extension (650–580 Ma) in the Neoproterozoic time. Supply of sediments to the molasse basins began after the eruption of Dokhan volcanics (602–593 Ma), exhumation of core complexes (650–550 Ma), and intrusion of late tectonic granites (610–550 Ma). The late Neoproterozoic structures in the molasse sediments include: (1) NNW-directed thrusts due to NNW–SSE shortening (650–640 Ma), indicated by the presence of NE-, ENE-, and WSW-trending folds and NNW-directed thrusts. (2) SW- and NE-directed thrusts due to ENE–WSW constriction during oblique convergence and arc accretion at around 640–620 Ma. Many of the map- and mesoscopic-scale NW-trending folds in the core complexes, the molasse sediments, and the Neoproterozoic nappes in the Eastern Desert are related to this event. Sinistral shearing along the Najd Fault System (650–540 Ma) resulted in the development of subvertical foliation, subhorizontal stretching lineation, and NW-trending tight folds overprinting earlier folds. Stretched pebbles are oriented NW–SE and WNW–ESE in the molasse basins localized within the Najd Fault System, and NE–SW in the basins outside the influence zone of this NW-trending fault system. Strain estimated using pebbles from nine molasse basins indicate that the amount of strain differs from one basin to another and from one place to another within the same basin. Weak tectonic strain (Rs = 2.16–2.24) is obtained from post-orogenic basins; moderate strains are reported from foreland basins (Rs = 2.37–3.18), whereas moderate to high tectonic strains are recorded from the intermontane basins (Rs = 2.40–4.36). The obtained tectonic strain and K values indicate that the flattening strain prevails in the post-orogenic and foreland basins, whereas as both constrictional and flattening strains are recorded in intermontane basins. Strain variation from one basin to another and within the individual basin is attributed to presence of thrust and sinistral shear zones. Away from the deformed zones, the pebbles show no significant stretching. Two phases of thrusting and an episode of transpressional sinistral shearing are the latest structure features of the East African orogeny in the Arabian–Nubian Shield.     

Finger prints of the formation of geothermal springs on the granitoids: Beypazarı–Ankara, Turkey

The Beypazarı granitoid in central Anatolia was emplaced during the Late Cretaceous and it is partly covered with Early Miocene–Quaternary sedimentary and volcanic units. Compression and tension regimes of the Beypazarı granitoid emplacing along the Sakarya River were evaluated considering the kinematical characteristics of discontinuities on granitoids, petrographic/geochemical works, formation of geothermal spring and irregularities in topographic structure. It was determined that the Beypazarı granitoid was witnessed with NE–SW compressional stress and NW–SE extensional stress which resulted in the formation of the Kapullu normal fault with N55–72°E, 78°SE crossing the Kapullu spring site. There are also several other probable normal faults around this fault in the Sakarya River basin. The results of the geochemical studies reveal that SiO₂, Na₂O, Al₂O_3, CaO and K₂O as a major oxide and As, Rb, Sr, Th and U as trace elements are decreased away from the Kapullu bath spring. On the other hand, the ratio of Fe₂O₃ and MgO as major oxide and Y as a trace element with the lost on ignition (LOI) are increased away from the Kapullu fault. Regard as the regional plate tectonism, there is a consistency between the direction of compression in the Beypazarı granitoid and that developed by the southwesterly movement of the Anatolian plate.     

Stress and strain during fault-controlled lithospheric extension—insights from numerical experiments

