Analysis of the Wenchuan Ms8.0 Earthquake’s Co-seismic Stress and Displacement Change by Using the Finite Element Method

The variation of in situ stress before and after earthquakes is an issue studied by geologists. In this paper, on the basis of the fault slip dislocation model of Wenchuan Ms8.0 earthquake, the changes of co-seismic displacement and the distribution functions of stress tensor around the Longmen Shan fault zone are calculated. The results show that the co-seismic maximum surface displacement is 4.9 m in the horizontal direction and 6.5 m in the vertical direction, which is almost consistent with the on-site survey and GPS observations. The co-seismic maximum horizontal stress in the hanging wall and footwall decreased sharply as the distance from the Longmen Shan fault zone increased. However, the vertical stress and minimum horizontal stress increased in the footwall and in some areas of the hanging wall. The study of the co-seismic displacement and stress was mainly focused on the long and narrow region along the Longmen Shan fault zone, which coincides with the distribution of the earthquake aftershocks. Therefore, the co-seismic stress only affects the aftershocks, and does not affect distant faults and seismic activities. The results are almost consistent with in situ stress measurements at the two sites before and after Wenchuan Ms8.0 earthquake. Along the fault plane, the co-seismic shear stress in the dip direction is larger than that in the strike direction, which indicates that the faulting mechanism of the Longmen Shan fault zone is a dominant thrust with minor strike-slipping. The results can be used as a reference value for future studies of earthquake mechanisms.     

Sources of Mw 5+ earthquakes in northeastern Italy and western Slovenia: An updated view based on geological and seismological evidence

We present an overview of the seismogenic sources of northeastern Italy and western Slovenia, included in the last version of the Database of Individual Seismogenic Sources (DISS 3.0.2) and a new definition of the geometry of the Montello Source that will be included in the next release of the database. The seismogenic sources included in DISS are active faults capable of generating M_w > 5.5 earthquakes. We describe the method and the data used for their identification and characterization, discuss some implications for the seismic hazard and underline controversial points and open issues.In the Veneto–Friuli area (NE Italy), destructive earthquakes up to M_w 6.6 are generated by thrust faulting along N-dipping structures of the Eastern Southalpine Chain. Thrusting along the mountain front responds to about 2 mm/a of regional convergence, and it is associated with growing anticlines, tilted and uplifted Quaternary palaeolandsurfaces and forced drainage anomalies. In western Slovenia, dextral strike–slip faulting along the NW–SE trending structures of the Idrija Fault System dominates the seismic release. Activity and style of faulting are defined by recent earthquakes (e.g. the M_s 5.7, 1998 Bovec–Krn Mt. and the M_w 5.2, 2004 Kobarid earthquakes), while the related recent morphotectonic imprint is still a debated matter.We reinterpreted a large set of tectonic data and developed a segmentation model for the outermost Eastern Southalpine Chain thrust front. We also proposed the association of the four major shocks of the 1976 Friuli earthquake sequence with individual segments of three major thrust fronts. Although several sub-parallel active strike–slip strands exist in western Slovenia, we were able to positively identify only two segments of the Idrija Fault System. A comparison of the regional GPS velocity with long-term geological slip-rates of the seismogenic sources included in DISS shows that from a quarter to half of the deformation is absorbed along the external alignment of thrust faults in Veneto and western Friuli. The partitioning of the deformation in western Slovenia among the different strike–slip strands could not be quantified.     

Intracontinental orogenic transition: Insights from structures of the eastern Junggar Basin between the Altay and Tianshan orogens

Detailed subsurface structure of the eastern Junggar Basin is investigated using a large number of high-resolution two-dimensional reflection seismic profiles and well data. Our results reveal thrust faults, some of which are with strike-slip component, and fault-related folds dominating the subsurface structure of the study area. The thrust faults mainly show a divergent pattern towards the west and convergence towards the east. We divide these thrust faults and folds into three structural systems. The north thrust system, located in the north of the study area, is characterized by top-to-the southwest imbricate thrusts initiated from late Paleozoic. The central transpression system, dominating the central study area, mainly consists of thrust faults with visible strike-slip component, active from early Mesozoic until Cretaceous. The South thrust system includes top-to-the southeast thrusts in the southern part of the study area. The existence of these structural systems indicates that the eastern Junggar Basin underwent obvious intracontinental deformation in Mesozoic, probably due to the continuous convergence between the Altay and the Tianshan orogens after the main collision-accretion processes of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt.     

