Characteristics of gravity and magnetic fields and deep structural responses in the southern part of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge

The southern part of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge (KPR) is located at the conjunction of the West Philippine Basin, the Parece Vela Basin, the Palau Basin, and the Caroline Basin. This area has extremely complex structures and is critical for the research on the tectonic evolution of marginal seas in the Western Pacific Ocean. However, only few studies have been completed on the southern part, and the geophysical fields and deep structures in this part are not well understood. Given this, this study finely depicts the characteristics of the gravity and magnetic anomalies and extracts information on deep structures in the southern part of the KPR based on the gravity and magnetic data obtained from the 11th expedition of the deep-sea geological survey of the Western Pacific Ocean conducted by the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, China Geological Survey using the R/V Haiyangdizhi 6. Furthermore, with the data collected on the water depth, sediment thickness, and multichannel seismic transects as constraints, a 3D density model and Moho depths of the study area were obtained using 3D density inversion. The results are as follows. (1) The gravity and magnetic anomalies in the study area show distinct zoning and segmentation. In detail, the gravity and magnetic anomalies to the south of 11°N of the KPR transition from high-amplitude continuous linear positive anomalies into low-amplitude intermittent linear positive anomalies. In contrast, the gravity and magnetic anomalies to the north of 11°N of the KPR are discontinuous and show alternating positive and negative anomalies. These anomalies can be divided into four sections, of which the separation points correspond well to the locations of deep faults, thus, revealing different field-source attributes and tectonic genesis of the KPR. (2) The Moho depth in the basins in the study area is 6–12 km. The Moho depth in the southern part of KPR show segmentation. Specifically, the depth is 10–12 km to the north of 11°N, 12–14 km from 9.5°N to 11°N, 14–16 km from 8.5°N to 9.5°N, and 16–25 km in the Palau Islands. (3) The KPR is a remnant intra-oceanic arc with the oceanic-crust basement.which shows noticeably discontinuous from north to south in geological structure and is intersected by NEE-trending lithospheric-scale deep faults. With large and deep faults F3 and F1 (the Mindanao fault) as boundaries overall, the southern part of the KPR can be divided into three zones. In detail, the portion to the south of 8.5°N (F3) is a tectonically active zone, the KPR portion between 8.5°N and 11°N is a tectonically active transition zone, and the portion to the north of 11°N is a tectonically inactive zone. (4) The oceanic crust in the KPR is slightly thicker than that in the basins on both sides of the ridge, and it is inferred that the KPR formed from the thickening of the oceanic crust induced by the upwelling of deep magma in the process of rifting of remnant arcs during the Middle Oligocene. In addition, it is inferred that the thick oceanic crust under the Palau Islands is related to the constant upwelling of deep magma induced by the continuous northwestward subduction of the Caroline Plate toward the Palau Trench since the Late Oligocene. This study provides a scientific basis for systematically understanding the crustal attributes, deep structures, and evolution of the KPR.©2021 China Geology Editorial Office.     

New Somali Basin magnetic anomalies and a plate model for the early Indian Ocean

The oldest portions of the Indian Ocean formed via the breakup of Gondwana and the subsequent fragmentation of East Gondwana. We present a constrained plate model for this early Indian Ocean development for the time period from Gondwana Breakup until the start of the Cretaceous Normal Superchron. The motions of the East Gondwana terranes are determined using new geophysical observations in the Somali Basin and existing geophysical interpretations from other coeval Indian Ocean basins. Within the Somali Basin, recent satellite gravity data clearly resolve traces of an east–west trending extinct spreading ridge and north–south oriented fracture zones. A thorough compilation of Somali Basin ship track magnetic data allows us to interpret magnetic anomalies M24Bn through M0r about this extinct ridge. Our magnetic interpretations from the Somali Basin are similar in age, spreading rate, and spreading directions to magnetic anomalies previously interpreted in the neighboring Mozambique Basin and Riiser Larsen Sea. The similarity between the two magnetic anomaly datasets allows us to match both basin's older magnetic anomaly picks by defining a pole of rotation for a single and cohesive East Gondwana plate. However, following magnetic anomaly M15n, we find it is no longer possible to match magnetic picks from both basins and maintain plausible plate motions. In order to match the post-M15n geophysical data we are forced to model the motions of Madagascar/India and East Antarctica/Australia as independent plates. The requirement to utilize two independent plates after anomaly M15n provides strong circumstantial evidence that suggests East Gondwana breakup began around 135 Ma.     

