Earthquake distribution and volcanism in Kamchatka,Kurile Islands,and Hokkaido Part 1: Kamchatka and northern Kuriles

Summary The morphology of the Wadati-Benioff zone in the region of Kamchatka and Northern Kuriles, based on the distribution of 1102 earthquake foci, verified the existence of an intermediate depth aseismic gap and its relation to active andesitic volcanism. A system of deep seismically active fracture zones, genetically connected with the process of subduction, was delineated in the continental plate and confirmed by the results of deep seismic sounding. Two of these fractures, dipping toward the subduction zone, may be considered as the principal feeding channels for active and Holocene volcanoes of the continental volcanic belts of Kamchatka.     

Deep structure,volcanism and Wadati-Benioff zone of the northwestern pacific convergent margin

The morphology of the Wadati-Benioff zone in the region of Kamchatka, the Kurile Islands and Hokkaido, based on the distribution of 6319 earthquake foci, has verified the existence of an intermediate-depth aseismic gap and its relation to active andesitic volcanism. It appeared that deep-focus earthquakes in this region belong to a paleosubduction zone activated by an intermediate-depth collision with the active subduction zone in the area of Hokkaido. A system of deep seismically active fracture zones was delineated in the continental plate and confirmed by the results of deep seismic sounding. Two of these fractures, dipping toward the subduction zone, may be considered as the principal feeding channels for active and Holocene volcanoes of the continental volcanic bels of Kamchatka.     

Morphology of the Wadati-Benioff zone,andesitic volcanism,and active fracture zones in Central America

Summary The morphology of the Wadati-Benioff zone in the region of Central America, based on the distribution of 1377 earthquake foci, verified the existence of an intermediate aseismic gap and its relation to active andesitic volcanism, and the non-uniformity of subduction due to the hampering effect of the main structural features of the subducting Cocos plate. Four deep seismically active fracture zones, genetically connected with the process of subduction, and three fracture zones manifesting the possible boundary between the Americas and Caribbean plates were identified in the continental wedge.     

SEASAT geoid anomalies and the Macquarie Ridge complex

The seismically active Macquarie Ridge complex forms the Pacific-India plate boundary between New Zealand and the Pacific-Antarctic spreading center. The Late Cenozoic deformation of New Zealand and focal mechanisms of recent large earthquakes in the Macquarie Ridge complex appear consistent with the current plate tectonic models. These models predict a combination of strike-slip and convergent motion in the northern Macquarie Ridge, and strike-slip motion in the southern part. The Hjort trench is the southernmost expression of the Macquarie Ridge complex. Regional considerations of the magnetic lineations imply that some oceanic crust may have been consumed at the Hjort trench. Although this arcuate trench seems inconsistent with the predicted strike-slip setting, a deep trough also occurs in the Romanche fracture zone.Geoid anomalies observed over spreading ridges, subduction zones, and fracture zones are different. Therefore, geoid anomalies may be diagnostic of plate boundary type. We use SEASAT data to examine the Macquarie Ridge complex and find that the geoid anomalies for the northern Hjort trench region are different from the geoid anomalies for the Romanche trough. The Hjort trench region is characterized by an oblique subduction zone geoid anomaly, e.g., the Aleutian-Komandorski region. Also, limited first-motion data for the large 1924 earthquake that occurred in the northern Hjort trench suggest a thrust focal mechanism. We conclude that subduction is occurring at the Hjort trench. The existence of active subduction in this area implies that young oceanic lithosphere can subduct beneath older oceanic lithosphere.     