Co‐seismic Faults and Geological Hazards and Incidence of Active Fault of Wenchuan Ms 8.0 Earthquake,Sichuan, China

Abstract: There are two co-seismic faults which developed when the Wenchuan earthquake happened. One occurred along the active fault zone in the central Longmen Mts. and the other in the front of Longmen Mts. The length of which is more than 270 km and about 80 km respectively. The co-seismic fault shows a reverse flexure belt with strike of N45°–60°E in the ground, which caused uplift at its northwest side and subsidence at the southeast. The fault face dips to the northwest with a dip angle ranging from 50° to 60°. The vertical offset of the co-seismic fault ranges 2.5–3.0 m along the Yingxiu-Beichuan co-seismic fault, and 1.5–1.1 m along the Doujiangyan-Hanwang fault. Movement of the co-seismic fault presents obvious segmented features along the active fault zone in central Longmen Mts. For instance, in the section from Yingxiu to Leigu town, thrust without evident slip occurred; while from Beichuan to Qingchuan, thrust and dextral strike-slip take place. Main movement along the front Longmen Mts. shows thrust without slip and segmented features. The area of earthquake intensity more than IX degree and the distribution of secondary geological hazards occurred along the hanging wall of co-seismic faults, and were consistent with the area of aftershock, and its width is less than 40km from co-seismic faults in the hanging wall. The secondary geological hazards, collapses, landslides, debris flows et al., concentrated in the hanging wall of co-seismic fault within 0–20 km from co-seismic fault.     

河西走廊榆木山边缘断层构造地貌研究

河西走廊位于青藏高原的东北部边缘,是青藏高原向东北推挤过程中形成的一个前陆盆地系。榆木山是位于河西走廊前陆盆地系中张掖盆地和酒东盆地之间的横向隆起山地。根据野外断层露头和地貌体的变形测量和分析,本文认为榆木山北缘断层是一条具有左旋位移的逆断层,东缘断层是一条具有右旋位移的逆断层,这两条断层在全新世期间都有明显的活动。榆木山的发育是沿着北缘断层和东缘断层的逆冲活动,造成山体内地块叠加变形的结果。      

西昆仑山前冲断带断裂特征及构造单元划分

受新生代帕米尔构造结大幅度向北推移、旋转的影响,形成了弧形的西昆仑山前冲断带.本文主要通过野外地质调查、地震反射剖面的精细解释,对西昆仑山前冲断带最基本的组成部分-断裂进行系统研究.西昆仑山前冲断带内以发育与其弧形形态一致的逆冲断裂为主,但弧形冲断带中段的断裂具有挤压逆冲的同时兼有右行走滑性质.冲断带内还发育了NE 向和近EW向的走滑断裂,它们的发育时间和成因不尽相同,它们控制了冲断带内的变形,调节和改造了早期形成的构造.在对断裂系统研究的基础上,结合冲断带各个部位的结构特征和变形时间,将冲断带划分为9个次级构造单元.西昆仑山前冲断带开始发育于中新世中晚期,此后经历了上新世早期、上新世中晚期、早更新世早中期以及早更新世晚期四个演化阶段.     

龙门山中段彭灌断裂带汶川Ms8.0地震同震破裂断层识别及其浅、表构造特征

2008年汶川Ms8.0地震在龙门山中段的彭灌断裂带产生的地表破裂,是该地震产生的第二大地表破裂带.综合应用地质、钻井以及二维、三维地震数据,利用横贯前山带的多条人工地震反射剖面,对彭灌断裂带产生同震破裂的断层进行准确识别和解释.研究表明,龙门山中段的彭灌断裂带是一套由3条主要断层和次级广泛发育的断裂组合构成,浅层表现...     

