Origin of fault domains and fault-domain boundaries (transfer zones and accommodation zones) in extensional provinces: Result of random nucleation and self-organized fault growth

In many extensional provinces, large normal faults dip in the same direction forming fault domains. Features variously named transfer faults, transfer zones, and accommodation zones (hereafter non-genetically referred to as fault-domain boundaries) separate adjacent fault domains. Experimental modeling of distributed extension provides insights on the origin, geometry, and evolution of these fault domains and fault-domain boundaries. In our scaled models, a homogeneous layer of wet clay or dry sand overlies a latex sheet that is stretched orthogonally or obliquely between two rigid sheets. Fault domains and fault-domain boundaries develop in all models in both map view and cross-section. The number, size, and arrangement of fault domains as well as the number and orientation of fault-domain boundaries are variable, even for models with identical boundary conditions. The fault-domain boundaries in our models differ profoundly from those in many published conceptual models of transfer/accommodation zones. In our models, fault-domain boundaries are broad zones of deformation (not discrete strike-slip or oblique-slip faults), their orientations are not systematically related to the extension direction, and they can form spontaneously without any prescribed pre-existing zones of weakness. We propose that fault domains develop because early-formed faults perturb the stress field, causing new nearby faults to dip in the same direction (self-organized growth). As extension continues, faults from adjacent fault domains propagate toward each another. Because opposite-dipping faults interfere with one another in the zone of overlap, the faults stop propagating. In this case, the geometry of the domain boundaries depends on the spatial arrangement of the earliest formed faults, a result of the random distribution of the largest flaws at which the faults nucleate.     

Superposition of extensional detachments during the Neogene in the internal zones of the Betic cordilleras

 In the internal zones of the Betic cordilleras, extensional structures have developed from the Upper Oligocene to the present day; they are contemporaneous with compressional structures (folds and thrusts) in the external zones. From the Upper Oligocene to the Aquitanian, extension occurred in the Maláguide/Alpujárride detachment, and related structures show varying kinematics in different sectors. Younger deformations with a top-to-the-N sense of movement have affected Nevado-Filábride (ductile shear zones), Alpujárride (ductile and brittle shear zones) and Maláguide rocks (normal faults). At least from the Late Burdigalian up to the Lower Tortonian, displacements have occurred in the Alpujárride/Nevado-Filábride detachment. Deformations have been generally non-coaxial, with a top-to-the-W sense of movement. Stretching lineation trends in the Nevado-Filábride rocks curve from E to W suggesting a progressive variation of the ductile-shear-zone kinematics related to the Alpujárride/Nevado-Filábride detachment between the Aquitanian and Lower Tortonian stages. Deformations from the Lower Tortonian to the present day are normal faults, formed in extensional settings in the upper part of the crust, and folds and strike-slip faults which indicate N–S to NNW–SSE shortening directions and E–W to ENE–WSW extension directions. Received: 26 December 1995 / Accepted: 26 January 1996     

Scaling of transfer zones in the British Isles

Widths of transfer zones between stepping normal faults obey power-law scaling relationships, probably from widths of millimetres to tens or hundreds of kilometres. Relay ramp widths in the Mesozoic sedimentary rocks of the Somerset coast obey a power-law up to ∼50 m, above which there is a censoring effect caused by the width of the wave-cut platform. A structural map of the British Isles indicates that transfer zones obey a power-law up to widths of at least 250 km. This indicates that normal faults can interact over tens or hundreds of kilometres, especially where transfer zones occur between stepping half-grabens. Interaction is therefore another aspect of faulting that obeys fractal behaviour.     

