Tectono-Geodynamic Settings in the Conjugation Zone of the Lomonosov Ridge,Eurasian Basin,and Eurasian Continental Margin

Geotectonics - Interpretational analysis of new seismic data allowed us to reconstruct the geodynamic settings that led to the formation of an ensemble of tectonic structural elements in the...     

Tectonic Structure of the Junction Zone between Lomonosov Ridge and the Eurasian Continental Margin

Doklady Earth Sciences - The tectonic structure of the junction zone between Lomonosov Ridge and the Arctic Continental Margin of Eurasia was clarified due to comprehensive analysis of data on the...     

Magnetic field observations of the Sabzevar ophiolitic complex of northeast Iran

Surface measurements of the total magnetic field intensity along three sections transverse to the structural trends of the Joghatay Mountains ophiolitic complex extended north and west of Sabzevar, northeast Iran, are analyzed. The observed variations of the magnetic field intensity are compared with the synthetic results computed for a block structure consisting of several east-west oriented vertical parallelepiped down to 10 km depth which is also in agreement with the mapped shallow structural features of the complex. Shoaling of the basement and/or Curie surface may explain the observed northward decrease of the mean field measurements. However, in this study the variations are modeled in terms of magnetic enrichment of southern blocks.     

Geological and geochemical constraints on the Cheshmeh-Frezi volcanogenic stratiform manganese deposit,southwest Sabzevar basin,Iran

The Cheshmeh-Frezi Mn deposit belongs to the southwest Sabzevar basin to the north of the Central Iranian microcontinent. This basin, which hosts abundant mineral deposits including Mn exhalative and Besshi-type Cu-Zn volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits, followed an evolution closely related to the subduction of the Neo-Tethys oceanic crust beneath the Central Iranian microcontinent. Two major sedimentary sequences are recorded within this basin: (I) the Lower Late Cretaceous volcano-sedimentary sequence (LLCVSS) and (II) the Upper Late Cretaceous sedimentary dominated sequence (ULCSS). The Cheshmeh-Frezi Mn deposit is hosted within red tuff with interbeds of green tuffaceous sandstone of the LLCVSS. Mineralization occurs as stratiform blanket-like and tabular orebodies. Psilomelane, pyrolusite and braunite are the main minerals of the ore, which display a variety of textures. Such as layered, laminated, disseminated, massive, replacement or open space fillings. The footwall and hanging-wall volcanic rocks are predominantly andesite and trachyandesite rocks. Footwall and hangingwall volcanic rocks at Cheshmeh-Frezi are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) compared to chondrite, have steep REE patterns, and generally show Ta and Nb depletions relative to chondrite which are characteristic of back-arc environments. The significant geochemical characteristics of ore such as high Mn content (12.41–33.14 wt%; average 19.41 wt%), low concentration of Fe (0.64–2.27 wt%; average 1.63 wt%), high Ba (49.7–9901 ppm, average 2728.67 ppm), LREE > HREE, and negative Ce and Eu anomalies reveal a primary distal hydrothermal-exhalative source for mineralization. Cheshmeh-Frezi deposit, in comparison with different types of volcanogenic manganese deposits shows broad similarities with the Cuban-type Mn deposits such as tectonic, host and associated rock types, geometry, textures, structures, mineralogy and lithogeochemistry.     

Diverse Origins of Xenoliths from Seamounts at the Continental Margin, Offshore Central California

A diverse assemblage of small mafic and ultramafic xenolithsoccurs in alkalic lava from Davidson and Pioneer seamounts locatedat the continental margin of central California. Based on mineralcompositions and textures, they form three groups: (1) mantlexenoliths of lherzolite, pyroxenite, and dunite with olivineof >Fo₉₀; (2) ocean crust xenoliths of dunite with olivine<Fo₉₀, troctolite, pyroxene-gabbro, and anorthosite withlow-K₂O plagioclase; (3) cumulates of seamount magmas of alkalicgabbro with primary amphibole and biotite and anorthosites withhigh-K₂O plagioclase. The alkalic cumulates are geneticallyrelated to, but more evolved than, their host lavas and probablycrystallized at the margins of magma reservoirs. Modeling andcomparison with experimentally derived phases suggest an originat moderate pressures (0·5–0·9 GPa). Thehigh volatile contents of the alkalic host lavas may have pressurizedthe magma chambers and helped to propel the xenolith-bearinglavas directly from deep storage at the base of the lithosphereto the eruption site on the ocean floor, entraining fragmentsof the upper mantle and ocean crust cumulates from the underlyingabandoned spreading center. KEY WORDS: basaltic magmatism; continental margin seamounts; geothermobarometry; mineral chemistry; xenoliths     

