Cenozoic lithogenesis in the Baikal rift zone

New data on the geological history and Cenozoic lithogenesis in depressions of the Baikal rift zone are considered with areas adjacent to Lake Baikal as example. In this region, rifting developed during the plain (Late Oligocene?Early Pliocene) and orogenic (Late Pliocene?Holocene) stages and was accompanied by the accumulation of plain coaliferous fan and orogenic molasses formations, respectively. The examination of Quaternary sequences in the Baikal region reveals that deposition and postsedimentary transformations of riftogenic sediments were intensely influenced by deep-seated water sources of the so far undivided stratal?infiltration, elision, and exfiltration types, according to the classification in (Kislyakov and Shchetochkin, 2000). Deep processes in this region determined the elevated heat flow, volcanism, and extensive discharge of hydrothermal solutions and gas fluids. In our opinion, gaseous?hydrothermal activity stimulated the formation of hydrothermal?sedimentary rocks (dolomitic and calcitic travertines, geyserites, aluminosulfates), the accumulation of diatomaceous and carbonaceous oozes in Baikal, and the formation of a large methane gas hydrate deposit.     

Seismotectonics of the Baikal rift zone

High seismicity in the Baikal rift zone is controlled by the development of conjugate rising and subsiding block structures. Many types of seismological phenomena resulting from large earthquakes are manifested in the rift zone and include seismotectonic (regional, zonal and local), gravity-seismotectonic and seismogravitational deformations. Impulsive as distinct from gradual seismogenetic crustal movements play a dominant role in the recent development of the Baikal geomorphology.     

Faults of the Baikal rift zone

Baikal rift-zone faults range in magnitude from major through regional to local. The major, transcrustal faults of pre-Cenozoic initiation frame the structural pattern of the rift zone. Rifting causes a rejuvenation of all important faults regardless of their original type, many becoming oblique-slip faults. The displacement directions correlate well with the strike of the faults in terms of a single strain field for the region. Amplitudes of vertical and horizontal displacements are discussed. The general directions of the main crustal stresses are shown on a schematic diagram which illustrates the origin of different morphogenic groups of faults, and the main stages of their evolution.     

Deep seismic investigations in the Baikal rift zone

The largest rift zone of Europe and Asia is located in the region of Lake Baikal. In 1968–1970 deep seismic measurements were carried out along a number of profiles with a total length of about 2000 km within the rift zone and in the adjacent parts of the Siberian platform and the region of the Baikal Mountains. These investigations were of a reconnaissance nature, and therefore the point sounding method was used.A low-velocity region for compressional waves (7.6–7.8 km/sec) has been found and could be traced over a large area in the upper parts of the mantle. The width of this anomalous zone is 200–400 km. The Baikal rift lies in its northwestern part. Within the studied part of the Siberian platform the thickness of the earth's crust is 37–39 km, while in the rift zone it is 36 km, and further to the southeast the crust-mantle boundary lies at a depth of 45–46 km. The Baikal rift proper is bounded in the northwest by a deep fracture zone and does not seem to be associated with any significant “root” or “antiroot” in the relief of the Mohorovi?i? discontinuity.The reduced compressional velocity in the upper parts of the mantle beneath the Baikal zone is considered to correspond to the same phenomena found under the mid-oceanic ridges and the extended rift system in the Basin and Range province of North America. The Baikal rift in the narrow sense of the word lies over the northwestern edge of the anomalous mantle region. This asymmetric position seems to be its main peculiarity.     

Seismicity and earthquake focal mechanisms in the Baikal rift zone

The seismicity of the Baikal rift zone is considered on the basis of instrumental and field observations. The spatial pattern of epicentres, the frequency of earthquakes and the relations between seismicity and the elements of fault tectonics are analyzed. The regional and local stress states in the crust of the Pribaikalye region, obtained from studying earthquake focal mechanisms for various energies are summarized.     

Magnetic anomalies of the Baikal rift zone and adjacent areas

The magnetic field of the Baikal rift zone differs both from that of adjacent territories and from oceanic rifts in its character and intensity. There is no strip-like structure of the field in Baikal. It is assumed that the thickness of the magnetic anomaly-generating layer in this region is small, due to a high thermal gradient in the crust. Basic intrusions are predicted at depths up to 18 km. There is evidence of instability in the geothermal field.     

