Role of shear along horizontal plane in the formation of helicoidal structures

An unusual structural paragenesis, complicated by brachyanticlines, is revealed for the first time in the sedimentary cover of the West Siberian Plate by 3D seismic surveying. These are linear (in plan view) systems of en-echelon arranged low-amplitude normal faults related to wrench faults in the basement. On different sides off a wrench fault, the planes of normal faults dip in opposite directions, forming a helicoidal structure that resembles the blades of a propeller. In the section parallel to the wrench fault, the boundaries of the beds and normal fault planes dip in opposite directions as well. In the section across the strike of the normal faults converging toward the basement, the beds take the shape of an antiform with a crest sagged along the normal faults (flower structure). This structural assembly was formed as a result of interference of stress fields of horizontal shear in the vertical plane (induced by faulting in the basement) and in the horizontal plane (caused by gravity resistance of the cover). In this case, the displacements along the normal faults develop in both the vertical and, to a greater extent, horizontal directions, so that the faults in cover are actually characterized by normal-strike-slip kinematics. The regional N-S-trending compression of the West Siberian Plate is the main cause of shearing along the NW- and NE-trending faults in the basement, which make up a rhomb-shaped system in plan view. Petroliferous brachyanticlines, whose axes, notwithstanding tectonophysical laws, are oriented in the direction close to the maximum compression axis, are known in the large wrench fault zones of Western Siberia. Our experiments with equivalent materials showed that a local stress field arising at the ends of echeloned Riedel shears within a wrench fault zone may be a cause of the formation of such brachyanticlines. The progressive elongation of Riedel shears leads to the corresponding elongation of the brachyanticlines located between their ends. The performed study has shown that the known types of interference of elementary geodynamic settings such as horizontal shear along the vertical plane + horizontal compression (transpression) and horizontal shear along the vertical plane + horizontal extension (transtension) may be supplemented by combination of horizontal shears along the vertical and horizontal planes, resulting in tectonic lamination. By analogy, we propose to name this type of interference of elementary shear settings translamination. Petroliferous helicoidal structures arise in the given geodynamic setting of translamination.     

The contemporary state of stress and strain at the western pericline of the Greater Caucasus

We collected materials on geological indicators of paleostresses at the western pericline of the Greater Caucasus mega-anticlinorium and within the large transverse flexure-fault zone (Anapa and Dzhiginka zones) limiting this mega-anticlinorium. Based on the data, we reconstructed local stress states in different tectonic zones. The reconstructed local stresses showed a considerable variation of the orientations axes of principal stress near the two zones. In a site adjacent to the flexure-fault zone and located near the western pericline of the Greater Caucasus mega-anticlinorium, the detachment systems of northeastern (NE–SW) strike are determined. Additionally, field structural studies proved elongation in the northwestern (NW–SE) direction. This was also verified by the reconstruction of orientations of minimum compression stress axes (maximum deviatory tension) implemented by cataclastic analysis of structural–kinematic information on the movements of the fault planes (tectonic cracks and minor ruptures). We found a well-expressed multistage regime of the northwestern (NW–SE) tension within the limits of the Semisam anticline. Tension deformations (along the axis of the main folded structure) are manifested in structures of different scales; the values of relative elongation are defined for some of them. At the western pericline of the Greater Caucasus mega-anticlinorium, in the Miocene deposits, a north–south (NNW) compression regime with steep inclinations of axes of maximum compression stresses was identified. In the boundary zone between the Northwestern Caucasus and transverse Kerch–Taman trough, an alteration of the orientations of main axes of normal stresses was found. These changes led to the replacement of horizontal-compression and horizontalshear (with a NE-oriented compression) settings, which are predominant in the Caucasus, with settings of horizontal tension (with steep NNW-oriented compression axes).     

On the stress state of the Sakhalin crust according to the data of drilling deep boreholes

The stress state of the sedimentary rocks in the oil-and-gas fields of Sakhalin is estimated and analyzed; data from exploratory boreholes in the eastern Pacific (San-Andreas fault zone) are considered. The vertical and limiting horizontal stresses are calculated for different depths. The maximum sublateral compression can exceed the vertical stress by a factor of 1.2–4 on average in northern and southern Sakhalin. It is shown that the limiting horizontal stress and the maximum shear stress grow as the depth increases.     

