Application of the technique to ellipitical markers deformed by pressure-solution

Compression and extension axes are deduced from quartz deformation lamellae in a quartzite and a graywacke folded into an asymetrical syncline. Deformation lamellae fabrics in the two sandstones are distinctly different. In the graywacke, regardless of bedding orientation or position on the fold, compression axes are normal or nearly normal to the axial planar rough cleavage. Extension axes generally lie in the cleavage plane, parallel to dip. In most quartzite samples, compression axes are parallel or subparallel to bedding, at high angles to the fold axis and extension axes are normal to bedding. Two samples from the very base of the formation indicate compression parallel to the fold axis with extension parallel to bedding, at high angles to the fold axis. One of these two shows both patterns. The lamellae fabric geometry in these two samples suggests the presence of a neutral surface in the quartzite. The lamellae-derived compression and extension axes are in good agreement with the buckling behavior of a viscous layer (quartzite) embedded in a less viscous medium (graywacke and shale below and shale and carbonate above).     

Joint development normal to regional compression during flexural-flow folding: the Lilstock buttress anticline,Somerset, England

Alpine inversion in the Bristol Channel Basin includes reverse-reactivated normal faults with hanging wall buttress anticlines. At Lilstock Beach, joint sets in Lower Jurassic limestone beds cluster about the trend of the hinge of the Lilstock buttress anticline. In horizontal and gently north-dipping beds, J₃ joints ( 295–285° strike) are rare, while other joint sets indicate an anticlockwise sequence of development. In the steeper south-dipping beds, J₃ joints are the most frequent in the vicinity of the reverse-reactivated normal fault responsible for the anticline. The J₃ joints strike parallel to the fold hinge, and their poles tilt to the south when bedding is restored to horizontal. This southward tilt aims at the direction of σ₁ for Alpine inversion.Finite-element analysis is used to explain the southward tilt of J₃ joints that propagate under a local σ₃ in the direction of σ₁ for Alpine inversion. Tilted principal stresses are characteristic of limestone–shale sequences that are sheared during parallel (flexural-flow) folding. Shear tractions on the dipping beds generate a tensile stress in the stiffer limestone beds even when remote principal stresses are compressive. This situation favors the paradoxical opening of joints in the direction of the regional maximum horizontal stress. We conclude that J₃ joints propagated during the Alpine compression caused the growth of the Lilstock buttress anticline.     

Brittle deformation in pitted pebble conglomerates

The fracture patterns produced in pitted pebble conglomerates from the Alpine Molasse and the Carboniferous of northern Spain, have been studied in relation to the stress concentrations which were produced in the conglomerates during their deformation. The stress distributions which develop around pebble contacts at different stages of their pitting history have been determined from photoelastic experiments. The development of different types of fracture, having dominantly tensile or shear components, and their distribution within the pebbles, are shown to be related to the mineralogy of the pebbles, the strength of the matrix and the amount of deformation the conglomerate has suffered.     

The last erosional stage of the Molasse Basin and the Alps

We present a synoptic overview of the Miocene-present development of the northern Alpine foreland basin (Molasse Basin), with special attention to the pattern of surface erosion and sediment discharge in the Alps. Erosion of the Molasse Basin started at the same time that the rivers originating in the Central Alps were deflected toward the Bresse Graben, which formed part of the European Cenozoic rift system. This change in the drainage direction decreased the distance to the marine base level by approximately 1,000 km, which in turn decreased the average topographic elevation in the Molasse Basin by at least 200 m. Isostatic adjustment to erosional unloading required ca. 1,000 m of erosion to account for this inferred topographic lowering. A further inference is that the resulting increase in the sediment discharge at the Miocene–Pliocene boundary reflects the recycling of Molasse units. We consider that erosion of the Molasse Basin occurred in response to a shift in the drainage direction rather than because of a change in paleoclimate. Climate left an imprint on the Alpine landscape, but presumably not before the beginning of glaciation at the Pliocene–Pleistocene boundary. Similar to the northern Alpine foreland, we do not see a strong climatic fingerprint on the pattern or rates of exhumation of the External Massifs. In particular, the initiation and acceleration of imbrication and antiformal stacking of the foreland crust can be considered solely as a response to the convergence of Adria and Europe, irrespective of erosion rates. However, the recycling of the Molasse deposits since 5 Ma and the associated reduction of the loads in the foreland could have activated basement thrusts beneath the Molasse Basin in order to restore a critical wedge. In conclusion, we see the need for a more careful consideration of both tectonic and climatic forcing on the development of the Alps and the adjacent Molasse Basin.     

