Influence of magnetic fabric anisotropy on seismic wave velocity in paramagnetic granites from NW Himalaya: Results from preliminary investigations

Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) and seismic wave velocity studies of some paramagnetic Himalayan granitoids show good correlation between magnetic fabric anisotropy and P wave velocity (Vp). Vp shows strong positive correlation with magnetic lineation (L) and degree of magnetic anisotropy (P′) having correlation coefficient (r) values of 0.93 and 0.89 respectively. Both Vp and Vs show positive correlation with the SiO₂ content of Proterozoic and Paleozoic granitoids. Velocity of S wave (Vs) shows negative correlation with mean magnetic susceptibility (K_m) having ‘r’ value of 0.86. The correlation between Vs-K_m, V_p-P′, V_p-L also shows >95% probability in Spearman’s rank correlation. Based on the results from the present sample size it is suggested that, in paramagnetic granites, V_p is proportional to intensity of deformation and preferred orientation of minerals as well as the mineralogy. On the other hand, Vs is more dependent on the mineralogy alone.     

Multifractality in seismic sequences of NW Himalaya

Multifractal behaviour of interevent time sequences is investigated for the earthquake events in the NW Himalaya, which is one of the most seismically active zones of India and experienced moderate to large damaging earthquakes in the past. In the present study, the multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) is used to understand the multifractal behaviour of the earthquake data. For this purpose, a complete and homogeneous earthquake catalogue of the period 1965–2013 with a magnitude of completeness M _w 4.3 is used. The analysis revealed the presence of multifractal behaviour and sharp changes near the occurrence of three earthquakes of magnitude (M _w ) greater than 6.6 including the October 2005, Muzaffarabad–Kashmir earthquake. The multifractal spectrum and related parameters are explored to understand the time dynamics and clustering of the events.

     

Intrinsic versus extrinsic seismic anisotropy: Surface wave phase velocity inversion

The precise determination and interpretation of anisotropy are relatively difficult because the apparent anisotropy is usually a mixture of intrinsic and extrinsic anisotropy, which might partly hide the true properties of the medium investigated. The artificial anisotropy can be due to the fact that seismic waves do not ‘see’ the real details of a medium, but a ‘filtered’ (or ‘upscaled’) version of the Earth model. This can be due to a bad quality of the data coverage, to limited frequency band effects, or to errors in the approximate theory. With the limitation to layered Earth models, through comparisons of the results of the homogenization method with those of the periodic isotropic two-layered model as an analytical solution, we illustrate that the Backus theory for the long wavelength equivalent effect can be extended to calculate the extrinsic anisotropy, due to upscaling effects at discontinuities for the general isotropic layered model, when its spatial scale is much less than or equal to the seismic wavelength. We find that the extrinsic radial S-wave anisotropy produced by the vertical heterogeneities in the upper mantle of the Earth can be as large as 3% (about 30% extrinsic anisotropy of the 10% radial anisotropy). To better recover information from seismic data, we propose a surface wave phase velocity inversion method based on the first-order perturbation theory. We show that resolution at discontinuities can be improved by adding overtone modes of surface wave data. For more general layered models, the homogenization method could be considered, which can flexibly adapt the scale of the model to seismic wavelengths. However, the periodic isotropic two-layered model can also help to analytically quantify the amount of extrinsic radial, and possibly azimuthal anisotropy produced by the tilted fine layering.     

Back-thrusting in Lesser Himalaya: Evidences from magnetic fabric studies in parts of Almora crystalline zone,Kumaun Lesser Himalaya

The present study aims to understand evolution of the Lesser Himalaya, which consists of (meta) sedimentary and crystalline rocks. Field studies, microscopic and rock magnetic investigations have been carried out on the rocks near the South Almora Thrust (SAT) and the North Almora Thrust (NAT), which separates the Almora Crystalline Zone (ACZ) from the Lesser Himalayan sequences (LHS). The results show that along the South Almora Thrust, the deformation is persistent; however, near the NAT deformation pattern is complex and implies overprinting of original shear sense by a younger deformational event. We attribute this overprinting to late stage back-thrusting along NAT, active after the emplacement of ACZ. During this late stage back-thrusting, rocks of the ACZ and LHS were coupled. Back-thrusts originated below the Lesser Himalayan rocks, probably from the Main Boundary Thrust, and propagated across the sedimentary and crystalline rocks. This study provides new results from multiple investigations, and enhances our understanding of the evolution of the ACZ.     