塔里木盆地塔中Ⅰ号构造带分段变形的运动学特征与成因探讨

塔里木盆地塔中Ⅰ号构造带在构造样式、活动强度等方面表现出明显的分段性,但分段变形的运动学特征与成因仍不够明确,需要开展进一步研究。本文利用二维、三维地震资料,通过精细构造解析、运动学参数统计、活动期次厘定等手段,研究了塔中Ⅰ号构造带的几何学、运动学特征,分析其分段变形机制,并讨论了分段控制因素。研究表明:以中古15井与中古21井位置为界,塔中Ⅰ号构造带构造样式、运动学特征主要呈三段的特点,西段主要活动机制是断裂短距离滑动逆冲和地层旋转变形,同一层位的落差/垂直断距(H/h)值最大;中段为断裂沿走向滑动,H/h值约为1;东段为断裂长距离滑动逆冲和强烈褶皱,H/h值介于二者之间。活动机制的差异导致各段构造样式分别为基底卷入逆冲断裂控制的断层传播褶皱、走滑断裂发育的断控坡折、逆冲断裂强烈活动控制的断块褶皱,且活动强度呈现东段最大、西段次之、中段较小的特点。两大造山带分期活动是塔中Ⅰ号构造带分段变形的发育背景,基底结构与先存断裂是造成分段的主控因素,NE向走滑断裂调节塔中Ⅰ号构造带差异逆冲变形,并作为伴生断裂发育。     

鄂尔多斯盆地西缘中段构造特征与油气勘探前景

鄂尔多斯盆地西缘中段是西缘构造带的重要组成部分,关于该区的地下构造模式由于受地下构造复杂与地震资料品质差的影响长期以来缺乏清晰的认识。通过地表地质、大量地震资料的综合研究,纵向上以下古生界类复理石浊积岩系、上古生界煤系区域性滑脱层为界,将该区划分为上部的逆冲推覆构造系统和下部的原地系统。前者断裂、褶皱发育,由6个逆冲席组成,横向分带性特征明显,自西向东划分为逆冲推覆构造主体、前缘过渡带、前缘带三个带;后者构造变形较弱,总体为西倾单斜,局部地区发育完整背斜圈闭。前缘过渡带、前缘带及原地系统勘探目的层众多,油气成藏地质条件好,勘探前景较好;逆冲推覆构造主体目的层已裸露,油气生成与保存条件较差,勘探潜力欠佳。     

前陆冲断带非对称性变形与逆冲断层运动学指向

前陆冲断带冲断层的冲断方向一直没有得到理论解释。文中基于库伦断裂理论和造山带前陆冲断带变形的非对称性,分析了前冲断层和反冲断层的成因。变形初期将会出现两组共轭势断裂面,随后在变形非对称引起的准静力平衡条件下,两组势断裂面中所需作用力小的那组断裂面将更容易发育成冲断层,断层滑动所需作用力包括克服滑脱面摩擦力和断层面摩擦力两部分。大部分条件下,前陆区前冲断层将优先发育,但当最大主应力轴向前陆倾斜时或共轭断层交叉点在滑脱面上时,反冲断层将有可能优先发育。后缘推动力、滑脱面摩擦力和滑体形状都会决定着主应力轴的方位。上述认识能够解释包括收缩变形区、伸展变形区等断层发育的选择性。     

The Vallo di Diano and Auletta extensional basins in the southern Apennines (Italy): a simple model for a complex setting

The aim of this paper was to provide a significant case‐history concerning the evolution of a segmented system of extensional faults and related basins, investigated by a set of seismic reflection profiles. We investigated two kinematically linked semi‐grabens, developed at the hangingwall of two opposite‐dipping normal faults: the Vallo di Diano and Auletta basins, located in the southern Apennines, one of the most seismically active regions of the Italian peninsula. Our interpretation suggests that the Pliocene–Quaternary tectonic history consists of a single extensional phase, where the major NW–SE trending normal faults, generating the basins, and the strike‐slip and transtensional faults connecting adjacent normal fault segments, simultaneously act, being part of the same extensional system. We also conclude that major normal faults, bordering the basins, should be considered as potential seismogenic sources in the seismic hazard evaluation.     