The geotectonic characteristics and geodynamic evolution of the Red Sea Rift and its adjacent areasSCIEI北大核心CSCD

红海是地球上最年轻的大洋,其板块构造活动正处于威尔逊旋回的幼年期。红海南北两端分别连接着威尔逊旋回的胚胎期和终结期,即东非大裂谷和地中海。这一独特的地理位置和构造部位使其成为板块构造理论研究的圣地。本文通过对已有的地质、地球物理和地球化学资料进行综合分析,了解了红海地区的地形、重磁异常和沿脊的玄武岩地球化学组成等地质构造特征,探讨了红海裂谷的洋壳分布、地幔源区不均一性以及扩张演化历史等问题。红海地形中间深、南北两端浅,可以分为北、中北、中南、南等四段。重磁异常的条带主要出现在中南段,其他段不明显,因而限制了以往对红海扩张历史的认识。目前认为红海全段存在洋壳,红海两岸的沿岸悬崖是共轭扩张陆缘,呈向南开口的喇叭型扩张,而非对应红海岸线的梭子型。红海裂谷沿脊的地幔源区具有明显的不均一性,南段玄武岩显示E-MORB特征,表现为阿法尔地幔柱的影响。红海的发育经历了裂谷前火山作用(31~29Ma)、大陆张裂(29~13Ma)和洋底扩张(<13Ma)三个主要阶段。红海裂谷的形成演化与非洲大陆的裂解、阿法尔地幔柱的活动、新特提斯洋的闭合等密切相关,了解红海的地球动力学过程将为揭示区域大地构造演化以及板块运动规律提供依据。     

The role of aeromagnetic data analysis (using 3D Euler deconvolution) in delineating active subsurface structures in the west central Arabian shield and the central Red Sea,Saudi Arabia

In this paper, we present a case study of structural mapping by applying the 3D Euler method to the high-resolution aeromagnetic data that was collected in the west central Arabian Shield region and the coastal region of the central Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. We show the 3D Euler deconvolution algorithm and apply it to magnetic potential field data from the west Central Arabian Shield and the Central Red Sea. The solution obtained with 3D Euler deconvolution gives better-focused depth estimates, which are closer to the real position of sources; the results presented here can be used to constrain depth to active crustal structures (volcanisms) for the study area. The results indicated that the area was affected by sets of fault systems, which primarily trended in the NNW–SSE, NW–SE, EW, and NE–SW directions. Moreover, estimated Euler solution map from aeromagnetic data delineated also the boundaries of shallow, small, and confined magnetic bodies on the offshore section of the study area. These nearly exposed basement intrusions are most likely related to the Red Sea Rift and may be associated with structures higher up in the sedimentary section. These volcanic bodies are extended to the continental part (onshore) of the west central Arabian Shield, particularly beneath both sides of the Ad Damm fault zone. This extension verifies that the fault was largely contemporaneous with a major period during the extension of the Red Sea Basin. Moreover, according to the distribution of circular magmatic-source bodies (circular-shaped ring dikes) that resulted from this study, we can state that the clustering of most earthquakes along this fault may most likely be attributed to the active mantle upwelling (volcanic earthquakes), which are ultimately related to volcanic processes. Furthermore, the oceanic crustal structures near and in the Red Sea offshore regions were also estimated and discussed according to the ophiolite occurrences and further opening of the Red Sea. Our results are largely comparable with studies of previous crustal sections, which were performed along the Red Sea Rift and the Arabian Shield. As a result, the areas above these anomalies are highly recommended for further geothermal study. This example illustrates that high-resolution aeromagnetic surveys can greatly help delineating the subsurface active structures in the west central Arabian Shield and the middle coastal region of the Red Sea of Saudi Arabia.     

Nature and origin of the J‐magnetic anomaly offshore Iberia–Newfoundland: implications for plate reconstructions

The nature and origin of the J‐magnetic anomaly along the Iberia–Newfoundland margins are controversial and its validity for plate kinematic reconstructions questioned. At present, it is interpreted as either an oceanic isochron or an edge effect of oceanic crust corresponding to lithosphere breakup. Both interpretations result in restorations that are in conflict with the current knowledge from Pyrenean and North Atlantic geology. We combine seismic interpretations and dating of magmatic additions with magnetic data to examine the nature and formation process of this anomaly and discuss its value for plate restorations. We show that the J‐anomaly is the result of polygenic and multiple magmatic events occurring during and after the formation of the first oceanic crust. Therefore, we conclude that the J‐anomaly cannot be used for plate kinematic studies and, more generally, we question the validity of using ill‐defined magnetic anomalies outside unequivocal oceanic domains for plate reconstructions.     