Tracing sediment pathways by zircon fission track analysis: Oligocene marine connections in Central Europe

In this study, we use contrasting zircon fission track age signatures of Alpine detritus and detritus derived from the Variscan realm to trace sediment pathways in Central Europe. Our data show that the Molasse Basin was connected with the Rhine Graben Sea during the Mid-Oligocene, thus joining the North Sea to the Paratethys. Within the Rhine Graben Sea, fairly strong south–north directed currents existed, transporting sand-sized Alpine detritus nearly 300 km towards the north. A connection between the Rhône-Bresse Graben and the Rhine Graben and/or the French Molasse Basin and the Swiss Molasse Basin, by contrast, is not supported by the fission track data. This may be explained by the existence of submarine rises that hampered the transport of sand-sized sediment towards the north/northeast.     

Calcite texture development in experimentally induced ductile shear zones

Specimens of fine grained micritic limestone were deformed in plane strain geometry in pure shear, a combination of simple and pure shear, and in simple shear. Temperatures were 400° C and 500° C, confining pressure was 100 MPa. In the experiments with a simple shear component strain is concentrated and approximately homogeneous in a 2–3 mm wide shear zone. Shear displacement is documented by marker lines and circles. Shear strain γ varies between 0.84 and 1.56. Strain is recorded by flattening of individual grains, defining a foliation normal to the axis of principal finite shortening ε ₁. No twinning is observed on a macroscopic scale. X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques were used to characterize texture before and after deformation. All specimens display strong preferred orientation as documented by 0006, 10¯14 and 11¯220 pole-figures, c axes pole-figures display three maxima in the ε₁–ε₃ plane. If the axes of the strain ellipsoids are used as a coordinate system textures in pure and simple shear are similar but there is considerable monoclinic distortion in simple shear which is attributed to the noncoaxial strain path.     

Quantitative finite strain and kinematic flow analyses along the Zagros transpression zone, Iran

The Ghouri area in southwest Iran exposes a cross section through the Zagros orogenic belt. The area provides an opportunity to investigate quantitative finite strain (Rs), kinematic vorticity number (W_k), proportions of pure shear and simple shear components, sense of shear indicators, steeply plunging lineations, and other moderate to steeply plunging stretching lineations in a transpressional zone. Based on a classical strain analysis of deformed microfossils with oblate strain ellipsoid shape, the Zagros orogenic belt is classified as a pure-shear dominated zone of transpression, but asymmetry of shear-sense indicators suggests that a significant component of simple shear was involved along the deformation zone boundaries. The long axes of the microfossils and stretched pebbles of a deformed conglomerate were used to indicate the stretching direction in this zone. The stretching lineations have a steep to moderate plunge but a constant strain magnitude. Characteristics of dextral inclined transpressional kinematics in the Zagros continental collision zone were quantified and indicate an estimated k-value < 1, an angle between the maximum horizontal axis of the instantaneous strain ellipsoid and the zone boundary (θ = 32°), asymmetrical dextral shear-sense indicators, and an angle of relative plate motion (α = 25°).     

Chemical composition and stable carbon isotopic ratios of crude oils from Southern Germany

Thirty crude oils were sampled in the South German Molasse Basin. The crude oils were chemically separated into five component groups and their stable carbon isotopic ratios were determined by mass spectrometry. A distinct differentiation of four regionally connected groups can be inferred from the results of the δ¹³C values and chemical analyses. This grouping is in accordance with the present geologic information on the origin of crude oils in the Molasse Basin.The chemistry of crude oils seems to have been influenced by secondary processes in the eastern part of the Molasse Basin.     