Subsurface structure derived from detailed gravity and magnetic investigations along the Pala-Maneri traverse of the Main Central Thrust,NW Himalaya

A detailed, integrated gravity and magnetic study across the Main Central Thrust (MCT) along the Pala-Maneri traverse in Uttaranchal, NW Himalaya was carried out. The gravity data was acquired using a CG-3 gravity meter with an accuracy of 0.005 mGal, while magnetic data was acquired using a proton precession magnetometer with a station interval of 20 m. Data was collected along a 11.7 km, NE-SW traverse from Pala to Maneri along the proposed route of a hydroelectric headrace tunnel. The measured variation in the gravity field was approximately 70 mGal, with two prominent highs recorded at distances of 0.5 km, 7.5 km and lows at 3.0 km, 10.5 km from Maneri. The gravity highs can be attributed to presence of high-density rocks along the thrust planes. The sharp gravity low recorded at 10.5 km distance possibly indicates a sympathetic fault of the MCT that is highly saturated with fluids (water). The broad gravity low between 2.5 km and 4.0 km distance is likely to represent the gravity signature of the MCT itself. The measured variation in the magnetic field was approximately 285 nT. The associated gravity and magnetic signatures located several faults along the traverse including presence of the MCT at Kumaltigad.     

Evidence of paleoearthquakes from trench investigations across Pinjore Garden fault in Pinjore Dun, NW Himalaya

The Pinjore Garden Fault (PGF) striking NNW-SSE is now considered one of the active faults displacing the younger Quaternary surfaces in the piggyback basin of Pinjore Dun. This has displaced the older Kalka and Pinjore surfaces, along with the other younger surfaces giving rise to WSW and SW-facing fault scarps with heights ranging from 2 to 16 m. The PGF represents a younger branch of the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) system. An ~ 4m wide trench excavated across the PGF has revealed displacement of younger Quaternary deposits along a low angle thrust fault. Either side of the trench-walls reveals contrasting slip-related deformation of lithounits. The northern wall shows displacement of lithounits along a low-angle thrust fault, while the southern wall shows well-developed fault-related folding of thick sand unit. The sudden change in the deformational features on the southern wall is an evidence of the changing fault geometry within a short distance. Out of five prominent lithounits identified in the trench, the lower four units show displacement along a single fault. The basal unit ‘A’ shows maximum displacement of aboutT _o = 2.85 m, unit B = 1.8 m and unit C = 1.45 m. The displacement measured between the sedimentary units and retro-deformation of trench log suggests that at least two earthquake events have occurred along the PGF. The units A and D mark the event horizons. Considering the average amount of displacement during one single event (2 m) and the minimum length of the fault trace (~ 45 km), the behaviour of PGF seems similar to that of the Himalayan Frontal Fault (HFF) and appears capable of producing large magnitude earthquakes.     

Effect of fabric on shear wave velocity in granular soils

Acta Geotechnica - The small-strain elastic shear wave velocity ($$V_S$$) is a basic mechanical property of soils and is an important parameter in geotechnical engineering. Recently, $$V_S$$ has...     

Petrochemical and Sr-Nd isotope investigations of A-type granites in the east of Misho, NW Iran

The Misho plutonic complex consists of a series of granitic bodies which range from syenogranite, alkali granite to monzogranites. They include metaluminous to peraluminous compositions. The garnitoid bodies are intruded into the unmetamorphosed late Paleozoic rocks and are located between two dextral, oblique-slip fault systems along which they have been uplifted as a major positive flower structure. The Misho granitoid belongs to the alkaline granitoid series that have been attributed to a Late Permian post-collisional setting. The studied granitoid displays high SiO₂ contents between 67.71 and 76.4 wt%. On both FeO/(FeO + MgO) and [(Na₂O + K₂O) ? CaO] vs. SiO₂ diagrams, the samples, plot in the ferroan and alkaline fields, therefore, show an A-type granitoid signature. Trace and rare earth elements distribution patterns for the Misho rocks indicate a distinctive depletion in Nb, Sr, Ba, P, and Ti relative to other trace elements and a greater enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements compared to high field strength elements that are also typical features of A-type granites. The granitoid samples are geochemically similar to typical A₂-type granites, e.g., high K₂O + Na₂O, FeO/MgO, Ga/Al, and Y/Nb values and low CaO, Ba, Sr, and Eu contents. They have initial Sr isotopic ratios in the range >0.712 and negative ε _Ndt values of ?1 to ?3.2 for a time of generation of 232 Ma. We suggest that shear zones play an important role in providing suitable conduits for ascending asthenospheric material and heat influx in the lower crust continental. It is proposed that the Misho parental granitoid magmas were produced by the partial melting of the lower crust continental at extensional setting in active continental margin setting that was formed after the collision of the Eurasia plate and Iranian plate following closure of paleo-Tethyan oceanic crust during Middle Jurassic times.     