Integrated potential field study on the subsurface structural characterization of the area North Bahariya Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt

The present study aims mainly to delineate and outline the regional subsurface structural and tectonic framework of the buried basement rocks of Abu El Gharadig Basin, Northern Western Desert, Egypt. The potential field data (Bouguer gravity and total intensity aeromagnetic maps) carried out in the Abu El Gharadig Basin had been analyzed together with other geophysical and geological studies. The execution of this study is initiated by transformation of the total intensity aeromagnetic data to the reduced to pole (RTP) magnetic map. This is followed by applying several transformation techniques and various filtering processes through qualitative and quantitative analyses on both of the gravity and magnetic data. These techniques include the qualitative interpretation of gravity, total intensity magnetic and RTP magnetic maps. Regional–residual separation is carried out using the power spectrum. Also, the analytic signal and second vertical derivative techniques are applied to delineate the hidden anomalies. Aeromagnetic anomalies in the area reflect significant features on the basement tectonics, on the deep-seated structures and on the shallow-seated ones. Major faults and intrusions in the area are indicated to be mainly along the NE–SW, NW–SE, ENE–WSW and E–W directions. The Bouguer gravity map indicates major basement fracturing, as well as variations in the sedimentary basins and ridges and subsequent tectonic disturbances. The most obvious anomalous trends on the gravity map, based on their frequencies and amplitudes, are along the NE–SW, ENE–WSW, E–W and NW–SE trends. The main of Abu EL Gharadig Basin depositional center does not show sharp variations, because of the homogeneity of the marine rocks and the great basement depths.     

Structure of the Texas Orocline beneath the sedimentary cover (southeast Queensland,Australia)

The New England Orogen in eastern Australia is characterised by orogenic-scale curvatures (oroclines). The largest and most prominent curvature in this system is the Texas Orocline, but its subsurface geometry is still poorly constrained. A large component of the orocline is covered by post-oroclinal sedimentary rocks, which obscure deeper sections of the orocline and make it difficult to understand how the structure is connected to other segments of the New England Orogen. Here, we present geophysical data that elucidate the structure of the Texas Orocline below the sedimentary cover. Using 2D seismic, aeromagnetic TMI (total magnetic intensity) and Bouguer gravity datasets, in combination with outcrop and well data, we identified the depth to the New England ‘basement’ and significant faults intersecting it. We also traced the strongly contorted subsurface continuation of the Peel-Yarrol Fault System, which is characterised by local gravity and magnetic anomalies associated with isolated serpentinite outcrops. Constraints on the timing of oroclinal bending were obtained from the interpretation of seismic transects, which showed that early Permian sedimentary rocks of the Bowen Basin were deposited in a subtrough that deviates from the general north–south trend of the Bowen Basin. The subtrough is oriented approximately parallel to the western limb of the Texas Orocline, thus suggesting that the orocline formed during and/or after early Permian rifting. Our analysis indicates that initial bending occurred contemporaneously with the development of the early Permian rift basins, most likely in the backarc region of a retreating subduction zone. Subsequently, phases of strike-slip and contractional deformation have further tightened the pre-existing curvatures.     