Intrinsic geological model generation for chromite pods in the Sabzevar ophiolite complex,NE Iran

The Sabzevar ophiolite, with its colored mélange zone, is a highly disintegrated ophiolite complex located at the northern boundary of the central Iranian microcontinent. A large number of chromite pods occur in this area, which needs to be explored. In this study, a mathematical – geological genetic model is advanced as an exploratory tool that provides information for further exploration activity. A petrogenetic model of chromite ore was established on the basis of a geodata information database. This database consists of information from similar chromite mines from around the world. A detailed investigation of the geological, mineralogical and petrological characteristics of chromite pods in the Sabzevar region was conducted along with detailed petrological samplings, thin section studies and mineralogical analysis. In the next step, we developed a conceptual genetic model that defines areas with a high probability of the existence of chromite pods. The model was later refined using such parameters as a critical genetic factor (CGF) and critical reconnaissance criteria (CRC). Next, a linear function, which is a combination of these factors, provided promising regions as intrinsic geological units (IGU). Finally, a 3D model of lithological units depicting the IGU for chromite pods exploration is proposed.     

Geological and Geophysical Studies of Sulfide Copper Mineralization in the Dochileh Area: An Example of Manto‐Type Deposit in the Sabzevar Zone,Iran

The Dochileh stratiform copper deposit in the Sabzevar Zone of northeastern Iran is hosted in the basaltic sequence of the Upper Eocene age. The host rock displays two hydrothermal events: zeolite–carbonate alteration that is a stratigraphic–lithologic feature and chlorite and chlorite/ferruginous alterations in the local mineralized structures. Ore formation is related to both hydrothermal events and occurs in both stratiform and vein mineralization types. Mineralization consists of main chalcocite with variable amounts of bornite, chalcopyrite, native copper, malachite, and cuprite minerals, which occur as hydrothermal breccias, and disseminated, vein, and veinlet forms. Geophysical field studies using resistivity and induction polarization (IP) methods were conducted along nine survey lines in the area. As a result of modeling and interpretation of the acquired geophysical data, high values of IP and resistivity corresponding to mineralization were observed at two depth levels: 0–20 m and more than 40 m. Based on these geological and geophysical investigations, six locations for drilling exploration boreholes were proposed. Drilling data confirmed the mineralization containing high copper values in the two depth levels: the vein‐type mineralization in the surface and shallow depth level, and the stratiform mineralization at the deeper level. Fluid inclusion studies in calcite and quartz from stratiform‐ and vein‐type mineralization show the evidence of mixing, and a linear dilution trend during the ore formation occurred at a wide range of temperatures: 121–308°C and 80–284°C, respectively, and varying salinities of between 3.2–16.8 and 0.8–22 wt% NaCl equivalents. The stable isotope composition of δ³⁴S that falls in a range of ?2.4 to +25.0‰ could be considered biogenetic sulfur from bacterial sulfate reduction and leaching of sulfur from hosting basalt. The δ¹³C values of calcite vary between ?0.6 and ?7.6‰, suggesting a major contribution of marine carbonates associated with igneous carbonates, and the δ¹⁸O_SMOW values of calcite are between +15.2 and +19.9‰, suggesting a contribution of δ¹⁸O‐rich sedimentary rocks and δ¹⁸O‐poor meteoric water. Copper and sulfide‐rich hydrothermal fluid have flowed upward through the local faults and permeable interbeds within the Eocene volcanic sequence and have formed the mineralized veins and horizons. The geophysical results have detected the local faults as the channel ways for mineralization.     

Dike Magmatism in the Evolution of the Transform Active Continental Margin of the Siberian Craton in the Ediacaran

Doklady Earth Sciences - An Ediacaran complex of dike rocks has been identified for the first time in the Yenisei Ridge orogen. These igneous rocks are represented by basic, intermediate and acidic...     