Two-dimensional finite element techniques are used to study the temporal evolution and spatial distribution of stress and strain during lithospheric extension. The thermomechanical model includes a pre-existing fault in the upper crust to account for the reactivation of older tectonic elements. The fault is described using contact elements which allow for independent meshing of hanging wall and foot wall as well as simulation of large differential displacements between the fault blocks. Numerical models are run for three different initial temperature distributions representing extension of weak, moderately strong and strong lithosphere and three different extension velocities. In spite of the simple geodynamic boundary conditions selected, i.e., wholesale extension at a constant rate, stress and strain vary substantially throughout the lithosphere. In particular, in case of the weak lithosphere model, lower crustal flow towards the locus of maximum upper crustal extension results in the formation of a lower crustal dome while maintaining a subhorizontal Moho relief. The core of the dome experiences hardly any internal deformation, although it is the part of the lower crust which is exhumed the most. Stress fields in the lower crustal dome vary significantly from the regional trend underlining mechanical decoupling of the lower crust from the rest of the lithosphere. These differences diminish if cooler temperatures and, hence, stronger rheologies are considered. Lithospheric strength also exerts a profound control on the basin architecture and the surface expressions of extension, i.e., rift flank uplift and basin subsidence. If the lower crust is sufficiently weak, its flow towards the region of extended upper crust can provide a threshold value for the maximum subsidence which can be achieved during the syn-rift stage. In spite of continuous regional extension, corresponding burial history plots show exponentially decreasing subsidence rates which would traditionally be interpreted in terms of lithospheric cooling during the post-rift stage. The models provide templates to genetically link the surface and sub-surface expressions of lithospheric extension, for which usually no contemporaneous observations are possible. In particular, they help to decipher the information on the physical state of the lithosphere at the time of extension which is stored in the architecture and subsidence record of sedimentary basins.     

Geostatistical analysis of spatiotemporal variability of groundwater level fluctuations in Amman–Zarqa basin,Jordan: a case study

The main objective of this study was to assess the spatial and temporal variability of groundwater level fluctuations in the Amman–Zarqa basin, during the period 2001–2005. In the year 2003, as a consequence of war, there was a sudden increase in the population in this basin. Knowing that the basin is already heavily populated and witnesses most of the human and industrial activities in Jordan, this study was prompted to help make wise water resources management decisions to cope with the new situation. Data from 31 fairly distributed wells in the upper aquifer of the basin were subjected to geostatistical treatment. Kriging interpolation techniques have indicated that the groundwater flow directions remained almost constant over the years. The two main directions are SW–NE and E–W. Kriging mapped fluctuations have also showed that drop and rise events are localized in the basin. Forecasting possibilities for management purposes were tackled using autocorrelation analysis. The constructed autocorrelograms indicated, in general, the temporal dependence of seasonal water level fluctuations, and that forecasting can be carried out within a period of 3–21 months. Several suggestions were made to mitigate the drop and rise hazards in the detected sites.     

A new interpretation of Stephanian deformation in the Decazeville basin (Massif Central, France): consequences on late Variscan tectonism

Five stages of faulting were observed in and around the Stephanian Decazeville basin, in the SW French Massif Central, at the southern edge of the Sillon houiller fault. The older stage ends during middle Stephanian time, and corresponds to a strike-slip regime with N–S shortening and E–W extension. Before the end of the middle Stephanian, three other stages were recorded: two strike-slip regimes with NW–SE, then E–W compression and NE–SW, then N–S extension; and finally a NNE–SSW extensional regime during the main subsidence of the basin from the end of the middle Stephanian to late Stephanian. Based on mining documents, a new interpretation of the N–S striking folds of the Decazeville basin is proposed. Folding may not be associated with E–W compression but with diapirism of coal seams along syn-sedimentary normal faults during the extensional phase. A last strike-slip regime with N–S compression and E–W extension may be related to Cainozoic Pyrenean orogeny. At a regional scale, it is suggested that from the end of the middle Stephanian to the late Stephanian, the main faults in the Decazeville basin may represent a horsetail splay structure at the southern termination of the Sillon houiller fault.     