An Early Cretaceous extinct spreading center in the northern Natal valley

We have identified an extinct E–W spreading center in the northern Natal valley on the basis of magnetic anomalies which was active from chron M11 (133 Ma) to 125.3 Ma, just before chron M2 (124 Ma) in the Early Cretaceous. Seafloor spreading in the northern Natal valley accounts for approximately 170 km of north–south motion between the Mozambique Ridge and Africa. This extension resolves the predicted overlap of the continental (central and southern) Mozambique Ridge and Antarctica in the chron M2 to M11 reconstructions from Mesozoic finite rotation parameters for Africa and Antarctica. In addition, the magnetic data reveal that the Mozambique Ridge was an independent microplate from at least 133 to 125 Ma. The northern Natal valley extinct spreading center connects to the spreading center separating the Mozambique Basin and the Riiser-Larsen Sea to the east. It follows that the northern Mozambique Ridge was either formed after the emplacement of the surrounding oceanic crust or it is the product of a very robust spreading center. To the west the extinct spreading center connects to the spreading center separating the southern Natal valley and Georgia Basin via a transform fault. Prior to chron M11, there is still a problem with the overlap of Mozambique Ridge if it is assumed to be fixed with respect to either the African or Antarctic plates. Some of the overlap can be accounted for by Jurassic deformation of the Mozambique Ridge, Mozambique Basin, and Dronning Maud land. It appears though that the Mozambique Ridge was an independent microplate from the breakup of Gondwana, 160 Ma, until it became part of the African plate, 125 Ma.     

A qualitative appraisal of geomagnetic manifestations of the geological structures in the Indian equatorial region

From the data of the geomagnetic survey of the Indian equatorial region conducted during 1971, it has been possible to deduce the subsurface magnetic anomalies at each survey station. The vertical magnetic anomaly profiles seem to reflect some of the known geological structures in the region. The association between magnetic anomalies and the deep-seated structures in this area emphasises the importance of future intensive studies.     

Tectonics of the Devonian Complex of the Southern Sector of the Caspian Basin (Kazakhstan): A Set of Geological and Geophysical Methods

The paper presents a comprehensive analysis of new data for drilling and seismic survey of the oil and gas potential of deep-seated Paleozoic horizons of the Caspian Basin in Kazakhstan. The features of the development and occurrence of large Paleozoic uplifts and sedimentary strata promising for prospecting are specified. A set of geological and geophysical methods was applied, and magnetic and gravitational anomalies of potential fields were analyzed in the southern, southeastern, and eastern marginal parts of the southeastern sector of the Caspian Basin. This is supplemented with new data obtained by a set of reconnaissance methods, and the section attributed to the Paleozoic at depths up to 5.5–8.0 km and its Devonian–Lower Carboniferous sequence are specified. New data were obtained on the area of distribution and occurrence of Upper Devonian and Lower Carboniferous sediments, geological conditions and prerequisites were revealed that refined the trace of the pre-Devonian complex and of the Lower–Middle Devonian sediments. Analysis of the distribution of large local prospecting objects has confirmed the presence and development of megauplifts, which are zones of hypsometrically elevated Devonian–Lower Carboniferous sediments. In the contour of the megauplift, structural elements have developed that are less significant, but promising in terms of hydrocarbon content. Based on the results of studying and refining the distribution patterns of large Devonian‒Lower Carboniferous objects and identifying megauplifts, it is possible to optimize regional studies in the Caspian Basin for the period of 2020–2030.

     

云南兰坪盆地中部白垩系沉积环境及区域构造意义

云南兰坪盆地在白垩纪的演化为其喜马拉雅期的大规模成矿起到了铺垫作用。前人对该时期的沉积相分析较为笼统,一定程度上影响了对盆地演化、盆地性质及成矿方面的深入理解。在兰坪盆地中部开展了实测剖面和路线调查等工作,认为兰坪盆地的白垩系分为扇三角洲-湖泊和辫状河三角洲-残余河湖2个沉积体系,盆地性质应属断陷盆地。结合对特提斯洋演化过程的认识,认为早白垩世兰坪盆地继承了中侏罗世—晚侏罗世沉降的构造背景,早白垩世末中特提斯洋的闭合中断了盆地的沉降作用,晚白垩世新特提斯洋的北向俯冲导致了中生代兰坪盆地演化的终止。结合区域矿产资料,认为早白垩世成矿元素已有初步富集,并为喜马拉雅期成矿提供了必要的矿源层、建造水、运移通道及成矿定位空间。研究可为兰坪盆地的演化过程提供新的实证资料。     

Middle Miocene near trench volcanism in northern Colombia: A record of slab tearing due to the simultaneous subduction of the Caribbean Plate under South and Central America?