大陆俯冲带的深部流体及变质化学地球动力学——以苏鲁超高压变质带为例

通过苏鲁超高压变质带的岩石学、矿物化学、地球化学和年代学研究,在大陆俯冲带深部流体与变质化学地球动力学方面取得了重要的创新性成果。研究证明大陆俯冲带的深部流体是高氧逸度、富硅酸盐的超临界流体,揭示出超高压变质极端条件下的流体－矿物(岩石)相互作用可以导致不活动元素发生溶解和迁移,可以导致金红石的Nb/Ta之间发生强烈的分异,提出俯冲到地幔深处的超高压榴辉岩是地球内部“隐藏”的超球粒陨石Nb/Ta比值的物质源区,与低球粒陨石Nb/Ta比值的物质源区大陆地壳和亏损地幔在化学成分上形成互补。     

柴达木盆地南缘活动陆缘金及多金属成矿系统

将柴达木盆地南缘东昆仑和北巴颜喀拉地区活动陆缘金及多金属矿床按成矿系统观点划分为活动陆缘弧岩浆成矿系统和陆缘弧前增生带沉积-改造成矿系统,总结了两类成矿系统的特征并探讨了它们之间的成生联系,认为早期活动陆缘弧岩浆成矿系统产物的剥蚀为后期活动陆缘弧前增生带沉积-改造成矿系统提供了初始矿源.     

内蒙古哈珠地区石炭纪白山组火山岩:北山北部晚古生代活动陆缘岩浆作用的产物

北山北部晚古生代岩浆事件的性质对该地区这一时期的构造演化研究具有重要意义.对内蒙古北山哈珠地区石炭纪白山组火山岩进行了系统的年代学、地球化学、Lu-Hf同位素测试,结果显示:白山组主要由玄武安山质、安山质、英安质、流纹质火山岩组成,LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb测年获得安山岩、英安岩、流纹岩的成岩年龄分别为325.6±1.4 Ma、313.5±3.4 Ma、314.7±1.7 Ma,时代为早石炭世晚期-晚石炭世.火山岩空间分布上表现出明显的"组成极性",区域上由北至南从中性火山岩（钙碱性系列）→酸性火山岩（高钾钙碱性系列）演化,K₂O含量与K₂O/Na₂O比值也呈相应的增加趋势,其中玄武安山岩、安山岩具有高Al₂O₃、低TiO₂以及低的Ni、Cr含量,所有样品普遍亏损Nb、Ta、P、Ti等高场强元素,呈轻稀土富集、重稀土亏损的右倾稀土元素配分模式,以上特征指示白山组火山岩形成于洋壳向南俯冲过程中的活动大陆边缘背景下.另外,白山组中安山岩具有高的ε_Hf（t）值（+7.0~+14.1）和年轻的平均地壳模式年龄T_DMC（437~891 Ma）,接近上地幔的Rb/Sr比值（0.01~0.15）,Nb/Ta比值（12.59~18.80）处于地壳平均值和地幔平均值之间;流纹岩具有相对较低的ε_Hf（t）值（4.3~8.2）和偏老的平均地壳模式年龄T_DMC（804~1 054 Ma）,Rb/Sr比值（0.80~1.73）远大于地壳平均值,Nb/Ta比值（10.66~13.08）接近地壳平均值反映岩浆源区向洋侧以新生地壳和地幔物质为主,向内陆一侧逐渐演化为更多陆壳（较老地壳）物质的加入.综合以上分析并结合前人资料,北山哈珠地区晚古生代石炭纪白山组火山岩是红石山洋向南侧马鬃山-旱山地块俯冲过程中活动陆缘岩浆作用的产物.      

The Horst of Sabzevar and regional water resources from the Bronze Age to the present day (Northeastern Iran)

Numerous researchers previously explored the question of the origin of qanat system on the Iranian plateau. In 2008, the Iranian-French excavation work carried out on the site of tepe Damghani raised the issue of the evolution of water resources in the area since the Bronze Age. A regional geomorphological survey showed that the Plio-Quaternary horst of Sabzevar played a significant role in providing water in the whole area from the Bronze Age up to now and that the qanat system had developed at the Achaemenid period. Indeed, at the back of the horst, a graben housing an important water table in its Quaternary alluvium has been found. Hydrological and geomorphological study shows that the overflowing of the water table provided a perennial flow. The archaeological data allow confirming the assumptions formulated starting from this study. The development of the qanât system then allowed irrigation of the whole hillfoot of the Sabzevar horst but in return provoked a lowering of the water table level, that massive pumping worsened; this level is currently to approximately 150 m of average depth.     