Cenozoic granitoids in the Dinarides of southern Serbia: age of intrusion,isotope geochemistry,exhumation history and significance for the geodynamic evolution of the Balkan Peninsula

Two age groups were determined for the Cenozoic granitoids in the Dinarides of southern Serbia by high-precision single grain U–Pb dating of thermally annealed and chemically abraded zircons: (1) Oligocene ages (Kopaonik, Drenje, Željin) ranging from 31.7 to 30.6 Ma (2) Miocene ages (Golija and Polumir) at 20.58–20.17 and 18.06–17.74 Ma, respectively. Apatite fission-track central ages, modelling combined with zircon central ages and additionally, local structural observations constrain the subsequent exhumation history of the magmatic rocks. They indicate rapid cooling from above 300°C to ca. 80°C between 16 and 10 Ma for both age groups, induced by extensional exhumation of the plutons located in the footwall of core complexes. Hence, Miocene magmatism and core-complex formation not only affected the Pannonian basin but also a part of the mountainous areas of the internal Dinarides. Based on an extensive set of existing age data combined with our own analyses, we propose a geodynamical model for the Balkan Peninsula: The Late Eocene to Oligocene magmatism, which affects the Adria-derived lower plate units of the internal Dinarides, was caused by delamination of the Adriatic mantle from the overlying crust, associated with post-collisional convergence that propagated outward into the external Dinarides. Miocene magmatism, on the other hand, is associated with core-complex formation along the southern margin of the Pannonian basin, probably associated with the W-directed subduction of the European lithosphere beneath the Carpathians and interfering with ongoing Dinaridic–Hellenic back-arc extension.     

Caving-induced fault reactivation behaviour and its effects on mining safety with a multiple seam context

Caving-induced fault reactivation and its effects on caving process are widely recognized as serious safety issues in mining and tunnelling industry. In this study, the effects of a variety of factors (i.e. friction coefficient, stick–slip instability, geological structure, pre-mining status, mining and its induced effects) that might exert an influence on fault dynamic behaviour of a 5-seam coal mine are investigated using practical mine-wide finite element numerical models with a normal fault. Based on the research outcomes on R-minimum-based finite element modelling of earthquake dynamics, the node-to-point contact strategy and the nonlinear friction contact law have been used here to simulate and analyse the caving-induced stick–slip frictional instability along the fault and related effects. The simulation results show that: (1) stress distribution before mining is relatively uniform around the fault for a homogenous rock material case, while stress concentration appears around the fault for the model with contrasting rock material properties; (2) the multiple-layered models are in favour of fault reactivation than models with only one material for whole strata; (3) the fault reactivation scale (i.e. dynamic relative motion and fault slip) induced by caving activity is significantly affected by rock mass strength, caving depth and its relative position to the fault. As caving progresses deeper and closer to the fault, the fault reactivation scale increases. Meanwhile, the fault in low strength strata is much more sensitive to fault slip behaviour; (4) seismic source parameters, namely seismic moment and moment magnitude, are adopted to evaluate the magnitude of caving-induced seismicity based on numerical results and fault slip risk and magnitude increase as fault reactivation scale expands; (5) during the caving stage, the failure zone initiates, develops and eventually connects the reactivated fault to the working area, presenting asymmetric failure pattern around the caving zone. The failure zone is obviously larger for the side closer to the fault than the other side due to caving-induced fault reactivation effects. This could help in better understanding fault reactivation and rock failure behaviours towards an optimised design of caving in a faulted region.

     

Seismic characteristics and kinematic models of Makkah and central Red Sea regions

Makkah and central Red Sea regions have been re-evaluated from recent earthquake data analysis. Epicenters of recent seismic activity are concentrated in three local seismic zones. These are Ad Damm fault (NE), Nu’man–Makkah–Fatima (NW), and Jeddah-Red Sea (NW) seismic zones. Moreover, an extended seismic zone along the central part of Red Sea is observed. Most of these epicenters are distributed along tectonic faults, as indicated from the subsurface structure analysis of the aeromagnetic anomaly map. Some epicenters of small magnitudes are inaccurately located. The study indicates the existence of large active structural basin south of Makkah region, which traverse Ad Damm fault zone with the Red Sea transform faults. Slip vector analyses were carried out for 50 available earthquake focal mechanisms around Makkah region. In Nu’man, Makkah, and Fatima structural zones, the slip vectors generally trend NW and NNW. However, in the southern part at the Ad Dam structure zone, the slip vector trends NE–SW. These may result from the current complicated drifting motion of Arabian plate away from African plate combined with the opening of the Red Sea rift.