柴北缘大柴旦地区山前带构造建模及演化研究

针对柴北缘大柴旦地区北东、北西向两组逆冲推覆断裂交汇,构造变形极其复杂,构造解析困难的问题,充分利用野外地质调查、地震、重磁电、钻井(孔)等资料,理清了研究区主要断裂体系及其组合特征与展布规律。采用地表和地下构造、浅部和深部构造、地震和非震资料相结合的方法,开展了山前带构造建模研究与构造解析。通过研究,确定了研究区发育NW和近WE向两组断层和盆缘逆冲、盆内逆冲、盆内挤压走滑等3类断裂体系,平面上具有分区、分带性;建立了盆缘、盆内不同构造变形机制的构造解释模型;共识别出了挤压、伸展和走滑等3大类8种构造样式,明确了构造样式组合模式及其分布规律,理清了研究区“南北分带、东西分区”的构造变形特征;南西北东向构造演化剖面分析明确了盆缘、盆内推覆构造与盆内反冲构造后展式演化时序及其对中生界残留分布的控制作用。     

雪峰山西侧贵州地区中生代构造特征及其演化

贵州中生代变形主要发生在燕山期,发育三幕褶皱变形、两幕逆冲和三幕走滑。根据区域对比、卷入褶皱的地层和褶皱间的叠加关系,判断三期褶皱的形成顺序依次为近东西向、北东向和南北向,时限在J_3—K_2之间。逆冲推覆构造主要由向北西或西逆冲的近南北向逆冲断层组成,大体与南北向褶皱同时形成;自雪峰构造带西缘向西,依次划分出根部带、中部带和前锋带。但是,在根部带识别出两幕逆冲推覆,其它两带各识别出一幕。走滑断层也有3个方向:东西向、北东向和近南北向。东西向走滑断层呈现出右行压扭的运动学特征,而大多数北东向走滑断层是左行张扭性质的。依据各个方向断层间的切割和限制关系,推测东西向走滑断层最早形成,其次是南北向逆冲断层,北东向走滑断层最晚活动。这些断裂和褶皱特征,总体表现出贵州多重多种复合联合的构造特征,最后,探讨了本区的构造成因模式。     

Preliminary 3–D geological model of the Kalgoorlie region,Yilgarn Craton,Western Australia,based on deep seismic‐reflection and potential‐field data

The granite‐greenstone terranes of the Eastern Goldfields Province, Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia, are a major Australian and world gold and nickel source. The Kalgoorlie region, in particular, hosts several world‐class gold deposits. To attempt to understand why these deposits occur where they do, it is important to understand the crustal architecture in the region and how the major mineral systems operate in this architecture. One way to understand these relationships is to develop a detailed 3–D geological model for the region. The best method to map the 3–D geometry of major geological structures is by acquisition and interpretation of seismic‐reflection profiles. To contribute to this aim, a grid of deep seismic‐reflection traverses was acquired in 1999 to examine the 3–D geometry of the region in an area including the Kalgoorlie mineral region and mineral fields to the north and west. This grid was tied to the 1991 regional deep seismic traverse and 1997 high‐resolution seismic profiles in the same region. The grid covers an area measuring approximately 50 km wide by 50 km long and extended to a depth of approximately 50 km (below the base of the crust in this region). The resulting 3–D geological model was further constrained by both surface geological data and geophysical interpretations, with the seismic interpretations themselves also constrained by gravity and magnetic modelling. The 3–D model was used to investigate the geometric relationships between the major faults and shear zones in the area, the relationship between the granite‐greenstone succession and the basement, and the spatial relationships between the greenstones and the granites. Interpretation of the grid of seismic lines and construction of the 3–D geological model confirmed the existence of the detachment surface and led to the recognition that the granite‐greenstone contact usually occurs at a much shallower level than the detachment. Also, west‐dipping faults in the vicinity of the Golden Mile, including the Abattoir Shear through to Boulder‐Lefroy Fault, appear to be more important than previously thought in controlling the structure of that area. An antiformal thrust stack occurs beneath a triangle zone centred on the Golden Mile. The Black Flag Group was deposited in a probable extensional setting, and late extension was also probably more important than previously thought. The granite‐gneiss domes were uplifted by the formation of antiformal thrust stacks at depth beneath them.     