Depositional chronology and fabric of Siwalik group sediments in Central Nepal from magnetostratigraphy and magnetic anisotropy

Magnetostratigraphic research, undertaken within the past 15 years in the Siwaliks distributed along 400 km of the Sub-Himalaya in central Nepal, has proved that the sediments possess highly reliable hematite-based primary detrital remanent magnetization suitable to determine depositional chronology. In order to bring out the polarity sequences in a common chronological frame, all available data are newly correlated to the latest global magnetic polarity time scale of Cande and Kent (S.C. Cande, D.V. Kent (1995) Revised calibration of the geomagnetic polarity timescale for the Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic. Journal of Geophysical Research 100, 6093–6095). Chronological data presented are referred, in relation to the diverse lithological nomenclature, to the formations whose ages are not constrained by isotopic or paleontologic ages. The age of the sections dated by magnetostratigraphy ranges between 14 and <2 Ma. Sediment accumulation rates average to 32–50 cm kyr⁻¹. Rock-magnetic parameters, e.g. initial susceptibility and isothermal remanent magnetization ratios, allow correlation with an accuracy of up to a few hundred meters among several kilometers thick adjacent sections. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) data reveal a well-defined fabric contributed to by paramagnetic (k=10⁻⁵ to 3×10⁻⁴ SI) as well as ferromagnetic minerals (k=3×10⁻⁴ to 10⁻² SI). AMS ellipsoids are mainly oblate along with some prolate ones and the degree of anisotropy is mostly low (P′<1.2). The magnetic fabric is of pre-folding origin with tilt-corrected sub-vertical magnetic foliation poles. The magnetic lineations do not show parallelism to the expected paleocurrent directions. Rather, sub-parallelism between the clusters of magnetic lineation and the fold axes/bedding strikes/thrust fronts is observed. A superimposed fabric consisting of a sedimentary-compactional and an overprint induced by a mild deformation process is suggested. The latter process was active during, and subsequent to, the deposition in the compressive tectonic setting of the foreland basin. The magnetic lineations for Tinau Khola and Surai Khola sections cluster around N80°W and N88°W respectively, whereas N27°W trend characterizes the Amiliya-Tui area south of Dang. The peak clusters in lineations are probably orthogonal to the true shortening axes. Their variation along the Sub-Himalaya, together with the fold axes or thrust front trends, may be used for accurate tectonic reconstruction. It is especially important when the orthogonality of the latter to the shortening axes may not hold true in the sectors with imbricate fold-and-thrust structures.     

The use of the anisotropy of magnetic remanence in the resolution of the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility into its ferromagnetic and paramagnetic components

The anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) is often controlled by both ferromagnetic (sensu lato) and paramagnetic minerals. The anisotropy of magnetic remanence (AMR) is solely controlled by ferromagnetic minerals. Jelínek (Trav. Geophys. 37 (1993)) introduced a tensor derived from the isothermal AMR whose normalized form equals the normalized susceptibility tensor provided that the ferromagnetic fraction is represented by multi-domain magnetite. The present paper shows the close correlation between these tensors for a collection of strongly magnetic specimens containing multi-domain magnetite. In addition, acceptable correlation between the tensors was also found for a collection of specimens containing single-domain magnetite. A new method is developed for the AMS resolution into ferromagnetic and paramagnetic components using the AMR. Some examples are presented of this resolution in mafic microgranular enclaves in granodiorite and in gneisses of the KTB borehole.     

Seismic wave velocity and anisotropy of serpentinized peridotite in the Oman ophiolite

Shallow seismic measurements in harzburgite from the Oman ophiolite performed in a zone where the maximum horizontal anisotropy is expected (vertical foliation and horizontal lineation) point to a dominant dependence of seismic properties on fracturing.

Optical microscopy studies show that microcracks are guided by the serpentine (lizardite) penetrative network oriented subparallel to the harzburgite foliation and subperpendicular to the mineral lineation, and that serpentine (lizardite) vein filling has a maximum concentration of (001) planes parallel to the veins walls. The calculated elastic properties of the oriented alteration veins filled with serpentine in an anisotropic matrix formed by oriented crystals of olivine and orthopyroxene are compared with seismic velocities measured on hand specimens.