Stresses and velocities in orogenic wedges with power-law rheology and linearly varying longitudinal strain rate

A two-dimensional analytical solution for stress, strain rate, and velocity is obtained for parallel-sided and wedge-shaped blocks with generalized viscous rheology (linearly viscous and power-law) deforming in plane strain. The main assumptions used in the derivation of the solution are that the material is incompressible, the longitudinal gradient in shear stress is much less than the vertical gradient of vertical normal stress, and the longitudinal strain rate varies linearly in the horizontal direction. Velocity boundary conditions are specified at the top of the block, and shear stress boundary conditions at the base of the block. In the one-dimensional case (where stress and strain rate do not vary in the longitudinal direction), the solution reduces to a well-known solution for the deformation of parallel-sided ice sheets [Nye, J. F. (1957) The distribution of stress and velocity in glaciers and ice sheets. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London A-239, 113–133]. The stress equilibrium for tapered wedges [Platt, J. P. (1986) Dynamics of orogenic wedges and the uplift of high-pressure metamorphic rocks. Geological Society of America Bulletin 97, 1037–1053] is a special case of the present stress solution. Implementation of the solution requires the subdivision of the wedge into vertical segments, and yields the tectonic normal and shear stresses that must be applied to the rear of a block with specified rheology in order to maintain a given longitudinal strain rate. The solution makes it possible to model deformation patterns analytically with longitudinally varying strain rate (including coeval compression and extension) and with vertical components of velocity reflecting the effects of underplating.     

库车坳陷脆性构造序列及其对构造古应力的指示

在对野外脆性构造(主要是节理和断层) 大量观测的基础上, 根据它们与应力的关系, 讨论了库车坳陷白垩纪末期以来的古构造应力时空变化.结果表明, 在库车坳陷脆性构造中, 早期隆升作用形成的主要发育在中生界的NEE-SWW向系统节理被晚期同构造期的在中生界与上第三系均发育的NNW-SSE向和NW-SE向节理切割并改造, 这是对区域上构造应力场在进入新近纪时从弱伸展变化到强烈挤压这一过程的响应.基于断层滑动分析的古应力反演结果显示, 此时盆山边界处以近N-S向伸展应力状态占主导, 而坳陷内部则表现为近N-S向和NW-SE向挤压应力状态.说明在进入新近纪后, 最大主应力(σ₁) 方向从垂向变成水平, 应力场发生了转变.此后的天山快速垂向隆升是库车坳陷北缘和内部应力状态存在差异的原因.      

Regional stress field as determined from electromagnetic radiation in a tunnel

The paper presents the results of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) measurements in the Feuerberg tunnel in southwest Germany. EMR is associated with small scale fracturing processes. The measured numbers of EMR impulses are shown to be proportional to shear stresses. From the correlation of EMR and shear stresses along the long axis of the tunnel, orientations and magnitudes of the horizontal principal stresses are determined. The major horizontal principal stress is 3.6±0.3 MPa and has an azimuth of 143±6°. The minor principal horizontal stress is 2.1±0.3 MPa. Zones in the tunnel are located where low shear stresses occur because vertical overburden and horizontal stresses are equal. In these zones also minimum radiation was detected. A possible stress accumulation close to a fault is suggested by higher EMR values in a part of the tunnel. Orientations and magnitudes of the horizontal principal stresses, which are derived from the measurements of EMR, correlate well with conventional stress measurements. It is suggested that the cross-section measuring method described in the study is used to determine regional stress fields as well as to investigate endangered zones with high stresses in underground facilities, which may be critical with regard to stability.     

Late Quaternary and current deformation in the western Tunka system of basins: evidence from structural geomorphology and seismology

Integrated seismological and structural geomorphological studies of the western Tunka system of basins in the southwestern Baikal rift show that the historic seismicity reflects the general Late Quaternary evolution trend of structures. Crustal deformation occurs mainly as transpression. Compression follows block boundaries and the northern mountainous borders of basins, whereas extension acts upon basin inner parts which remain in “tectonic shadow” during left-lateral strike-slip motions on W-E faults. Principal stresses inferred from earthquake mechanisms are most often a combination of horizontal NW extension and oblique or vertical compression in the basins and vertical extension with horizontal NE compression in the bordering ridges and along block boundaries. The general deformation style in the region is dominated by strike-slip faulting, and compression (shortening) dominates over extension.     