2010年智利大地震及历史地震活动与地质构造背景

2010年2月27日(当地时间)智利发生了8.8级地震,造成了严重的破坏和损失。该地震是典型的逆冲型地震,处于环太平洋地震带,是Nazca板块以每年8cm的汇聚速率俯冲于南美洲板块之下,使得该板块下部的应力积累到一定程度引发破裂的结果。历史地震分析表明,目前该地区可能开始一个新的大震活跃期,未来3～4年内可能还会发生一次8级以上的地震。     

Morphology of the wadati-benioff zone in the hellenic arc

The morphology of the Wadati-Benioff zone in the Hellenic arc was established on the basis of the distribution of 1058 earthquake foci. The subduction zone appears to be composed of two separated parts (western and eastern) terminated by seismically active fracture zones. The existence of an intermediate depth aseismic gap, closely connected with active calc-alkaline volcanism, was confirmed in both parts. The age and the average subduction rate of the present subduction cycle were estimated.     

Seismicity pattern: an indicator of source region of volcanism at convergent plate margins

The results of detailed investigation into the geometry of distribution of earthquakes around and below the volcanoes Korovin, Cleveland, Makushin, Yake-Dake, Oshima, Lewotobi, Fuego, Sangay, Nisyros and Montagne Pelée at convergent plate margins are presented. The ISC hypocentral determinations for the period 1964-1999, based on data of global seismic network and relocated by Engdahl, van der Hilst and Buland, have been used.The aim of this study has been to contribute to the solution of the problem of location of source regions of primary magma for calc-alkaline volcanoes spatially and genetically related to the process of subduction. Several specific features of seismicity pattern were revealed in this context. (i) A clear occurrence of the intermediate-depth aseismic gap (IDAG) in the Wadati-Benioff zone (WBZ) below all investigated active volcanoes. We interpret this part of the subducted slab, which does not contain any teleseismically recorded earthquake with magnitude greater than 4.0, as a partially melted domain of oceanic lithosphere and as a possible source of primary magma for calc-alkaline volcanoes. (ii) A set of earthquakes in the shape of a seismically active column (SAC) seems to exists in the continental wedge below volcanoes Korovin, Makushin and Sangay. The seismically active columns probably reach from the Earth surface down to the aseismic gap in the Wadati-Benioff zone. This points to the possibility that the upper mantle overlying the subducted slab does not contain large melted domains, displays an intense fracturing and is not likely to represent the site of magma generation. (iii) In the continental wedge below the volcanoes Cleveland, Fuego, Nisyros, Yake-Dake, Oshima and Lewotobi, shallow seismicity occurs down to the depth of 50 km. The domain without any earthquakes between the shallow seismically active column and the aseismic gap in the Wadati-Benioff zone in the depth range of 50-100 km does not exclude the melting of the mantle also above the slab. (iv) Any earthquake does not exist in the lithospheric wedge below the volcano Montagne Pelée. The source of primary magma could be located in the subducted slab as well as in the overlying mantle wedge. (v) Frequent aftershock sequences accompanying stronger earthquakes in the seismically active columns indicate high fracturing of the wedge below active volcanoes. (vi) The elongated shape of clusters of epicentres of earthquakes of seismically active columns, as well as stable parameters of the available fault plane solutions, seem to reflect the existence of dominant deeply rooted fracture zones below volcanoes. These facts also favour the location of primary magma in the subducting slab rather than in the overlying wedge.We suppose that melts advancing from the slab toward the Earth surface may trigger the observed earthquakes in the continental wedge that is critically pre-stressed by the process of subduction. However, for definitive conclusions it will be necessary to explain the occurrence of earthquake clusters below some volcanoes and the lack of seismicity below others, taking into account the uncertainty of focal depth determination from global seismological data in some regions.     

Gravity and magnetotelluric investigations to elicit the origin of Hammam Faraun hot spring,Sinai Peninsula,Egypt

There is a clear correlation between the principal areas of current geothermal development and the seismically active boundaries of the moving segments of lithosphere defined by the plate tectonic models of the Earth. The tectonic position of Egypt in the northeastern corner of African continent suggests that the most important areas for geothermal exploration are in the region where a cluster of hot springs with varied temperatures was located around the Gulf of Suez. Gravity and magnetotelluric surveys were made in the area of Hammam Faraun hot spring, which represents the most promising area for geothermal development in Egypt. These surveys were carried out for the purpose of eliciting the origin of Hammam Faraun hot spring. The results of the analyses and interpretations of these data show that the heat source of the hot spring is due to uplift of hot basement rock. This uplift may cause deep circulation and heating of the undergroundwater.     