Field, geochemical, geochronological, biostratigraphical and sedimentary provenance results of basaltic and associated sediments northern Colombia reveal the existence of Middle Miocene (13–14 Ma) mafic volcanism within a continental margin setting usually considered as amagmatic. This basaltic volcanism is characterized by relatively high Al₂O₃ and Na₂O values (>15%), a High-K calc-alkaline affinity, large ion lithophile enrichment and associated Nb, Ta and Ti negative anomalies which resemble High Al basalts formed by low degree of asthenospheric melting at shallow depths mixed with some additional slab input. The presence of pre-Cretaceous detrital zircons, tourmaline and rutile as well as biostratigraphic results suggest that the host sedimentary rocks were deposited in a platform setting within the South American margin. New results of P-wave residuals from northern Colombia reinforce the view of a Caribbean slab subducting under the South American margin.The absence of a mantle wedge, the upper plate setting, and proximity of this magmatism to the trench, together with geodynamic constraints suggest that the subducted Caribbean oceanic plate was fractured and a slab tear was formed within the oceanic plate. Oceanic plate fracturing is related to the splitting of the subducting Caribbean Plate due to simultaneous subduction under the Panama-Choco block and northwestern South America, and the fast overthrusting of the later onto the Caribbean oceanic plate.     

Structure of the Transkei Basin and Natal Valley, Southwest Indian Ocean, from seismic reflection and potential field data

Marine geophysical data from the southern Natal Valley and northern Transkei Basin, offshore southeast Africa, were used to study the structure of the crust and sedimentary cover in the area. The data includes seismic reflection, gravity and magnetics and provides information on the acoustic basement geometry (where available), features of the sedimentary cover and the basin's development. Previously mapped Mesozoic magnetic anomalies over a part of the basin are now recognized over wider areas of the basin. The ability to extend the correlation to the southeast within the Natal Valley further confirms an oceanic origin for this region and provides an opportunity to amplify the existing plate boundary reconstructions.The stratigraphic structure of the southern Natal Valley and the northern Transkei Basin reflects processes of the ocean crust formation and subsequent evolution. The highly variable relief of the acoustic basement may relate to the crust formation in the immediate vicinity of the continental transform margin. Renewed submarine seismicity and neotectonic activity in the area is probably related to the diffuse boundary between the Nubia and Somalia plates.2.5-D crustal models show that a 1.7–3.2-km-thick sediment sequence overlies a 6.3±1.2-km-thick normal oceanic crust in the deep southern Natal Valley and Transkei Basin. The oceanic crust in the study area is heterogeneous, made up of blocks of laterally varying remanent magnetization (0.5–3.5 A/m) and density (2850–2900 kg/m³). Strong modifications of accretionary processes near ridge/fracture zone intersections may be a reason of such heterogeneity.     

Palynostratigraphy of two Neogene boreholes from the northwestern portion of the Solimões Basin,Brazil

Palynological studies in large basins yield the most significant results for understanding basinal and continental evolution. We selected the Solimões Basin in the upper reaches of the Amazon River as our study site due to the availability of drill cores in this jungle-covered terrain. The purpose of this paper is contribute to the palynological knowledge and to evaluate the palynostratigraphic schemes of Venezuelan (LM sheme) and Colombia (Jea sheme) applied for large basin situated in the Amazon jungle. Taxonomic studies of the analysed samples indicate a significant presence of Grimsdalea magnaclavata, suggesting both cores represent the Mio-Pleistocene Solimões and Iça Formations. These results are integrated and correlated with previously collected data for the entire basin, Venezuelan and Colombia. The ages attributed to the Miocene intervals of the boreholes studied vary according to the palynostratigraphic scheme. According to the biostratigraphy based on data from Venezuelan (LM sheme), the borehole 1AS-51-AM presents range in Early Miocene–Early Pliocene and from Middle Miocene–Early Pliocene in 1AS-52-AM. When the data from Colombia (Jea sheme) is used, the ages range from the Middle Miocene–Late Miocene in both boreholes. The differences between the results of two biostratigraphic schemes indicate the existence of distinct stratigraphic arrangements recorded in palynoflora of the Brazilian Amazon.     