Crustal structure of the Ordovician Macquarie Arc,Eastern Lachlan Orogen,based on seismic‐reflection profiling

In the Eastern Lachlan Orogen, the mineralised Molong and Junee‐Narromine Volcanic Belts are two structural belts that once formed part of the Ordovician Macquarie Arc, but are now separated by younger Silurian‐Devonian strata as well as by Ordovician quartz‐rich turbidites. Interpretation of deep seismic reflection and refraction data across and along these belts provides answers to some of the key questions in understanding the evolution of the Eastern Lachlan Orogen—the relationship between coeval Ordovician volcanics and quartz‐rich turbidites, and the relationship between separate belts of Ordovician volcanics and the intervening strata. In particular, the data provide evidence for major thrust juxtaposition of the arc rocks and Ordovician quartz‐rich turbidites, with Wagga Belt rocks thrust eastward over the arc rocks of the Junee‐Narromine Volcanic Belt, and the Adaminaby Group thrust north over arc rocks in the southern part of the Molong Volcanic Belt. The seismic data also provide evidence for regional contraction, especially for crustal‐scale deformation in the western part of the Junee‐Narromine Volcanic Belt. The data further suggest that this belt and the Ordovician quartz‐rich turbidites to the east (Kirribilli Formation) were together thrust over ?Cambrian‐Ordovician rocks of the Jindalee Group and associated rocks along west‐dipping inferred faults that belong to a set that characterises the middle crust of the Eastern Lachlan Orogen. The Macquarie Arc was subsequently rifted apart in the Silurian‐Devonian, with Ordovician volcanics preserved under the younger troughs and shelves (e.g. Hill End Trough). The Molong Volcanic Belt, in particular, was reworked by major down‐to‐the‐east normal faults that were thrust‐reactivated with younger‐on‐older geometries in the late Early ‐ Middle Devonian and again in the Carboniferous.     

Geological evolution and structural style of the Palaeozoic Tafilalt sub‐basin,eastern Anti‐Atlas (Morocco,North Africa)

The Tafilalt is one of a number of generally unexplored sub‐basins in the eastern Anti‐Atlas of Morocco, all of which probably underwent a similar tectono‐stratigraphic evolution during the Palaeozoic Era. Analysis of over 1000 km of 2‐D seismic reflection profiles, with the interpretation of ten regional seismic sections and five isopach and isobath maps, suggests a multi‐phase deformation history for the Palaeozoic‐aged Tafilalt sub‐basins. Extensional phases were probably initiated in the Cambrian, followed by uniform thermal subsidence up to at least the end of the Silurian. Major extension and subsidence did not begin prior to Middle/Upper Devonian times. Extensional movements on the major faults bounding the basin to the north and to the south took place in synchronisation with Upper Devonian sedimentation, which provides the thickest part of the sedimentary sequence in the basin. The onset of the compressional phase in Carboniferous times is indicated by reflectors in the Carboniferous sequence progressively onlapping onto the Upper Devonian sequence. This period of compression developed folds and faults in the Upper Palaeozoic‐aged strata, producing a structural style characteristic of thin‐skinned fold and thrust belts. The Late Palaeozoic units are detached over a regional décollement with a northward tectonic vergence. The folds have been formed by the process of fault‐propagation folding related to the thrust imbricates that ramp up‐section from the décollement. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The seismogenic thickness in Italy: constraints on potential magnitude and seismic hazard

The thickness of the seismogenic layer is a key parameter for seismic hazard, since it can be used to constrain the maximum depth of faulting and the potential magnitude. In this study, we compute the seismogenic thickness in the Italian region by defining the lower seismicity cut‐off, using high‐quality hypocentral locations of earthquakes that occurred in the past decade. Along the eastern Alps, the seismogenic thickness is about 12–14 km, laterally homogeneous along the entire south‐verging thrust front. In the Apennines extensional belt, lateral changes in seismogenic thickness are evident, and correlate with changes in the seismic energy released by past earthquakes. The potential magnitude is larger in the southern Apennines where the seismogenic thickness is greater (16–18 km) than in the northern Apennines where it is less (6–10 km) and seismic energy is partially released by the creeping of faults.     