Geochemical evidence for Late Cretaceous marginal arc-to-backarc transition in the Sabzevar ophiolitic extrusive sequence,northeast Iran

The ophiolitic extrusive sequence, exposed in an area north of Sabzevar, has three major parts: a lower part, with abundant breccia, hyaloclastic tuff, and sheet flow, a middle part with vesicular, aphyric pillow lava, and an upper part with a sequence of lava and volcanic-sedimentary rocks. Pelagic limestone interlayers contain Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian–Late Maastrichtian) microfauna. The supra-ophiolitic series includes a sequence of turbidititic and volcanic-sedimentary rocks with lava flow, aphyric and phyric lava, and interlayers of pelagic limestone and radiolarian chert. Paleontological investigation of the pelagic limestone and radiolarite interlayers in this series gives a Late Cretaceous age, supporting the idea that the supra-ophiolitic series formed in a trough, synchronous with the Sabzevar oceanic crust during the Late Cretaceous. Geochemical data indicate a relationship between lava in the upper part of the extrusive sequence and lava in the supra-ophiolitic series. These lavas have a calc-alkaline to almost alkaline characteristic, and show a clear depletion in Nb and definite depletions in Zr and Ti in spider diagrams. Data from these rocks plot in the subduction zone field in tectonomagmatic diagrams. The concentration and position of the heavy rare earth elements in the spider diagrams, and their slight variation, can be attributed to partial melting of the depleted mantle wedge above the subducted slab, and enrichment in the LILE can be attributed to subduction components (fluid, melt) released from the subducting slab. In comparison, the sheet flow and pillow lava of the lower and middle parts of the extrusive sequence show OIB characteristics and high potassium magmatic and shoshonitic trends, and their spider diagram patterns show Nb, Zr, and Ti depletions. The enrichment in the LILE in the spider diagram patterns suggest a low rate of partial melting of an enriched, garnet-bearing mantle. It seems that the marginal arc basin, in which the Sabzevar ophiolite was forming, experienced lithospheric extension in response to slab rollback. This process, which formed a backarc basin, may have aborted the embryonic arc, stopped arc magmatism, and led to the rise of mantle diapirs. The extrusive ophiolite sequence, north of Sabzevar probably formed during the transition from a marginal arc basin to a backarc basin during the Late Cretaceous.     

Tschermak fractionation in calc-alkaline magmas: the Eocene Sabzevar volcanism (NE Iran)

Calc-alkaline arc magmatism at convergent plate margins is volumetrically dominated by metaluminous andesites. Many studies highlighted the importance of differentiation via fractionation processes of arc magmas, but only in the last decades, it has been demonstrated that not all rock-forming minerals may affect the evolution of calc-alkaline suites. In particular, a major role exerted by Al-rich hornblende amphibole as fractionating mineral phase has been documented in many volcanic arc settings. The aim of this work is to understand the role of the Tschermak molecule (CaAlAlSiO₆) hosted in the hornblende and plagioclase fractionation assemblage in driving magma differentiation in calc-alkaline magmatic suites. We explore this issue by applying replenishment–fractional crystallization (RFC) and rare earth element–Rayleigh fractional crystallization (REE-FC) modeling to the Sabzevar Eocene (ca. 45–47 Ma) calc-alkaline volcanism of NE Central Iran, where hornblende-controlled fractionation has been demonstrated. Major element mass balance modeling indicates RFC dominated by a fractionating assemblage made of Hbl_52.0–52.5 + Pl_44.1–44.2 + Ttn_3.3–3.9 (phases are expressed on total crystallized assemblage). REE-FC modeling shows, instead, a lower degree of fractionation with respect to RFC models that is interpreted as due to hornblende and plagioclase resorption by the residual melt. Calculations demonstrate that fractionation of the Tschermak molecule can readily produce dacite and rhyolite magmas starting from a calc-alkaline andesite source (FC = ca. 30 %). In particular, the Tschermak molecule controls both the heavy rare earth elements (HREE) and light rare earth element (LREE) budgets in calc-alkaline differentiation trends.     