Magma-induced strain localization in centrifuge models of transfer zones

Scaled centrifuge experiments have been used to investigate the dynamic relations between deformation and magma distribution in rift-related transfer zones. The physical models were built using suitable analogue materials, such as sand to represent the brittle upper crust, various kinds of silicone mixtures to simulate the lower crust and upper mantle and glycerol to reproduce magma. Models simulated the development of transfer zones across pre-existing glycerol reservoirs placed at the base of the analogue continental crust. In plan view, different geometries, dimensions and positions of subcrustal reservoirs were reproduced in three different sets of experiments; to compare results, models were also performed without magma-simulating glycerol.Set 1 experiments, incorporating a narrow rectangular glycerol reservoir, show that the low-viscosity material is able to localise deformation into the overlying crust, giving rise to discrete transfer zones. This concentrated surface deformation corresponds at depth to major magma accumulation. Set 2 experiments, with an initial wide squared glycerol reservoir, show instead that deformation is distributed across the whole model surface, corresponding at depth to relatively minor magma accumulation. Set 3 experiments explored various positions of a small squared reservoir that invariably localised faulting in the overlying analogue brittle crust at the onset of model deformation.The overall model behaviour suggests that magma distribution at depth can effectively control the strain distribution in the overlying crust and the deformative pattern of transfer zones. Strain distribution, in turn, may control magma emplacement as localized deformation would favour major accumulation of magma at transfer zones. Coupled to a strong thermal weakening of the country rocks, this process may ultimately lead to a positive feedback interaction between magma and deformation.     

Fluid flow in extensional environments; numerical modelling with an application to Hamersley iron ores

The mechanical feasibility of focusing both surface- and basinal-derived fluids towards sites of iron ore genesis during Proterozoic deformation in the Hamersley Province is tested here by computer simulation. Finite difference modelling of porous media flow during extensional deformation of a mountain range shows that surface fluids are drawn towards areas of failure and focus into the centre of the mountain. The addition of permeable structures such as a normal fault provides focused fluid pathways in which mechanical and geological conditions are particularly conducive to both upward and downward flow. Upward flow from the base of the fault within the model overall is favoured by low permeability basement materials and supra-hydrostatic pore pressures. Downward migration of fluids becomes more prominent as extension progresses and upward fluid flow from the base diminishes. The introduction of sedimentary layering into the models allows lateral fluid flow, such that sites of potential fluid mixing may then occur within permeable iron formation units close to the fault zone. Allowing parts of the stratigraphy to become more permeable as a function of high fluid flux simulates permeability enhancement by silica dissolution as a mechanism for iron ore genesis. The involvement of both basinal and surficial fluids in the genesis of the ore deposits is supported by the mechanical models and in addition provides an explanation for a progression from relatively reduced to oxidised conditions at the Mt Tom Price deposit (and possibly other large deposits) with time.     

Morphostructural and tectonophysical features of strike-slip and extensional fault zones (results of analog modeling)

The formation of the relief of fault zones is considered in relation to the evolution of their internal structure during faulting. The study was carried out by analog modeling with subsequent digital elevation modeling of the experimental surface of the deformed sample. The vertical displacement gradient was calculated based on the digital elevation models. It has been found that the relief of strike-slip and extensional fault zones depends on their internal structure. Each element of the internal structure makes its own contribution to the relief formation. The process depends on experimental conditions, such as the viscosity of the model material and the model deformation rate. The relief of the fault zone is different at each of three main stages of its formation.     

Spatial distribution of deformation bands in damage zones of extensional faults in porous sandstones: Statistical analysis of field data

The distribution of deformation bands in damage zones of extensional faults in porous sandstones has been analyzed using 106 outcrop scanlines along which the position and frequency of deformation bands have been recorded. The analysis reveals a non-linear relationship between damage zone width and fault throw, a logarithmic decrease in deformation band frequency away from the fault core, as well as a fractal spatial distribution associated with clustering of the deformation bands. Furthermore, damage zones appear wider in the hanging wall than in the footwall, although the deformation band density is similar on both sides. Statistical trends derived from the database imply that fault growth in porous sandstones can be considered as a scale invariant process. From an initial process zone, the damage zone grows by a constant balance between the development of new deformation bands in the existing damage zone and the creation of new bands outside. Moreover, as the width of the damage zone increases throughout the active lifetime of a fault, the distribution of the deformation bands in the damage zone remains self-similar. Hence band distribution and damage zone width for seismically mapped faults can be predicted from the relationships found in this paper.     