The record of Periadriatic volcanism in the Eastern Alpine Molasse zone and its palaeogeographic implications

Precise provenance analysis of andesite and dacite pebbles from conglomerates in the Eastern Alpine Molasse zone, using geochemical and geochronological methods, provides evidence for a synorogenic volcanic chain in the Eastern Alps which is completely eroded today. This volcanism was related to Periadriatic magmatism along the Periadriatic lineament and took place in the Palaeogene, roughly between 40 and 30 Ma. The occurrence of remnants of these volcanic rocks together with other marker lithologies in the Eastern Alpine Molasse, implies an early to middle Miocene drainage system which was, in some respects, similar to the present Inn river system, but had a considerably larger catchment area, reaching farther south. The Palaeo-Inn drained the central and eastern sections of the Periadriatic magmatic belt to the northern foreland basin.     

Neotectonic and modern stresses of South Sakhalin

Tectonophysical studies are conducted in South Sakhalin for identification of temporal–spatial changes in the geodynamic settings of the formation of the local structures. Analysis of the field data reveals 11 local stress state (LSS) in the large newest megastructures, which were formed on geological basement of different ages. The parameters of the tectonic stresses are significantly distinct in each LSS, especially the orientations (up to reindexation) of the compression and extension axes in different fault wings. Tectonic stresses of two ages and constant latitudinal and horizontal compression axis are reconstructed. The earlier cofold shear stress field with a horizontal and longitudinal extension axis is post-Miocene and the later stress field of the reversed fault with a vertical extension axis is orogenic. The LSSs reconstructed for the first time by the displacement vectors on slickensides, along with the data on the earthquake mechanisms, substantiate the reindexation of the horizontal extension axis with the vertical intermediate axis of major normal stresses at the postfold orogenic stage of evolution of the territory. These results are in agreement with previous data on the transformation of the dextral to reverse thrust displacements along the longitudinal fault systems. The young stress field is more confidently interpreted in the activation fault zones, which limit the orogenic blocks, whereas the traces of cofold deformations without younger orogenic stress fields better remain inside the blocks which are composed of older and strongly dislocated Mesozoic rocks.     

Magnetic fabrics, rock magnetism, cathodoluminescence and petrography of apparently undeformed Bambui carbonates from São Francisco Basin (Minas Gerais State, SE Brazil): An integrated study

Magnetic measurements were performed on apparently undeformed limestones and carbonate shales from 44 sites in nearly horizontal stratigraphic layers mainly from the basal units of the Neoproterozoic Bambui Group in the southern part of the São Francisco Basin. Rock magnetism, cathodoluminescence, transmitted and reflected light microscopy analyses reveal that there is a mix of ferromagnetic minerals, mainly magnetite and pyrrhotite, in most sites. In some sites, however, the ferromagnetic minerals are magnetite and hematite. Fine-grained pyrrhotite and pyrite accompany rare fine-grained graphite and probably amorphous carbon in some of stylolites, while pyrrhotite is also present as larger interstitial masses in coarse-grained domains outside, but close to the stylolites. Magnetic fabrics were determined applying both anisotropy of low-field magnetic susceptibility (AMS) and anisotropy of anhysteretic remanence magnetization (AAR). The AAR tensor was less well defined than the AMS fabric due to the low ferromagnetic mineral content. The analysis at the individual-site scale defines three AMS fabric types. The first type (two sites) shows K_min perpendicular to the bedding plane, while K_max and K_int are scattered within bedding plane itself. This fabric is usually interpreted as primary (sedimentary-compactional), typical of totally undeformed sediments. The second type shows the three well-clustered AMS axes with K_min still perpendicular to the bedding plane. This fabric is the most important since it was found in the majority of the sites. The third type (two sites) is characterized by well-clustered K_max in the bedding plane, while K_min and K_int are distributed along a girdle. The second and third fabric types are interpreted as combinations of sedimentary-compactional and tectonic contributions at the earliest, and at a slightly later stage of deformation, respectively. AMS represents the contribution of all the rock-forming minerals, while AAR isolates the contribution of remanence-bearing minerals from the matrix minerals. However, rock magnetism shown that anhysteretic remanence only reaches grains with coercivity < 100 mT because the maximum AF in the majority of the available instruments is 100 mT. Therefore, hematite and pyrrhotite probably do not contribute to AAR, which is due to the shape-preferred orientation of magnetite grains. For some sites, the AMS and AAR fabric orientations are different, mainly with respect to the lineation orientations (K_max and A_max, respectively). In general, K_max is well developed and follows the trend of the main regional thrusts, fold axes and faults generated in the first deformational phase, while A_max follows both this trend and that of structural lineaments formed during the second deformational phase. These deformation phases arose from the compression, which occurred during the evolution of the Brasília fold belt during the last stages of the Brasiliano event. The magnetic fabrics of the apparently undeformed Bambui limestones are typical of very weakly deformed sediments, in which the depositional-compaction fabric has been partly overprinted by a tectonic one, with minimum susceptibility direction remaining perpendicular to bedding. This result is in agreement with the textures given by the petrographic observations.     