Crustal architecture of the Thomson Orogen in Queensland inferred from potential field forward modelling

The basement rocks of the poorly understood Thomson Orogen are concealed by mid-Paleozoic to Upper Cretaceous intra-continental basins and direct information about the orogen is gleaned from sparse geological data. Constrained potential field forward modelling has been undertaken to highlight key features and resolve deeply sourced anomalies within the Thomson Orogen. The Thomson Orogen is characterised by long-wavelength and low-amplitude geophysical anomalies when compared with the northern and western Precambrian terranes of the Australian continent. Prominent NE- and NW-trending gravity anomalies reflect the fault architecture of the region. High-intensity Bouguer gravity anomalies correlate with shallow basement rocks. Bouguer gravity anomalies below –300 µm/s² define the distribution of the Devonian Adavale Basin and associated troughs. The magnetic grid shows smooth textures, punctuated by short-wavelength, high-intensity anomalies that indicate magnetic contribution at different crustal levels. It is interpreted that meta-sedimentary basement rocks of the Thomson Orogen, intersected in several drill holes, are representative of a seismically non-reflective and non-magnetic upper basement. Short-wavelength, high-intensity magnetic source bodies and colocated negative Bouguer gravity responses are interpreted to represent shallow granitic intrusions. Long-wavelength magnetic anomalies are inferred to reflect the topography of a seismically reflective and magnetic lower basement. Potential field forward modelling indicates that the Thomson Orogen might be a single terrane. We interpret that the lower basement consists of attenuated Precambrian and mafic enriched continental crust, which differs from the oceanic crust of the Lachlan Orogen further south.     

Geophysical signatures over and around the northern segment of the 85°E Ridge,Mahanadi offshore,Eastern Continental Margin of India: Tectonic implications

The nature and origin of the subsurface 85°E Ridge in the Bay of Bengal has remained enigmatic till date despite several theories proposed by earlier researchers. We reinterpreted the recently acquired high quality multichannel seismic reflection data over the northern segment of the ridge that traverses through the Mahanadi offshore, Eastern Continental Margin of India and mapped the ridge boundary and its northward continuity. The ridge is characterized by complex topography, multilayer composition, intrusive bodies and discrete nature of underlying crust. The ridge is associated with large amplitude negative magnetic and gravity anomalies. The negative gravity response across the ridge is probably due to emplacement of relatively low density material as well as ∼2–3 km flexure of the Moho. The observed broad shelf margin basin gravity anomaly in the northern Mahanadi offshore is due to the amalgamation of the 85°E Ridge material with that of continental and oceanic crust. The negative magnetic anomaly signature over the ridge indicates its evolution in the southern hemisphere when the Earth’s magnetic field was normally polarized. The presence of ∼5 s TWT thick sediments over the acoustic basement west of the ridge indicates that the underlying crust is relatively old, Early Cretaceous age.The present study indicates that the probable palaeo-location of Elan Bank is not between the Krishna–Godavari and Mahanadi offshores, but north of Mahanadi. Further, the study suggests that the northern segment of the 85°E Ridge may have emplaced along a pseudo fault during the Mid Cretaceous due to Kerguelen mantle plume activity. The shallow basement east of the ridge may have formed due to the later movement of the microcontinents Elan Bank and Southern Kerguelen Plateau along with the Antarctica plate.     

Dip variations of the North American and North Caribbean Plates dominate the tectonic activity of Puerto Rico–Virgin Islands and adjacent areas

The M 7.0 Haiti earthquake of 2010 in the Greater Antilles is a reminder that the northeastern Caribbean is at a high risk for seismic and tsunami hazards. The Greater Antilles consist of the Hispaniola microplate to the west and Puerto Rico–Virgin Islands to the east and are situated between two subduction zones with the Puerto Rico Trench to the north and the Muertos Trough to the south. Although there is no active volcanism on Puerto Rico, earthquake depths and previous seismic tomography results imply that the slabs of Caribbean and North American Plates exist at depth. However, how far the east Muertos Trough subduction of the North Caribbean Plate has extended has not been fully addressed. In addition, the Puerto Rico–Virgin Islands are bounded by extensional regimes to both the west (Mona Rift) and east (Anegada Passage). The cause of the extension is still under debate. In this paper, we use new 3D seismic tomography and gravity data to carry out an integrated study of the geometry of the subducting slabs of the North American and North Caribbean Plates in the Puerto Rico–Virgin Islands area. The results indicate that both slabs have an increase of dip westward, which is strongly controlled by the subduction rollback of the North American Plate. These variations affected the tectonic evolution of the Puerto Rico–Virgin Islands. Thus, the results of this research advance our understanding of the kinematic evolution of the Puerto Rico–Virgin Islands and associated natural hazards. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Strike-slip fault system in the Earth’s crust of the Bering Sea: A relic of boundary between the Eurasian and North American lithospheric plates