Petrology of eclogites from north of Shahrekord, Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, Iran

Summary Metabasic rocks were recently found within a ductile shear zone in the north of Shahrekord, being a part of the structural zone of Sanandaj-Sirjan, SW Iran. The rocks give evidence of a so far unrecognized eclogite facies metamorphic event and testify to high pressure metamorphism in the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, near the Main Zagros Reverse Fault, which is the assumed suture zone between the Arabian plate and the Iranian block. The eclogites occur as lenses or blocks within ortho- and paragneisses. The petrographic features and reaction textures display at least two main metamorphic stages: (1) a peak eclogite facies stage, and (2) a subsequent amphibolite facies stage. The eclogite facies metamorphism is indicated by omphacite + garnet + sodic-calcic amphiboles (barroisite, magnesiokatophorite and magnesiotaramite) + phengite + rutile + (clino-)zoisite + quartz ± dolomite. The garnets are mainly almandine-rich, which fits with the C-type eclogite classification. Calcic amphiboles (hornblende, tschermakite and pargasite) + plagioclase are secondary phases formed during the retrograde amphibolite-facies metamorphism. P-T estimates for the eclogite facies give pressures of 21–24 kbar and temperatures of 590–630 °C (geothermometry) and 470–520 °C (THERMOCALC), respectively. Geothermobarometry for the amphibolite-facies metamorphism yields 10–11 kbar and 650–700 °C. Author’s address: Ali Reza Davoudian, Department of Natural Resources, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran     

Early Cretaceous migmatitic mafic granulites from the Sabzevar range (NE Iran): implications for the closure of the Mesozoic peri-Tethyan oceans in central Iran

The ophiolitic mélange of the Sabzevar Range (northern Iran) is a remnant of the Mesozoic oceanic basins on the northern margin of the Neotethys that were consumed during the Arabia–Eurasia convergence history. Occurrence of km-scale, dismembered mafic HP granulitic slices is reported in this study. Granulites record an episode of amphibole-dehydratation melting and felsic (tonalite/throndhjemite) melt segregation at c. 1.1 GPa and 800 °C. In situ U(-Th)–Pb geochronology of zircon and titanite grains hosted in melt segregations points to an Early Cretaceous (Albian) age for the metamorphic climax. Results of this study (i) impose reconsideration of the current palaeotectonic models of the Neothetyan convergent margin during the Early Cretaceous and (ii) argue that punctuated events of subduction of short-lived back-arc oceanic basins accompanied the long-lasting history of the Neotethyan subduction in the region.     

Basalt and Sediment Geochemistry and Magma Petrogenesis in a Transect from Oceanic Island Arc to Rifted Continental Margin Arc: the Kermadec--Hikurangi Margin, SW Pacific