Postglacial displacements along the Alpine fault, and its significance to the New Zealand tectonic framework

Recent field studies demonstrate the southern and northern parts of the Alpine fault to be dominantly under right-lateral shear. The central portion of this fault is dominantly under compression.The Marlborough—North Island dextral shear zone, together with the Fiordland and NW Nelson sinistral shear zones, demonstrate these shears to result from lateral drag within these zones and is only partially transmitted to the central section of the Alpine fault which is dominantly reverse in character.Regional extension in the North Island west of the shear belt and regional shortening in the South Island indicate clockwise rotation at the east side of the Alpine fault and its extension in the North Island relative to the west side about a “pole” on the Alpine fault in the north of the South Island.     

Vorticity analysis of the Palmi shear zone mylonites: new insights for the Alpine tectonic evolution of the Calabria–Peloritani terrane (southern Italy)

New microstructural data on the mylonites from the well‐exposed Palmi shear zone (southern Calabria) are presented with the aim to shed light on both the kinematics and the geometry of the southwestern branch of the Alpine belt during Eocene. In the study area, located between the Sardinia–Corsica block and the Calabria–Peloritani terrane, previous large‐scale geodynamic reconstructions suggest the presence of strike–slip or transform fault zones dissecting the southwestern branch of the Alpine belt. However, there are no field data supporting the occurrence of these structures. This paper uses vorticity analysis technique based on the aspect ratio and the long axis orientation of rigid porphyroclasts in mylonitic marbles and mylonitic granitoids, to estimate the contribution of pure and simple shear of deformation during the movement of the Palmi shear zone. Porphyroclasts aspect ratio and orientation were measured on thin sections using image analysis. Estimates of the vorticity number, W_m, indicate that the Palmi shear zone recorded general shear with a contribution of pure shear of c. 65%. Then, the Palmi shear zone can be interpreted as a segment of a left‐lateral transpressive bend along the southern termination of the Eocene Alpine front. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Joints in the Mesozoic sediments around the Bristol Channel Basin

Analysis has been carried out at four locations on the edges of the Bristol Channel Basin to illustrate the later phases of deformation of a sedimentary basin, and to illustrate the control on joint patterns of subtle changes in the stress system. The characteristics of the joints are described and influences on joints are determined, including the roles of faults, folds and beds. There is a low coefficient of correlation between joint spacing and bed thickness, except in very thin limestone beds, which have a high density of joints. The lengths and spacings of earlier joint phases are usually greater than those of later phases. Later joints normally abut against earlier joints.The joints abut the latest faults but are not displaced by them, so the joints post-date the main Alpine contraction. The joints formed in five main phases during reduction of the Alpine stresses. Phase 1 joints are sub-parallel to the regional compression direction (160–180°). Phase 2 joints are perturbed by faults, often curving towards points of stress concentrations along the faults. Phase 3 joints are sub-parallel to the earlier E–W-striking fold axes. Phase 4 joints are cross-joints, and phase 5 joints form polygonal patterns within joint-bound blocks. Phases 2 and 3 do not occur in the absence of faults and folds, and correspond with a reduction in horizontal compression and an increase in the importance of local factors. Phases 4 and 5 occur at all locations.     