广东核电站地应力测量及其应用

基于广东省3个核电站厂址区的水压致裂地应力测量结果,获得了各核电站厂址区现今地应力场分布特征,结果表明,各核电站厂址区以水平应力为主导;大亚湾、阳江核电站水平应力值随深度增加而呈线性增大,台山核电站水平应力随深度线性增加不明显;大亚湾、阳江核电站厂址区最大水平主应力方向为NW-NWW,台山核电站为NNW。根据地应力测量结果、相关理论及判据分析认为,大亚湾核电站拟建隧洞长轴方向较不利于隧洞围岩的稳定,台山和阳江核电站拟建隧洞长轴方向利于围岩的稳定和维护;各核电站拟建隧洞横截面形状以水平长轴、垂向短轴且长、短轴比近似于各隧洞截面上侧压力系数的椭圆形为宜;各隧洞在埋深范围内开挖时均没有发生岩爆的可能性。最后,依据Byerlee滑动摩擦准则,探讨了核电站外围现今活动断层的稳定性。     

成兰铁路地应力测量与构造应力场分布规律研究

成兰铁路位于青藏高原东部边缘高山峡谷区,由于印度板块与欧亚板块碰撞,区域内构造变形强烈,构造应力场十分复杂。为研究成兰铁路工程区地应力分布规律及断层稳定性,在铁路沿线茂县、松潘县以及宕昌县境内4个深孔水压致裂地应力测量基础上,获得了不同位置区域地应力实测值的大小和方向,并建立工程区应力参数随深度分布规律。分析表明:工程区应力随深度变化呈现出较好的线性关系,在测试深度范围内,水平应力普遍高于垂直主应力,地应力值总体上属于中—高地应力级别,在750 m深度内,最大水平主应力达25 MPa,反映出工程区构造应力占主导地位,侧压系数随深度呈缓慢衰减趋势。成兰铁路在不同构造单元上最大水平主应力方向有所不同,在东昆仑断裂以北甘南块体内,最大水平主应力为北北东向,在东昆仑断裂以南川青块体内最大水平主应力为北西向。根据实测的地应力数据并结合库伦滑动摩擦准则,对工程区内的断层稳定性进行了分析。文中取得的认识对成兰铁路工程区的构造应力场、断裂活动性的研究以及隧道工程的建设具有重要的参考意义。     

An analytical model of continental rift fault patterns

Two proposed mechanisms of rift initiation are crustal uplift alone and a combination of crustal uplift and regional horizontal extension. A three-dimensional, thick-plate, elastic analysis has been used to model the crustal stress state and the fault patterns associated with these mechanisms. Small ratios of uplift width to crustal thickness (<10) necessitate the thick-plate approach.For the crustal uplift model, the surface fault pattern is characterized by normal faults trending parallel to the major uplift axis at the uplift center and radial normal faults toward the ends of the major uplift axis. Zones of compressional structures (e.g., strikeslip and thrust faults) may develop at the periphery of the uplift. Superposition of regional horizontal tension with the stresses produced by crustal uplift eliminates the compressive stresses at the uplift periphery producing normal faults parallel to the major uplift axis at the uplift center and normal faults perpendicular to the major uplift axis at the uplift periphery.A comparison of these predicted fault patterns with the faults of the Rhine graben suggests that the combination of crustal uplift and regional horizontal extension contributed to the formation of that rift system. The stresses produced by crustal uplift promoted the formation of the central graben and the fan-shaped troughs toward the ends of the major uplift axes, while superposed regional horizontal tension eliminated the large compressive stresses at the uplift periphery promoting the normal faulting and dike intrusions observed on the Rhine graben flanks.     