A study based on computation of D-function anomalies (method of joint gravity and magnetic data analysis) along profiles in the Bering Sea has been performed in both the Aleutian Basin with oceanic crust and the Bering continental shelf. This study revealed extended faults that affect not only the Earth’s crust but also the upper mantle. This is supported by seismic profiling. The calculated palinspastic reconstructions of the position of North America relative to “immobile” Eurasia 80, 52–50, 50–47, and 15–20 Ma ago allowed us to show that the revealed strike-slip faults are probable relics of an echeloned transform boundary between the Eurasian and North American lithospheric plates. The formation of this boundary beginning from the Late Cretaceous was apparently related to opening of the North Atalantic, which determined the large rate of displacement of North America relative to Eurasia.     

松辽盆地徐家围子断陷断裂活动时期及其与深层气成藏关系分析

为了能够准确地判断松辽盆地徐家围子断陷断裂的主要活动时期及其与深层天然气成藏之间的关系,本文先后利用了同沉积断层活动速率、火山活动期次与断裂活动期次匹配关系、剖面伸展率及构造演化剖面等4种方法对其进行了研究。首先,由同沉积断层活动速率研究结果可知,断裂主要在下白垩统火石岭组、沙河子组、营城组、登楼库组二段、泉头组二段及上白垩统青山口组沉积时期活动。其次,根据火山活动期次与断裂活动时期匹配关系研究得到,断陷期(火石岭组、营城组一段和营城组三段沉积时期)和青山口组沉积时期为断裂主要的活动时期。再次,由剖面伸展率法研究得到,断裂强烈的活动时期为火石岭组、沙河子组、营一段、泉二、三、四段和青山口组沉积时期。最后,通过该断陷LINE1208测线的构造发育史剖面研究可知,断裂的主要活动时期为火石岭组、沙河子组、营一段、营三段、泉二段和青山口组沉积时期。将这4种方法综合起来判定认为,该断陷断裂的主要活动期次有3期,分别对应于火石岭组沉积时期—营三段沉积时期、泉头组沉积中期及青山口组沉积时期。并且将综合判定出的断裂主要活动时期与该断陷源岩的生气史、登二段和营城组火山岩顶部盖层封闭能力形成时期和气藏内天然气的充注时期进行匹配分析。综合研究认为登二段和营城组火山岩顶部2套重要盖层封闭能力形成时期早于该断陷源岩的大量生气期,故盖层并不是天然气成藏的主要制约因素。徐家围子断陷后2期的断裂主要活动时期与深层天然气的主要充注时期相吻合,是天然气向圈闭中运聚的重要时期,且自姚家组至现今断裂活动较弱,这可能是先期形成的气藏得以较完整保存的主要原因。     

Crustal structure of the Levant Basin, eastern Mediterranean

A seismic refraction/wide-angle reflection experiment was undertaken in the Levant Basin, eastern Mediterranean. Two roughly east–west profiles extend from the continental shelf of Israel toward the Levant Basin. The northern profile crosses the Eratosthenes Seamount and the southern profile crosses several distinct magnetic anomalies. The marine operation used 16 ocean bottom seismometers deployed along the profiles with an air gun array and explosive charges as energy sources. The results of this study strongly suggest the existence of oceanic crust under portions of the Levant Basin and continental crust under the Eratosthenes Seamount. The seismic refraction data also indicate a large sedimentary sequence, 10–14 km thick, in the Levant Basin and below the Levant continental margin. Assuming the crust is of Cretaceous age, this gives a fairly high sedimentation rate. The sequence can be divided into several units. A prominent unit is the 4.2 km/s layer, which is probably composed of the Messinian evaporites. Overlying the evaporitic layer are layers composed of Plio–Pleistocene sediments, whose velocity is 2.0 km/s. The refraction profiles and gravity and magnetic models indicate that a transition from a two layer continental to a single-layer oceanic crust takes place along the Levant margin. The transition in the structure along the southern profile is located beyond the continental margin and it is quite gradual. The northern profile, north of the Carmel structure, presents a different structure. The continental crust is much thinner there and the transition in the crustal structure is more rapid. The crustal thinning begins under western Galilee and terminates at the continental slope. The results of the present study indicate that the Levant Basin is composed of distinct crustal units and that the Levant continental margin is divided into at least two provinces of different crustal structure.