川滇地区较长时间尺度的地震活动盛衰交替性

通过与更早地震资料的对比, 研究了鲜水河断裂带, 川滇地壳块体东带、 西带, 松潘、 龙门山断裂带以及整个川滇地区较长时间尺度的地震活动盛衰交替性。 结果表明, 川滇东带北段(鲜水河断裂带)、 松潘、 龙门山地震带及川滇西带中段和南段(主要是红河断裂带)的地震活动具有明显的几十到百年尺度的盛衰交替性。 而川滇东带中南段(安宁河-则木河-小江断裂带)与川滇西带北段(金沙江断裂带)在上述地震带的平静期里, 中强以上地震频次明显减少, 但有个别7级以上强震发生。 这样, 整个川滇地区地震活动的盛衰交替性呈现一种比较复杂的阶段性特征: 伴随频繁中强震的强震活跃期与突发强震活动期交替出现。 值得注意的是, 川滇地区从19世纪末开始的伴随频繁中强震的强震活跃期已超过百年, 目前出现长期平静, 应注意进入突发强震活动期的可能性。 根据川滇地区上一个突发强震活动期突发强震的空间分布, 推测未来的突发强震可能发生在南北向断裂带, 或其他方向断裂带与南北向断裂带的交汇部。 文中还对上述统计现象的机理作了简要讨论。     

Implications of ground water chemistry and flow patterns for earthquake studies

Ground water can facilitate earthquake development and respond physically and chemically to tectonism. Thus, an understanding of ground water circulation in seismically active regions is important for earthquake prediction. To investigate the roles of ground water in the development and prediction of earthquakes, geological and hydrogeological monitoring was conducted in a seismogenic area in the Yanhuai Basin, China. This study used isotopic and hydrogeochemical methods to characterize ground water samples from six hot springs and two cold springs. The hydrochemical data and associated geological and geophysical data were used to identify possible relations between ground water circulation and seismically active structural features. The data for delta18O, deltaD, tritium, and 14C indicate ground water from hot springs is of meteoric origin with subsurface residence times of 50 to 30,320 years. The reservoir temperature and circulation depths of the hot ground water are 57 degrees C to 160 degrees C and 1600 to 5000 m, respectively, as estimated by quartz and chalcedony geothermometers and the geothermal gradient. Various possible origins of noble gases dissolved in the ground water also were evaluated, indicating mantle and deep crust sources consistent with tectonically active segments. A hard intercalated stratum, where small to moderate earthquakes frequently originate, is present between a deep (10 to 20 km), high-electrical conductivity layer and the zone of active ground water circulation. The ground water anomalies are closely related to the structural peculiarity of each monitoring point. These results could have implications for ground water and seismic studies in other seismogenic areas.     

俄罗斯贝加尔湖-日本仙台断面地震波速结构及其地质意义

本文以中俄、俄日学者合作所得到的地球物理资料为主,结合其它相关地质-地球物理数据,组构了俄罗斯贝加尔湖-日本仙台(BS)4000 km长断面,用于区域性大尺度地研究东北亚洲地壳结构和一系列地质构造问题.研究BS断面地震波速结果表明:(1)西伯利亚板块和黑龙江板块地壳结构变化较大,并可分为上、中、下部地壳,欧亚板块东部陆缘带地壳结构较简单,基本两分.贝加尔裂谷带下部地壳厚度比松辽盆地的薄约7 km,而上部地壳则相反,前者的比后者的厚约9 km.两个裂谷带在Moho界面之下的波速分布差异也较大.(2)结合前人认识,综合分析认为,贝加尔裂谷带属主动式裂谷,松辽盆地属于混合型裂谷.贝加尔裂谷形成动力主要来自地球构造圈B″层物质上涌所形成的地幔热柱的垂向作用,由BLV带佐证,松辽盆地形成动力主要来自太平洋板块斜向俯冲的中远程效应.(3)日本国所位于的西太平洋岛弧带是多地震带,除了太平洋板块俯冲产生的浅部效应、地壳中断裂与流体的直接作用等因素,本文指出仙台等速块的物性条件是岛弧带的主要不稳定因素.同时指出需要关注日本东海岸深约30~40 km的大级次地震的发生.     