木寨岭深埋隧道北段地应力测量与围岩稳定性分析

基于兰渝铁路木寨岭深埋隧道工程区活动断裂调查和3个钻孔水压致裂地应力测量,获得了木寨岭隧道工程区北段的现今地应力分布特征,结果表明,北段工程区最大水平主应力为38.38 MPa,属于高地应力区;三个主应力的关系为SHShSv,表明该区地壳浅表层现今构造活动以水平运动为主,主应力关系有利于逆断层的发育和活动;最大水平主应力优势方向为NE,反映穿越隧道北段的NWW向主要断裂带具有逆冲兼反时针扭动活动特征。根据地应力测量结果、相关理论及判据认为:隧道北段横截面形状以水平长轴、垂直短轴,且长短轴之比近似于隧道截面上侧压力系数的椭圆形为宜;隧道北段在埋深范围开挖时,硬岩具有岩爆发生的可能性,软岩具有发生严重挤压变形的背景。该成果为深入研究隧道区应力场特征,分析隧道围岩稳定性,科学设计隧道断面形状、结构和强度等工程地质问题提供了依据。     

晋中南中新生代构造应力场演化及其动力学分析

中生代以来,晋中南经历了多期构造应力场的作用：印支期,在华北板块南北边缘造山带的强烈挤压作用下,形成了近南北方向的水平挤压应力场;燕山期,在西太平洋古陆与亚洲大陆的碰撞、拼贴作用下,形成了北西西—南东东方向的水平挤压应力场;喜山早期,受印度板块与欧亚板块碰撞作用的影响,形成了北东—南西方向的水平挤压应力场。新第三纪以来,随着裂陷沉降作用和断陷盆地深部塑性物质上涌底辟作用的增强,晋中南构造应力场演化为以北西—南东方向近水平伸展应力场为主,并且伴随着太行山和霍山的不断隆起,在晋中南东部的沁水含煤向斜中形成了局部挤压应力场。     

Late Cenozoic fault pattern and stress fields in the Barguzin rift (Baikal region)

New structural and tectonophysical data, combined with the published geophysical and seismological evidence, were used to map the Late Cenozoic fault pattern and crustal stress in the Barguzin rift. Faults striking in the NE direction are the most abundant elements of the rift structure. A special part in the Late Cenozoic patterns of faults and stresses belongs to an over 400 km long N-S lineament which shows up as a system of separate fault segments between 110° and 110°30′ E. The Late Cenozoic evolution of the rift has been controlled mainly by extension punctuated with local shear stresses derived from the regional extension stress and accommodated by strike slip, combined with the dominant normal motion, along NE or N-NE faults and/or along their cross faults. Extension was of a relatively stable NW-SE direction, almost rift-orthogonal. The obtained fault pattern and stress maps can be used for reference in mapping seismic hazard associated with ongoing faulting in an active and changeable stress field.     

沁水盆地南缘中-新生代构造变形与构造应力场

沁水盆地南缘自中生代以来,主要经历了印支期、燕山期、喜马拉雅期三期构造活动的影响。通过对地表露头的断 层面擦痕、纵弯褶皱及共轭节理系的研究,获得了古构造应力场信息。在研究区东部 NNE 向的太行山断裂带内,逆冲挤压 构造非常明显,与其相伴发育的不对称背斜构造表明其主压应力方向为 110°;中部的 EW 向正断层、地堑系可能是印支期 近 SN 向挤压作用下形成的逆冲构造经历了新生代构造反转作用而产生的,新生代伸展作用非常显著,伸展方向为 26°, 249°,347°;西部边界由近 SN 向断裂组成,存在新生代近 EW 及 NEE-SSW 向伸展运动的擦痕证据,伸展方向为 94°,72°。 区内发育 NNW-SSE,NW-SE,NE-SW,NEE-SWW,近 SN 等几个方向的共轭节理系,表明存在过燕山期 NW-SE 向的水平 挤压构造应力场和喜山期 NE-SW 向水平挤压构造应力场,近 EW 向水平挤压应力场可能是在这两期主要构造应力场转换过 程中形成的。     

Faults in the Baikal region: morphostructural and structure-genetic features (case study of the Buguldeika fault junction)

Lineament analysis is applied to map the pattern of the Obruchev fault system in the Buguldeika Village area, where several fault zones (Olkhon, Primorsky, Prikhrebtovyi, Buguldeika, and Kurtun) make up a junction. As inferred from the predominant directions of genetically related lineaments, the Olkhon, Primorsky, and Prikhrebtovyi faults originated under NW-SE extension and compression. The extension and compression settings within these zones are reconstructed by analysis of lineaments that have prominent and poor geomorphic expression, respectively. However, the pattern of lineaments well expressed in the surface topography within a weakly deformed block corresponds to reverse slip, while that of poorly pronounced lineaments corresponds to left-lateral strike slip. The study confirms the idea that the latest extension (rifting) stage in the Baikal region reactivated fault zones but did not deform blocks. The blocks store record of residual deformation produced by previous settings of regional compression and shear. The obtained results agree with earlier tectonophysical analysis of faults and fractures in the area and prove the applicability of the suggested approach to map the fault patterns and reconstruct their respective stress settings in areas that underwent multiple deformation events of different ages.     