贝加尔裂谷带通京盆地呼兰霍博克火山的玄武岩岩石学和地球化学特征

位于贝加尔裂谷带西南端通京盆地的呼兰霍博克火山为玄武岩质碎屑锥,玄武岩由高拉长石、贵橄榄石、普通辉石和火山玻璃组成,其矿物组成及SiO2-（Na2O＋K2O）图和Hf-Th-Ta图指示为碱性玄武岩.CIPW标准矿物特征、岩石化学成分和单斜辉石化学成分特征表明岩石属碱性系列,钠质型.稀土元素和微量元素的地球化学特征表明岩石为裂谷初期玄武岩.初步推断原始岩浆来源于上地幔,斑晶可能于16.5 km深处的次生壳层岩浆房结晶.     

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.     

GPS-measurements of recent crustal deformation in the junction zone of the rift segments in the central Baikal rift system

Based on multiyear measurements of present-day motions in the central area of the Baikal rift system, new data on the kinematics of horizontal motions, relative horizontal deformation rates, and rotation velocities in the area of junction of the South Baikal, North Baikal, and Barguzin rift basins have been obtained. This area is an intricate structure with two transfer zones: Ol’khon–Svyatoi Nos and Ust’-Barguzin.It is shown that crustal blocks are moving southeastward, normally to the structures of transfer zones and at an acute angle to the Baikal Rift strike, which corresponds to the right-lateral strike-slip extensional faulting along the major structure. The average horizontal velocities increase from 3.0 mm yr–1 in the northern South Baikal basin to 6.5 mm yr–1 in the Barguzin basin. The elongation axes prevailing in the study region are mainly of NW–SE direction. The areas of intense deformations are confined to structures with high seismic activity in the South Baikal and, partly, Barguzin basins. This confirms the existence of a present-day zone of the Earth’s crust destruction in the Baikal rift system, which is the most likely source of strong earthquakes in the future. Two zones with rotations in opposite directions are recognized in the rotation velocity field. Clockwise rotation is typical of structures of N–NE strike (Maloe More basin, southern North Baikal basin, Barguzin Ridge rise). Counterclockwise rotation is determined for NE-striking structures (northern South Baikal basin, southern Barguzin basin). In general, the obtained data show an intricate pattern of present-day horizontal dislocations and deformations in the area of junction of NE- and N–NE-striking rift structures. This suggests left- and right-lateral strike-slip faults, respectively, within them.     

长白山区图们江流域新生代火山岩的岩石化学研究

图们江流域新生代火山岩以溢流式喷发为特征，其主要岩石类型以拉斑玄武岩为主，含少量玄武质粗安岩、碱性玄武岩、玄武质安山岩和粗面玄武岩。根据图们江流域火山岩的Mg#（Mg#=100Mg^2＋／（Mg^2＋＋Fe^2＋））值多数≤60，Ni含量〈100μg／g和主、微量元素地球化学特征综合表明，形成火山岩的岩浆不是原始岩浆，它们是原始岩浆在上地幔经历了橄榄石、辉石分离结晶作用后形成的以拉斑玄武岩为主，包括碱性玄武岩和粗面玄武岩等演化岩浆，结晶分异作用是岩浆演化过程的主要控制因素。拉斑玄武质岩浆在上升过程中发生了不同程度的壳源物质同化混染作用，发生在上地壳遭受较大程度混染的岩浆K2O含量明显偏高（〉2．6％），形成玄武质粗安岩。     

The Baikal rift zone: the effect of mantle plumes on older structure

The main chain of SW–NE-striking Cenozoic half-grabens of the Baikal rift zone (BRZ) follows the frontal parts of Early Paleozoic thrusts, which have northwestern and northern vergency. Most of the large rift half-grabens are bounded by normal faults at the northwestern and northern sides. We suggest that the rift basins were formed as a result of transformation of ancient thrusts into normal listric faults during Cenozoic extension.Seismic velocities in the uppermost mantle beneath the whole rift zone are less than those in the mantle beneath the platform. This suggests thinning of the lithosphere under the rift zone by asthenosphere upwarp. The geometry of this upwarp and the southeastward spread of its material control the crustal extension in the rift zone. This NW–SE extension cannot be blocked by SW–NE compression generated by pressure from the Indian lithospheric block against Central Asia.The geochemical and isotopic data from Late Cenozoic volcanics suggest that the hot material in the asthenospheric upwarp is probably provided by mantle plumes. To distinguish and locate these plumes, we use regional isostatic gravity anomalies, calculated under the assumption that topography is only partially compensated by Moho depth variations. Variations of the lithosphere–asthenosphere discontinuity depth play a significant role in isostatic compensation. We construct three-dimensional gravity models of the plume tails. The results of this analysis of the gravity field are in agreement with the seismic data: the group velocities of long-period Rayleigh waves are reduced in the areas where most of the recognized plumes are located, and azimuthal seismic anisotropy shows that these plumes influence the flow directions in the mantle above their tails.The Baikal rift formation, like the Kenya, Rio Grande, and Rhine continental rifts [Achauer, U., Granet, M., 1997. Complexity of continental rifts as revealed by seismic tomography and gravity modeling. In: Jacob, A.W.B., Delvaux, D., Khan, M.A. (Eds.), Lithosphere Structure, Evolution and Sedimentation in Continental Rifts. Proceedings of the IGCP 400 Meeting, Dublin, March 20–22, 1997. Institute of Advanced Studies, Dublin, pp. 161–171], is controlled by the three following factors: (i) mantle plumes, (ii) older (prerift) linear lithosphere structures favorably positioned relative to the plumes, and (iii) favorable orientation of the far-field forces.     