Insight into the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Qaidam Basin, Northwest China from fracture information

Fractures can provide valuable information for tectonic evolution. According to the data of outcrops, cores, thin sections and well logs, the tectonic fractures in the Qaidam Basin can be divided into four types: small faults (including small normal fault and small reverse fault), vertical open fracture, bedding plane slip fracture and horizontal open fracture. Our fracture observations provide new constraints on the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Qaidam Basin. Syn-sedimentary small normal faults in the Paleogene strata indicate the extension deformation during the Paleogene. Small reverse faults, vertical open fractures and bedding plane slip fractures occurred in the Paleogene and Neogene strata have genetic relationship. According to the burial history and homogenization temperature of fluid inclusions of gypsum and calcite filled in the vertical open fractures, it can be deduced that the vertical open fractures being formed mainly from the late Miocene Shangyoushashan Formation with age of 5.1?Ma to the end of Pliocene Shizigou Formation with age of 2.6?Ma, indicating small reverse faults, vertical open fractures and bedding plane slip fractures were simultaneously formed in the Neogene. These fractures were resulted from the compression deformation. The horizontal open fractures occurred in the Paleogene, Neogene and Quaternary strata with apertures and intensities decreasing with depth were formed by the large-scale quick uplift and denudation resulted from the strong compression deformation since the Quaternary.     

页岩各向异性特征的试验研究

为研究彭水页岩气区块储层的各向异性特征,开展了石柱县龙马溪组页岩的单轴和三轴压缩试验,分析了其力学特性、强度特征和破裂模式的各向异性,并揭示了其破坏机制的各向异性。结果表明：(1) 龙马溪组页岩具有明显的各向异性特征,弹性模量在平行层理方向最大,垂直层理方向最小,且围压的增加使其增加速率不断减小;0°、30°和60°、90°页岩的泊松比随围压的增加呈现出了相反的变化规律,这可能与页岩层理间孔隙和微裂缝的良好发育有关。(2) 相同围压下,0°试样强度最高,90°次之,30°最低,总体上呈现出两边高、中间低的U型变化规律,而不同角度的Hoek-Brown强度准则能较好地反映其强度的各向异性特征。(3) 页岩破裂模式的各向异性是由破坏机制的各向异性引起的,而强度的各向异性是由破坏机制的各向异性控制的。单轴压缩时,0°页岩为沿层理的张拉劈裂破坏,30°为沿层理的剪切滑移破坏,60°为贯穿层理和沿层理的复合剪切破坏,90°为贯穿层理的张拉破坏。三轴压缩时,0°为贯穿层理的共轭剪切破坏,30°为沿层理的剪切滑移破坏,60°和90°为贯穿层理的剪切破坏;页岩地层的层状沉积结构和层理间的弱胶结作用是破坏机制各向异性的根源。研究结果为水平井井壁的稳定性分析和水力压裂施工设计等提供了技术参考。     

Some aspects of a horizontal schistosity

A Pre-Cambrian horizontal schistosity was formed in regionally metamorphosed rocks around Lannilis, Finistére, during repeated fold movements. Only horizontal movement occurred since the superimposed load due to deep burial was great. Biotite crystallisation along horizontal planes resulted in a schistosity except in the principal thrust zones where decussate biotite textures and large garnets developed. During the early movements, ‘ac’ girdles of quartz axes were formed but these girdles were rotated during the later movements along the schistosity. The degree of rotation and the form of the associated structures cannot be interpreted easily either by ‘Sow’ on planes perpendicular to a compression axis or by ‘slip’ along the schistosity.     

Un réseau fluviatile d'âge Burdigalien terminal dans le Sud-Est de la France : remplissage,extension, âge,implications

An integrated study combining facies analysis, multiple group biostratigraphy, identification of depositional sequences and mapping has been conducted on the Miocene Molasse Basin of the external Alps (southeastern France). The filling of the basin is described as resulting from a succession of fluvial incisions subsequently filled during marine transgressions. The major incision is dated as Latest Burdigalian and the major transgression as Langhian. This revised interpretation of the Miocene physiographic evolution of the Molasse Basin implies a re-examination of previous stratigraphic correlations within the basin. To cite this article: D. Besson et al., C. R. Geoscience 337 (2005).     

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.