Centrifuge modelling of the influence of crustal fabrics on the development of transfer zones: insights into the mechanics of continental rifting architecture

Centrifuge analogue experiments are used to model the reactivation of pre-existing crustal fabrics during extension. The models reproduced a weakness zone in the lower crust whose geometry was varied in order to investigate its role in controlling the architecture of rift segments and related transfer zones. The typical rift system geometry was characterised by two offset rift segments connected by a major transfer zone in which boundary faults were oblique to the extension vector and displayed a significant transcurrent component of movement. The transfer zone was also characterised by cross-basin faults with both trend and strike-slip component of movement opposite to that displayed by the master faults. Typically, different structural patterns were obtained by changing the offset angle φ between the rift segments, supporting that the structural pattern at transfer zones is strongly influenced by the orientation of pre-existing discontinuities with respect to the stretching vector. In the models, the aspect ratio (ratio of length vs. width) of the transfer zone shows a positive correlation with the offset angle (i.e., the more the inherited fabric is parallel to the extension direction, the longer and narrower the transfer zones). In case of staircase offset of the rift segments (φ=90°), the structural pattern was characterised by two isolated rift depressions linked by a narrow transfer zone in which border faults with alternating polarity overlapped. Prominent rise of the ductile lower crust was also observed at the transfer zone. Many of these geometrical features display striking similarities with natural rift systems. The results of the current experiments provide useful insights into the mechanics of continental rift architecture, supporting that rift propagation, width and along-axis segmentation may be strongly controlled by the reactivation of pre-existing pervasive crustal fabrics.     

冀中坳陷衡水转换断裂带特征及演化

冀中坳陷衡水断裂带具有构造调节转换带性质,它明显地将坳陷分为南北两区。本文从区域构造环境出发,通过对该调节转换带构造格局及演化进行分析,认为该调节转换带经历了中、新生代两个不同特征演化阶段的复杂发展改造过程。燕山中晚期以东西向构造发育为其特征,而早第三纪则为北西西向构造发育阶段。其中早第三纪阶段又可依据沉积、构造发育特征分为Es₄+Ek,Es₂ +Es₃ 和Es₁+Ed 3个演化时期。现今构造特征是近东西向与北西西向两期构造相互叠加改造的综合体现。     

Fabric evidence for granodiorite emplacement with extensional shear zones in the Variscan Gredos massif (Spanish Central System)

Three granitoid bodies in the central part of the Gredos massif (Spanish Central System batholith) are tabular, around 1 km in thickness, and intruded into a migmatitic middle crust during the D3 deformation phase of the Variscan Orogeny. Petrologically, they are composed of Bt-granodiorite and Crd-monzogranite, and they show varying abundance of large (cm-scale) feldspar megacrysts. A detailed study of the shape preferred orientation (SPO) magmatic fabric defined by these megacrysts, together with a kinematic analysis of the structures due to interactions between them, and the measurement of quartz c-axis fabrics in migmatites and granitoids, suggests that granitic magma and country rocks were mechanically coupled during deformation. The emplacement took place along large-scale, extensional shear zones active during the first stages of the D3 phase. The shape of the SPO ellipsoids varies from constrictional at the centre of the granitic bodies, to flattening or even oblate at their external contacts with the migmatitic host rocks. The favoured interpretation of this spatial fabric variation is the overprinting of the emplacement fabrics by a constrictional tectonic regime associated with the growth of tabular magma chambers along extensional detachments, followed by shear zone development commonly at the top of the granitic bodies. The entire structure was later folded during the last stages of the D3 phase.     