中国大陆地震活跃期和平静期的b值与地震趋势研究

计算了中国大陆5个地震活跃期和4个地震平静期的b值。地震活跃期的b值明显比地震平静期的b值低，地震活跃期的b值为0.72～0.76，平均为0.75，地震平静期的b值为0.86～1.06，平均为0.97。截止到2000年3月，第五轮回的活跃期b值为0.87，介于地震平静期与地震活跃期的平均值之间，明显高于地震活跃期的b值。因此，中国大陆从1 988年开始的第五轮回的地震活跃期可能还没有结束，还可能发生较大的(7级)地震。     

Active faults in West Africa

Interpretation of offshore seismic surveys south of Accra, Ghana, has shown that Accra is situated near the intersection of the northeast-trending Akwapim fault zone and an east-trending coastal boundary fault. Seismic recordings from Kukurantumi Observatory and historical evidence of earthquakes indicate that both faults are currently active. This is also supported by geological evidence. The Akwapim fault is traced southwest across the continental shelf to link at the margin with the Romanche fracture zone on which there is evidence of tectonic activity beyond the confines of the offsets of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It is suggested that current tectonism along the Romanche fracture zone continues deep into the continent along the Akwapim fault zone and may represent an early stage in the development of a new plate boundary. Possibly the initiation of this boundary is through crustal fault propagation rather than rifting, perhaps by the mechanism of membrane tectonics proposed by Turcotte and Oxburgh (1973).     

The deep structure of the Kulu earthquake-generating zone in the upper Kolyma highland from geophysical data

We measured and interpreted 30 physical magnetotelluric sounding sites using an SGS-E station and 20 km of electrical profiling observations using SDVR-4M instrumentation. We constructed a map of seismicity, an interpretation map, and four geoelectric sections, which give an idea of the deep structure for the Kulu earthquake-generating zone. A general geoelectric upper crustal model was developed for the zone down to depths of 20–22 km. Three nearly vertical conductive volumes were identified (thickness 3–5 km, depth 10–22 km), which provide the positions of seismically active deep-seated faults that pinpoint the Kulu earthquake-generating zone. The preliminary boundary of the zone was determined. It was found that earth-quake epicenters are confined to lithosphere volumes with increased concentrations of conductive layers and zones.     

On the spatial distribution of seismicity and the 3D tectonic stress field in western Greece

We analyzed a large number of focal mechanisms and relocated earthquake hypocenters to investigate the geodynamics of western Greece, the most seismically active part of the Aegean plate-boundary zone. This region was seismically activated multiple times during the last decade, providing a large amount of enhanced quality new information that was obtained by the Hellenic Unified Seismological Network (HUSN). Relocated seismicity using a double-difference method appears to be concentrated above ∼35 km depth, exhibiting spatial continuity along the convergence boundary and being clustered elsewhere. Earthquakes are confined within the accreted sediments escarpment of the down-going African plate against the un-deformed Eurasian hinterland. The data arrangement shows that Pindos constitutes a seismic boundary along which large stress heterogeneities occur. In Cephalonia no seismicity is found to be related with the offshore Cephalonia Transform Fault (CTF). Onshore, NS crustal extension dominates, while in central and south Peloponnesus the stress field appears rotated by 90°. Shearing-stress obliquity by 30° is indicated along the major strike-slip faults, consistent with clockwise crustal rotation. Within the lower crust, the stress field appears affected by plate kinematics and distributed deformation of the lower crust and upper mantle, which guide the regional geodynamics.     