Laboratory ultrasonic data indicate that open microcracks are closed at 100 MPa pressure, e.g. (J. Geophys. Res. 65, (1960) 1083) and (Proc. ODP Sci. Results Leg 118, (1990) 227). Above this pressure, laboratory measurements and modeling show that P-compressional and S-shear wave velocities are mainly controlled by the mineral preferred orientation. Veins sealed with serpentine are effective in slightly lowering P and S velocities and increasing anisotropy. The penetrative lizardite network does not affect directly the geometry of seismic anisotropy, but contributes indirectly in the fact that this network controls the microcrack orientations.

Comparison between seismic measurements of peridotite and gabbro in the same conditions suggest that P- and S-waves anisotropies are a possible discriminating factor between the two lithologies in the suboceanic lithosphere.     

Tertiary geodynamics of Sakhalin (NW Pacific) from anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility fabrics and paleomagnetic data

Sakhalin has been affected by several phases of Cretaceous and Tertiary deformation due to the complex interaction of plates in the northwest Pacific region. A detailed understanding of the strain is important because it will provide constraints on plate-scale processes that control the formation and deformation of marginal sedimentary basins. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) data were obtained from fine-grained mudstones and siltstones from 22 localities in Sakhalin in order to provide information concerning tectonic strain. AMS data reliably record ancient strain tensor orientations before significant deformation of the sediments occurred. Paleomagnetically determined vertical-axis rotations of crustal rocks allow rotation of the fabrics back to their original orientation. Results from southwest Sakhalin indicate a N035°E-directed net tectonic transport from the mid-Paleocene to the early Miocene, which is consistent with the present-day relative motion between the Okhotsk Sea and Eurasian plates. Reconstruction of early–late Miocene AMS fabrics in east Sakhalin indicates a tectonic transport direction of N040°E. In west Sakhalin, the transport direction appears to have remained relatively consistent from the Oligocene to the late Miocene, but it has a different attitude of N080°E. This suggests local deflection of the stress and strain fields, which was probably associated with opening of the northern Tatar Strait. A northward-directed tectonic transport is observed in Miocene sediments in southeast Sakhalin, mid-Eocene sediments in east Sakhalin, and in Late Cretaceous rocks of west and northern Sakhalin, which may be associated with northwestward motion and subduction of the Pacific Plate in the Tertiary period. The boundaries of the separate regions defined by the AMS data are consistent with present-day plate models and, therefore, provide meaningful constraints on the tectonic evolution of Sakhalin.     

水与微观结构对片岩波速各向异性特征的影响及其机制研究

选取3类不同宏观特征的武当群片岩岩样,分别制取不同片理角的标准圆柱试样。采用波速测试获取烘干、浸水处理后的试样的纵波速度,分析不同含水状态下武当群片岩波速各向异性特征,并结合偏光显微镜、扫描电镜下3类岩样的矿物组成与微观结构特征,探讨内外影响因素下的波速各向异性机制。结果显示:武当群片岩主要矿物为硬质粒状石英、长石与软质片状白云母,硬质矿物含量越高、孔隙率越小,则片岩纵波速度越大,反之越小;干燥样的纵波速度表现出显著各向异性,传播方向由垂直片理面向平行片理面变换时,波速逐渐增大,不同方向的波速值可用波速圆公式进行预测;波速各向异性本质上是微裂隙的定向展布、间隔分布的结果,可间接用白云母定向系数δ_2评价各向异性程度k,k~(1/2)与δ_2呈线性正相关,武当群片岩的k值上限为2.90;浸水后试样的纵波速度普遍增大,这是水充填空隙后对片岩等效体积模量的增加起主控作用的结果,片岩吸水后的波速增长效应受其孔隙率与微裂隙分布特征影响,引起不同类片岩间的纵波速度差异,导致同类片岩的波速各向异性程度与浸水时长呈负相关。     

Structural and magnetic fabric studies of recess structures in the western Himalaya: Implications for 1905 Kangra earthquake

Kinematic information from deformation structures and magnetic fabrics are used to infer recent tectonics around Kangra and Dehradun recesses, western Himalaya. Three types of magnetic fabrics (Type I & II, III, and IV) are identified based on the angle between K3 axis and bedding pole. It was observed that Kangra recess shows more mature fabric type IV as compared to Dehradun recess, where orientation of K3 axes and tectonic fabric reveals dominance of superposed deformation. In the vicinity of Dehradun recess, normal faults occur in un-indurated Quaternary fan deposits confirming their recent formation. The observations are in conformity with earlier studies that during the 1905 Kangra earthquake, the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) (or one of its subsidiary thrusts) near Kangra showed thrusting whereas the MBT near Dehradun underwent either normal faulting or post seismic adjustments characteristic of normal faulting. The thrusting could be a result of subsurface processes whereas the normal faulting was a result of prevailing surface strains.     