Dynamics of crustal overthrust versus underthrust in the continental collision zones: Numerical modelling

Trans‐plate crustal overthrust and underthrust are two unusual crustal architectures in nature, the mechanisms of which remain debated. Here, we construct a series of 2D numerical models to investigate the dynamics of trans‐plate crustal overthrust and underthrust. Model results indicate that the favourable conditions of crustal overthrust include low convergence rate, plastically strong crust, rheologically strong upper crust and hot subducting plate, which meanwhile contribute to the formation of ‘crocodile’ crustal structure. In contrast, a combination of a strong and buoyant subducting plate with a hot overriding plate facilitates crustal underthrust. The development of crustal overthrust shows no correlation with the subduction mode of lithospheric mantle, whereas crustal underthrust normally occurs in an advancing subduction system. Development conditions and crustal structures of the modelled overthrust and underthrust are consistent, on the first order, with the natural Dinarides orogen and the southern Tibetan plateau respectively.     

渤海湾地区构造变换带及油气意义

利用地震剖面解释结果和构造编图成果,分析了渤海湾地区构造变换带的特征及其油气地质意义。渤海湾地区主要发育区域横向调节带和局部变换带两类构造变换带。区域横向调节带由北西向大型走滑断裂带充当,这些断裂带同时也是强地震活动带,将渤海海域地区分为北、中、南3段。局部变换带主要发育在相互作用的分段正断层的叠置区内。根据分段正断层的倾向及其组合特征,可将局部变换带分为转换斜坡型、斜向背斜型和地垒型3类。渤海湾地区构造变换带具有重要的油气地质意义,主要表现为控制构造圈闭的形成、有利于优质储集层的发育及控制油气运移过程等。     

Transfer zones and fault reactivation in inverted rift basins: Insights from physical modelling

Carbonate mylonites with varying proportions of second-phase minerals were collected at positions of increasing metamorphic grade along the basal thrust of the Morcles nappe (Helvetic nappes, Switzerland). Variations of temperature, stress, and strain rate, changes in chemistry of solid and fluid phases, and differing degrees of strain localization and annealing were tracked by measuring the shapes, mean sizes, and size distributions of both matrix and second-phase grains, as well as crystal preferred orientation (CPO) of the matrix. Field structures suggest that strain rate was constant along the fault. The mean and distribution of the calcite grain sizes were affected most profoundly by temperature: Increased temperature, presumably accompanied by decreased stress, correlated with larger mean sizes and wider size distributions. At a given location, the matrix grains in mylonites with more second-phase particles are, on average, smaller, have narrower size distributions, and have more elongate shapes. For example, mylonites with 50 vol.% of second phases have matrix grain sizes half that of pure mylonites. Changes in calcite chemistry and the presence of synkinematic fluids seemed to influence microfabric only weakly. Temporal variations in conditions, such as exhumation-induced cooling, apparently provoke changes in temperature, stress, and strain rate along the nappe. These changes result in further strain localization during retrograde conditions and cause the grain size to be reduced by an additional 50%. The matrix CPO strengthens with increasing temperature or strain, but weakens and rotates with increasing second-phase content. These fabric changes suggest differing rates of grain growth, grain size reduction, and development of CPO owing to variations in the deformation conditions and, perhaps, mechanisms. To interpret natural mylonite structures or to extrapolate mechanical data to natural situations requires careful characterization of the microfabric, and, in particular, second-phase minerals.     

Modes of extensional tectonics

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

Mass transfer and preferred orientation development during extensional microcracking in slate-belt folds, Elura Mine, Australia