Bioaugmentation in a Well‐Characterized Fractured Rock DNAPL Source Area

A field demonstration was performed at Edwards Air Force Base to assess bioaugmentation for treatment of a well‐characterized tetrachloroethene (PCE) dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) source area in fractured rock. Groundwater recirculation was employed to deliver remedial amendments, including bacteria, to facilitate reductive dechlorination and enhance DNAPL dissolution. An active treatment period of 9 months was followed by a 10‐month posttreatment rebound evaluation. Dechlorination daughter products were observed in both the shallow and deep fracture zones following treatment. In the shallow fracture zone, the calculated DNAPL mass removed was approximately equal to the DNAPL mass estimated using partitioning tracer testing, and no rebound in chlorinated ethenes or ethene was observed during the posttreatment period. A maximum DNAPL dissolution enhancement factor of 5 was observed in the shallow fracture zone. In the deep fracture zone, only approximately 45% of the DNAPL mass—as estimated via partitioning tracer testing—was removed and rebound in the total molar chlorinated ethenes + ethene was observed. The difference in behavior between the shallow and deep fracture zones was attributed to DNAPL architecture and the fracture flow field.     

1906年新疆玛纳斯大震区的多层次逆冲构造与深部结构

通过对天山北麓 190 6年玛纳斯 7 7级地震区的浅层地震探测资料、石油地震反射剖面、二维电性结构剖面、深地震反射剖面的研究 ,发现玛纳斯地震区多层次活动构造系统的根带 ,它通过脆 -韧转换带与天山活动构造块体内上地壳中的低速、高导层连为一体。低速、高导层可能是天山地壳内正在活动的韧性剪切带 ,而齐古逆断裂 -褶皱带下的脆 -韧转换带是连接深部活动韧性剪切带与地壳浅部脆性破裂的枢纽 ,也是现今孕育和发生大地震的重要构造部位。 190 6年玛纳斯地震发生在脆韧转换带的底部 ,地震区的活动逆断裂和褶皱只是部分记录了深部韧性剪切带活动的信息     

Re-appraisal of earthquake catalog in the Pamir―Hindu Kush region,emphasizing the early and modern instrumental earthquake events

Journal of Seismology - The Pamir-Hindu Kush region is seismically the most dynamic and active zone that went through many devastating earthquakes. While much research is ongoing to produce seismic...     

Determining and modeling tectonic movements along the central part of the North Anatolian Fault (Turkey) using geodetic measurements

The North Anatolian Fault (NAF), which extends from Karl?ova in Eastern Turkey to the Gulf of Saros in the Northern Aegean Sea, is one of the longest active strike-slip faults in the world with a length of about 1500 km. Within the North Anatolian Shear Zone (NASZ) there are long splays off the main trunk of the NAF veering towards the interior parts of Anatolia. Although the whole shear zone is still seismically active, the major seismicity is concentrated along the main branch of the NAF. Splays of the NAF dissect the shear zone into different continental blocks. The largest splay of the NAF was selected to analyze the distribution of movements between the faults delimiting these blocks. Four years of GPS measurements and modeling results indicate that the differential motion between the Anatolian collage and the Eurasian plate along the central part of the NAF is partitioned between fault splays and varies between 18.7 ± 1.6 and 21.5 ± 2.1 mm/yr with the main branch taking ∼90% of the motion.     

Seismically active fracture zones related to the western segment of the hellenic subduction

Summary A system of 12 seismically active fracture zones was delineated on the basis of the distribution of earthquake foci in the continental lithosphere in the western domain of the Hellenic area. The position and width of the outcrop, thickness, dip and maximum depth of the individual fracture zones were estimated and complemented by tectonic and geological evidence. The existence of the fracture zones was confirmed by the occurrence of historical disastrous earthquakes.