剪切波速原位测试技术及在地震安全性评价中的应用

本文简要介绍了剪切波速测试方法 ,重点论述单孔速度检层法的基本原理、测试技术以及剪切波速度在地震安全性评价中应用     

Record of deformation by secondary magnetic remanences and magnetic anisotropy in the Nar/Phu valley (central Himalaya)

Secondary magnetic remanences residing in pyrrhotite and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) were studied in low-grade metamorphic carbonates of the Tethyan Himalaya in Nar/Phu valley (central Nepal) and used for interpretation of tectonic deformations. The characteristic remanence (ChRM) is likely of thermomagnetic origin related to post-peak metamorphic cooling occurring after the Eohimalayan phase (35–32 Ma). The ChRM postdates small-scale folding (main Himalayan folding F1 and F2) as shown by a negative fold test of site mean directions at 99% confidence level, and has been probably acquired between 32 and 25 Ma. Late-orogenic long-wavelength folding associated with the Chako antiform (CA) is recorded by the spatial dispersion of ChRM directions and the distribution of the main axes of the AMS tensor. The mean tilting of the ChRM direction since remanence acquisition (≈20–30°) approximately coincides with the tilting of the CA (31°) at the study area indicating that the pyrrhotite remanence predates the CA (CA formed at <18 Ma according to preliminary U/Pb dating). However, comparison of tilt angles of remanence directions and AMS tensor axes suggests that remanence acquisition was not completed before the onset of the CA formation. This could imply a younger age (Early Miocene or even younger) of the ChRM. Using the distribution of remanence directions along a small-circle as well as the distribution of AMS tensor axes, a clockwise mean rotation of 16° is obtained for a remanence age of ≈30 Ma. An Early Miocene remanence age would not change this result substantially. Compilation of rotations in the Tethyan Himalaya deduced from secondary pyrrhotite remanences reveals an increasing clockwise rotation from the Hidden valley in the W to the Shiar valley in the E (≈150 km distance), incompatible with an oroclinal bending model.     

煤层长波长地震各向异性的多尺度效应初探

在勘探地震频带范围内,我国陆相沉积的含煤地层均是典型的薄互层。含煤地层中各向同性薄层叠置,在不同地震波长尺度下呈现长波长地震各向异性特征,地震勘探中一般做横向各向同性(Transverse Isotropy with a Vertical Axis of Symmetry,VTI)等效或均匀各向同性(Isotropy,ISO)等效简化处理。但是针对不同弹性性质的地层,长波长等效理论的适用条件不同。以淮南煤田的含煤地层为例,利用钻孔声波和密度测井曲线建立二维水平层状薄互层模型,分析含煤地层的长波长地震各向异性的多尺度效应。通过不同平均长度均化测井曲线,重点分析了2种等效建模方法在不同平均长度下所建立的等效模型弹性参数的差异及其各向异性特征;最后通过不同等效模型弹性波场的数值模拟分析不同等效模型的适用性。结果表明：随着平均长度增加,等效模型的速度、密度和各向异性参数的单点数据异常减弱;ISO等效P波速度大于VTI等效;存在某个临界窗长(本次淮南含煤地层为λmin/L≈3)使等效模型的层状各向异性开始减弱;当平均长度与地层厚度比(L/d)和最小主波长与平均长度比(λmin/L)都满足长波长假...     

地震波振幅对黄土-泥岩边坡动力响应规律的影响

研究地震作用下黄土-泥岩边坡动力响应特征,对边坡的稳定性评价和抗震设计具有重要指导意义。基于边坡的离心机振动台试验和数值模拟分析,研究地震波振幅对边坡地震动响应的影响规律,结果表明：由坡体深部至浅表层,黄土-泥岩边坡的水平向和垂向加速度放大效应呈非线性增加,且水平向大于垂直向,在坡体顶部到达最大,表现为趋表效应和高程效应;在边坡内部岩性接触部位,黄土层内动力响应较大,泥岩中动力响应较小,表现为岩性效应;随着输入地震波振幅的增加,坡体动力响应表现为先增大后减小的趋势,当输入振幅达0.3g时,坡体动力响应最大。黄土-泥岩边坡的变形破坏过程为：随输入地震波振幅增加,坡顶逐渐形成拉张裂缝,不断扩展,坡体中上部溜土,产生向临空面方向的位移,坡体中部发生鼓胀隆起,局部坡体振动松散,岩土体滑落至坡脚堆积。