Mechanism of rifting and some features of the deep-seated structure of the Baikal rift zone

The mechanism of rifting in the Baikal rift zone is a complex process, with stages of crustal fracturing alternating with stages of plastic extension. Data on the form and size of the anomalous mantle region lying below the rift zone is given in the present work. Divergent flow in the upper part of the anomalous mantle is considered the cause of extension of the crust in this region.     

Morphotectonics of lacustrine basins: The Baikal rift zone as an example

Formation mechanisms and development of numerous and morphologically diverse lacustrine basins of the Baikal rift zone are considered in terms of morphotectonics. All the representative lake species are characterized, and their regional morphotectonic classification is suggested.     

Arshan palaeoseismic feature of the Tunka fault (Baikal rift zone,Russia)

The traditional concept of the rift development of flank depressions in the Baikal rift zone is now doubted in view of some indicators for compression deformations identified by the seismogeological and geodetic methods. Besides, the paleoseismological investigations revealed seismogenic strike-slips and reverse faults in the Tunka fault zone that is a major structure-controlling element of the Tunka rift depression. However, a detailed study of the upslope-facing scarp in the Arshan paleoseismogenic structure zone has shown that its formation might be due to rift mechanism of basin formation. Age estimation has been made for the previously unknown pre-historic earthquake whose epicentral area coincides with the western flank of the Arshan paleoseismogenic structure. Judging from previously determined ages of paleoearthquakes, the mean recurrence period for faulting events on the central Tunka fault is 2780–3440 years.     

Oligocene deposits of the Baikal rift valley

New data are reported on the stratigraphy of the Oligocene deposits of Lake Baikal (the Tankhoi field, the outcrops near the mouths of the Osinovka, Polovinka, and Klyuevka Rivers). Detailed paleontological analysis of the key sections on the continental part of the Baikal eastern coast revealed four floristic horizons that could be used as indicator horizons and showed that the Tankhoi Formation formed throughout the Oligocene and at the early Early Miocene. Lithologically, blue vivianite clays and coal beds could be used as the most important indicator horizons. Formation of the deposits began after a long stratigraphic break from the Early Cretaceous to the Early Oligocene. The deposits were formed by erosion and denudation of weathering crust and accumulation of redeposited weathering residues in the Tankhoi paleobasin with a lacustrine-marsh landscape. Coarse-clastic foehn deposits of the Osinovka Formation, containing rich Miocene palynological assemblages, were eroded and overlie concordantly the Upper Tankhoi Subformation and redeposited weathering residues of the weathering crust, and underlie the Anosovka Formation. The study suggests that the Baikal rift valley began to form at 38 Ma.     

营口—潍坊断裂带新生代走滑拉分—裂陷盆地伸展量、沉降量估算

应用通过营口—潍坊断裂带及相关新生代盆地的地震剖面,采用专业软件分别计算了潍北凹陷、青东凹陷、莱州湾凹陷、黄河口凹陷、渤中凹陷、渤东凹陷、辽中凹陷和辽东凹陷的伸展量及构造沉降量,表明虽然同受断裂带走滑和软流圈上涌控制,但不同区段新生代伸展作用方向、主要发生时间和强度都有差别。南段是南北方向伸展,伸展作用主要发生在古新-始新世孔店组—沙河街组三段沉积时期;中段渤中—辽东湾南部地区具有多向伸展特征,近东西方向和南北方向伸展作用最为强烈,主要伸展作用发生在中-晚始新世、渐新世和新近纪,特别是以新近纪强烈伸展作用区别于其它地区;北段即辽东湾中-北部地区主要是北西—南东方向伸展,主要伸展活动发生在中始新世沙河街组三段和渐新世东营组沉积时期。文章总结了4种不同类型的沉降,指出新生代的构造活动随时间有自南向北推移和自两侧向中间迁移的规律,提出不同方向断裂带的活化和新近纪北东东向新生构造的形成是裂陷强度向中间迁移并产生4种不同沉降类型盆地的原因。