雪峰山西部中生代厚皮逆冲推覆构造样式与变形特征研究

雪峰山厚皮逆冲推覆构造带位于扬子地块东南缘,由南向北,主构造线走向由北北东向渐变为北东东向,形成向北西突出的弧形。构造带内基底新元古界板溪群大面积出露,这些基底出露的原因和构造方式是华南中生代大地构造分析的核心问题之一。以野外构造解析为基础,结合相关地球物理资料解释,对雪峰山西部逆冲推覆构造的构造样式与变形序列进行了系统的解析。结果表明,雪峰山构造带从印支期开始发育由南东向北西的大规模的逆冲推覆构造,逆冲断层在近地表向南东陡倾,向下逐渐收敛于基底内的滑脱断层之上。基底新元古界板溪群及早古生界均卷入了推覆构造,同时逆冲覆盖于中生代地层之上,形成厚皮构造,并造成了基底板溪群的大面积出露。     

柯坪塔格推覆构造几何学、运动学及其构造演化

大量野外构造地质调查和深部构造解释表明柯坪塔格推覆构造由多组倒转复式背斜、复式箱状背斜构成的推覆体及其前缘逆冲断裂组成 ,由寒武系—第四系组成的推覆体由北向南逆—斜冲 ,平面上构成向南凸出的弧形推覆构造 ;普昌断裂由各不相连的逆冲斜冲断裂段组成 ,而不是完整的一条走滑断层 ,各推覆体前缘逆冲断裂与各推覆体的普昌断裂段共同构成统一的前缘逆冲斜冲逆冲断裂和推覆构造系统 ;普昌断裂段以西的推覆体具有向东抬升、向西倾覆的鼻状构造特征 ,普昌断裂段以东的推覆体具有向西抬升、向东倾覆的鼻状构造特征 ,普昌基底隆起带是巴楚隆起隐伏在柯坪塔格推覆构造之下的部分。各推覆体前缘断裂在深部均归并于统一的寒武系底部的滑脱面 ,其南浅北深 ,东浅西深 (普昌隆起带以西 )或西浅东深 (普昌隆起带以东 ) (6 10km ) ,埋深较大区发育多组滑脱面。柯坪塔格推覆构造的形成时期为晚第四纪 ,为现今活动的推覆构造系统。文中认为各推覆体向南西的倾覆端基底滑脱面和中新生界内部的滑脱面没有贯通 ,是未来 6级以上地震的发震构造部位。     

后撤式逆冲推覆断层成因机制及物理模拟——以准噶尔盆地西北缘克-百断裂带为例

位于准噶尔盆地西北缘中段的克-百断裂带,晚二叠世以来发育了一系列后撤式逆冲断层。长期以来,关于克-百断裂带高角度逆冲断层的成因机制一直处于争论当中,后撤式逆冲断层的物理模拟在国内尚未见文献报道。论文通过地震解释研究了克-百断裂带的构造变形特征及其演化阶段;应用断层"活动性系数"理论,半定量地描述了挤压条件下断层"活动性系数"、摩擦系数与断层倾角之间的关系,证明了挤压条件下也能形成高角度逆断层;结合"造山楔"理论解释了后撤式逆冲断层的成因机制。研究认为,克-百断裂带后撤式逆冲断层是印支期、燕山期持续挤压和扎伊尔山隆升效应综合作用的产物:挤压过程中发生"泊松效应",随着断层倾角增大,断层面上的正压力迅速增大、"活动性系数"降低,当倾角增大到一个临界值后断层停止活动,形成高角度的逆断层;同时扎伊尔山隆升造成挤压应力上移,为断层的后撤奠定了基础。最后利用砂箱物理实验模拟了克-百断裂带后撤式逆冲断层的形成过程。