潞安矿区井下地应力测量及分布规律研究

在山西潞安矿区的13个煤矿采用小孔径水压致裂地应力测量装置,完成了60个测点的原岩应力测量工作。实测数据表明：潞安矿区55%的测点最大水平主应力大于垂直主应力,由于受埋藏深度与地质构造影响,矿区内各矿地应力值差别较大,但地应力大小总体上属于中等地应力值;潞安矿区最大水平主应力方向从南到北变化较大,构造应力场呈现出多变的形态。在实测数据的基础上,绘制了潞安矿区地应力分布图;分析了地应力随埋藏深度的变化规律、平均水平主应力与垂直主应力的比值与埋藏深度的关系。煤矿井下地应力测量为井田开拓、巷道布置与支护设计等工程实践提供了可靠的基础参数,提高了工程设计的科学性、合理性与可靠性。     

基于地应力实测数据分析郯庐断裂带中段滑动趋势

郯庐断裂带潜在滑动趋势对于区域地壳稳定性评价具有重要的意义。对郯庐断裂带中段(新沂至渤海段)附近12个钻孔共65条实测地应力数据分析,得出该区段最大和最小水平主应力与垂直应力之比Kmax和Kmin的范围,结果表明郯庐断裂带中段主要表现为逆断层的应力状态,局部地区呈现出有利于走滑断层的特征。研究区内应力比K值由西向东逐渐增大,并在东北部达到最大。通过计算得出断层面上的剪应力与有效正应力比值小于Byerlee准则所定义的摩擦系数,说明目前郯庐断裂带中段处于相对稳定状态;同时发现北西向断裂面上的剪应力与有效正应力比值比北东向断裂的大。区内应力积累指标μm的计算结果和地震的分布特征表明,郯庐断裂带中段北西向断裂上地震活动频繁,应力积累程度低;而北东向断层上应力积累程度高,特别是处于郯庐断裂带中段东北部的北东向断层,在应力集中的区域出现地震空白区,推测为断层的锁固段。最终认为在现今应力场下郯庐断裂带中段更易沿北西向的断裂滑动。     

淮南矿区地应力场特征

利用空心包体地应力测量方法对淮南矿区的地应力进行了实测,获得了矿区的地应力场分布特征。研究表明,所有测点的两个主应力近水平,一个主应力近垂直。垂直主应力与上覆岩体的重力具有良好的相关性;水平主应力随深度的增加而增加,不同区域增加的梯度不同;最大水平主应力与最小水平主应力的比值与测点深度没有明显的关系,50%以上测点的水平主应力差异显著;最大水平主应力作用方位为北东向,局部受构造等影响,水平主应力发生变化。总体上,淮南矿区受北东向的挤压应力作用。根据3个主应力量值的关系,确定淮南矿区地应力场类型属大地动力场型和准静水应力场型。地应力场的以上特征对淮南矿区煤与瓦斯突出的发生具有重要作用,提出了在进行瓦斯抽放钻孔参数设计时应考虑地应力场特征的建议。      

中国大陆现今构造应力场的回归分析研究

叙述了应用有限元方法和回归分析理论,依据实际应力观测资料,结合中国大陆构造地质资料反演中国大陆现今构造应力场的研究成果。计算中考虑了地壳结构在纵向上和横向上的非均匀性和现今活动断层的影响,采用接触分析方法模拟了板块边界的作用。计算结果表明,通过回归分析得到中国大陆现今构造应力场特征与实际观测结果是一致的:(1) 在中国大陆现今水平最大主压应力轴走向以青藏高原为中心,呈辐射状分布;(2) 在中国大陆现今水平最大主压应力总体表现为由西向东逐渐降低的趋势;(3) 中国大陆东南的台湾海峡区域水平最大主压应力有局部升高的现象。