Microstructures in slate belt rocks at the Elura Mine, near Cobar, south-eastern Australia, indicate that volume loss by syntectonic dissolution is coupled with mass accretion by reprecipitation of the dissolved material in dilational sites. The mass accretion is sustained primarily by repetitive tensile microfracturing at high pore-fluid pressures. Oriented growth in the inter- and intragranular microcracks is locally host-controlled, creating lattice- and shape-preferred orientations. The grain-scale crack-seal features throughout the rock reflect rhythmic fluid pressure fluctuations; a balance is achieved between the fracture-induced permeability (and consequent flushing rates), and the rate of fluid build-up in a relatively sealed environment.
Instability in the balancing factors can lead to localization and intensification of tensile failure (and hence, tension vein formation) in the grain aggregate. Growth of veins by crack-seal also reflects a steady state, but with more localized fluctuations of fluid flow on the aggregate scale. Still larger imbalances between flushing and fluid accumulation (i.e. pressure variations) induce breccia veining. The larger pressure gradients over greater distances, associated with dilation localization (from pervasive microfracturing to spaced breccia domains), allow fluid channelling with an increased potential for chemical fluid/rock disequilibrium. Therefore, large breccia vein systems tend to be sites of extensive fluid/rock interaction and replacement, as spectacularly illustrated by the syntectonic sulphide orebodies at Elura. The huge amounts of silicate, carbonate and sulphide accumulated during folding at Elura illustrate the large scale of source and sink couples possible in solute mass transfer.     

Heat transfer modelling of the Leibnitzer Feld aquifer,Austria

The impact of groundwater heat pumps on groundwater temperature is simulated by means of a 2D numerical groundwater model in the Leibnitzer Feld aquifer, Austria. The model provides a basis for assessing the regional use of groundwater temperature as an energy source. Since the groundwater table is shallow, the air temperature represents the main source controlling the groundwater temperature. A temperature input function depending on the depth of the groundwater table is delineated from an observed soil temperature profile and the air temperature. Given the diffuse and ubiquitous nature of the heat input, the heat exchange is implemented as a third type boundary condition to enable two-way heat transfer. The temperature of the reinjected water is limited to a decrease of 5 K and an absolute minimum of 5°C by Austrian law. The pumping rates needed to cover the heat requirements of three typical users are determined for selected locations. It is shown that the reduction of the ambient groundwater temperature approximately 300 m downstream of the reinjection wells is less than 0.5°C. Thus it can be concluded that aquifers in similar settings show substantial potential to provide heating and warm water supply for buildings without deteriorating the regional groundwater temperature regime.     

Application of geospatial modelling technique in delineation of fluoride contamination zones within Dwarka Basin,Birbhum, India

Dwarka River Basin is one of the fluoride affected river basin in Birbhum, West Bengal. In the present research work, various controlling factors for fluoride contamination in groundwater i.e., geology, aquifer type, groundwater table, soil, rainfall, geomorphology, drainage density, land use land cover, lineament and fault density, slope and elevation were considered to delineate the potential fluoride contamination zones within Dwarka River Basin in Birbhum. Assigning weights and ranks to various inputs factor class and their sub-class respectively was carried out on the basis of knowledge driven method. Weighted overlay analysis was carried out to generate the final potential fluoride contamination zones which are classified into two broad classes i.e., ‘high’ and ‘low’, and it is observed that major portion of the study area falls under low fluoride contamination category encompassing 88.61% of the total area which accounts for 759.48 km² and high fluoride contaminated region accounts for 11.40% of the total study area encompassing an area of about 97.67 km². Majority of high fluoride areas fall along the flood plain of Dwarka River Basin. Finally, for validation 197 reported points within Dwarka having fluoride in underground water are overlaid and an overall accuracy of 92.15% is observed. An accuracy of 83.21% and 84.24% is obtained for success and prediction rate curve respectively.     

大港油田板桥凹陷构造变换带与油气富集*

在伸展断陷盆地中,构造变换带对油气具有重要的控制作用,其附近往往是油气富集的有利部位。伸展断裂沿走向上发生伸展量呈消长关系变化的部位通常是构造变换带发育的部位。由于地层的沉降幅度在构造变换带附近具有减小的趋势,沿构造变换带走向上地层沉降幅度的差异造成了大港油田板桥凹陷“凸、凹相间”的构造古地理格局。构造变换带附近往往发育断鼻等正向构造,因此,构造变换带也常常是油气富集的有利部位。研究发现,板桥凹陷构造变换带较为发育,且其附近断鼻构造圈闭发育,并处于生烃洼陷之中,因此,构造变换带成为板桥凹陷油气较为富集的有利部位。