Sediment mixing and recycling through a subduction zone canbe detected in lead isotopes and trace elements from basaltsand sediments from the Kermadec-Hikurangi Margin volcanic arcsystem and their coupled back-arc basins. Sr, Nd and Pb isotopesfrom the basalts delineate relatively simple, almost overlapping,arrays between back-arc basin basalts of the Havre Trough-NgatoroBasin (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70255; _Nd=+9.3; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.52; ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb= 38.18), island arc basalts from the Kermadec Arc togetherwith basalts from Taupo Volcanic Zone (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 0.7042; _Nd= +5; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb= 18.81; ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.61), and sedimentsderived from New Zealand's Mesozoic (Torlesse) basement (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 0.715; _Nd —4; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 18.86; ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 38.8).Basalts from the arc front volcanoes have high Cs, Rb, Ba, Th,U and K, and generally high but variable Ba/La, Ba/Nb ratios,characteristic of subduction-related magmas, relative to typicaloceanic basalts. These signatures are diluted in the back-arcbasins, which are more like mid-ocean ridge basalts. Strongchemical correlations in plots of SiO₂ vs CaO and loss on ignitionfor the sediments (finegrained muds) are consistent with mixingbetween detrital and biogenic (carbonate-rich) components. Otherdata, such as Zr vs CaO, are consistent with the detrital componentcomprising a mixture of arc- and continent-derived fractions.In chondrite-normalized diagrams, most of the sediments havelight rare earth element enriched patterns, and all have negativeEu anomalies. The multielement diagrams have negative spikesat Nb, P and Ti and distinctive enrichments in the large ionlithophile elements and Pb relative to mantle. Isotopic measurementsof Pb, Sr and Nd reveal restricted fields of Pb isotopes butwide variation in Nd and Sr relative to other sediments fromthe Pacific Basin. Rare K-rich basalts from Clark Volcano towardthe southern end of the oceanic Kermadec Island Arc show unusualand primitive characteristics ( 2% K₂O at 50% SiO₂, Ba 600p.p.m., 9–10% MgO and Ni > 100 p.p.m.) but have highlyradiogenic Sr, Nd and Pb isotopes, similar to those of basaltsfrom the continental Taupo Volcanic Zone. These oceanic islandarc basalts cannot have inherited their isotope signatures throughcrustal contamination or assimilation—fractional crystallizationtype processes, and this leads us to conclude that source processesvia bulk sediment mixing, fluid and/or melt transfer or somecombination of these are responsible. Although our results showclear chemical gradients from oceanic island arc to continentalmargin arc settings (Kermadec Arc to Taupo Volcanic Zone), overlapbetween the data from the oceanic and continental sectors suggeststhat the lithospheric (crustal contamination) effect may beminimal relative to that of sediment subduction. Indeed, itis possible to account for the chemical changes by a decreasenorthward in the sediment flux into the zone of magma genesis.This model receives support from recent sediment dispersal studiesin the Southern Ocean which indicate that a strong bottom current(Deep Western Boundary Current) flows northward along the easterncontinental margin of New Zealand and sweeps continental derivedsediment into the sediment-starved oceanic trench system. Thetrace element and isotopic signatures of the continental derivedcomponent of this sediment are readily distinguished, but alsodiluted in a south to north direction along the plate boundary. KEY WORDS: subduction zone basalts; sediments; Sr-, Nd-, Pb-isotopes; trace elements ^*Present address: School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic. 3052, Australia.     

印度西部洋陆过渡区结构特征及构造演化

印度西部洋陆过渡区位于上印度扇,处于印度板块、阿拉伯板块和欧亚板块交汇处,周缘发育多种板块边界类型,构造特征复杂.前人对该区域的构造性质及演化的研究较少,其内部一级构造的地壳性质认识存在争议.本文在对地震资料构造解析的基础上,分析了印度扇近海盆地、默里脊系统和拉克西米山脊的断裂样式、断裂组合以及盆地结构特征,揭示印度西缘的洋陆过渡区为发育向海倾斜反射层(SDRs)和下地壳高速体(HVZ)的火山型被动陆缘.其中,印度扇近海盆地的断层多构成地堑、半地堑和地垒组合,地壳性质为减薄陆壳;默里脊系统表现为右行张扭性质,以小默里脊为界,以西为正在低速扩张的洋壳基底,以东为减薄的陆壳;拉克西米山脊地壳性质则为减薄的陆壳.印度西缘的洋陆过渡区的形成与白垩纪以来马达加斯加板块、塞舌尔微板块和印度板块之间的多期裂解事件,以及多个热点导致的岩浆事件有关.此外,运用2DMove软件进行了平衡剖面恢复,揭示了印度扇在新生代以来经历了古-始新世初始伸展断陷期、渐新世-早中新世稳定沉积期、中-晚中新世张扭断陷期和上新世以来的热沉降期4个构造演化阶段.     

非活动大陆边缘的天然气水合物及其成藏过程述评

非活动陆缘是板块活动相对较弱的地区，也是水合物发育的有利地区。通过对世界各地非活动陆缘地区水合物富集情况的系统分析，发现断褶组合构造、底辟构造以及“麻坑”地貌（Pockmark)与水合物的关系密切。尽管模拟海底反射层（Bottom Simulating Reflector,简称BSR，下同）是最重要的水合物识别标志，但水合物与BSR之间并不存在严格的一一对应关系。非活动陆缘具有丰富的烃类物质来源和适宜的温压条件，而断裂－褶皱组合构造、垒堑式构造和底辟构造等则为烃类气体的运移、富集和成藏提供了有利的构造环境，便于最终形成水合物。非活动陆缘的深水区往往发育有多期叠合盆地，因其物源、温压、构造和沉积条件的内在关联性，常常形成深部石油、中部天然气、浅部水合物的“三位一体”烃类能源结构模式。