Example of Neogene tectonic indentation in the Eastern Betic Cordilleras: the Arc of Aguilas (Southeastern Spain)

Abstract

Neogene deformations have deeply disturbed the initial architecture of the pile of nappes within the Eastern Betic zone. The Arc of Aguilas, displaying a southeast-facing concavity, is a spectacular example of such a post-nappe structuration. Miocene deposits involved in the torsion of the Arc provide a chronology of the deformation. The Arc of Aguilas is one element within a system of rigid-plastic indentation including the following units, from the inner (SE) to the outer (NW) zones : — A rigid block, little deformed, located in the present day abyssal plain, play the part of the indenter.

— A structural pad corresponding to the Aguilas Arc itself. It was severely folded during Miocene times.

— A large peripheral zone mainly subjected to faulting during the Neogene (essentially strike-slip faults). These faults control the evolution of different types of sedimentary basins during the Late Neogene (Tortonian to Pliocene).

Two large shear zones: N020 sinistral (Palomares and Terreros faults), N100 dextral (Las Moreras faults) guided the deformation of the Aguilas Arc within a compressive stressfield of which major tensor axis oscillated between NW-SE and N-S.     

Active faults, seismicity and stresses in an internal boundary of a tectonic arc (Campo de Dalías and Níjar, southeastern Betic Cordilleras, Spain)

The Betic-Rif Cordilleras, formed by the interaction of NW–SE convergence between the Eurasian and African plates and the westward motion of their Internal Zones, provide a good example of an active tectonic arc. The Campo de Dalías and Campo de Níjar constitute outcropping sectors of Neogene and Quaternary rocks located in the southeastern border of the Betic Cordilleras and allow us to study the recent deformations developed in the internal border of this tectonic arc.The main active faults with related seismicity, representing a moderate seismic hazard, associated to the southeastern Betic Cordilleras boundary, include high-angle NW–SE-oriented normal faults that affect, at least, the upper part of the crust, a main detachment located at 10 km depth, and probably another detachment at 20 km as well. Seismite structures, recent fault scarps with associated colluvial wedges that deform the drainage network and the alignment of the coastline, indicate that the high-angle faults have been active at least since the Quaternary.Paleostresses determined from microfault analysis in Quaternary deposits generally show an ENE–WSW trend of extension. Present-day earthquake focal mechanisms include normal, strike-slip and reverse faulting. Normal and strike-slip focal mechanisms generally indicate ENE–WSW extension, and strike-slip and reverse focal mechanisms are related to NNW–SSE compression.The maximum horizontal compression has a consistently NNW–SSE trend. The deep activity of detachments and reverse faults determines the NNW–SSE crustal shortening related to the Eurasian–African plate convergence. At surface, however, the predominance of normal faults is probably produced by the increase in the relative weight of the vertical stress axis, which in turn may be related to relief uplift and subsequent horizontal spreading. The internal mountain front boundary of the Betic Cordilleras developed through the activity of a set of structures that is more complex than a typical external mountain front, probably as a consequence of a vertical variable stress field that acted on previously deformed rocks belonging to the Internal Zone of the cordilleras.     

Neotectonic evolution of the Central Betic Cordilleras (Southern Spain)

Paleostress orientations were calculated from fault-slip data of 36 sites located along a traverse through the Central Betic Cordilleras (southern Spain). Heterogeneous fault sets, which are frequent in the area, have been divided into homogeneous subsets by cross-cutting relationships observed in the field and by a paleostress stratigraphy approach applied on each individual fault population. The state of stress was sorted according to main tectonic events and a new chronology is presented of the Miocene to Recent deformation in the central part of the Betic Cordilleras. The deviatoric stress tensors fall into four distinct groups that are regionally consistent and correlate with three Late Oligocene–Aquitanian to Recent major tectonic events in the Betic Cordilleras. The new chronology of the neotectonic evolution includes, from oldest to youngest, the following main tectonic phases:

(1) Late Oligocene–Aquitanian to Early Tortonian: σ₁ subhorizontal N–S, partly E–W directed, σ₃ subvertical; compressional structures (thrusting of nappes, large-scale folding) and strike-slip faulting in the Alborán Domain and the External Zone of the Betic Cordilleras;

(2) Early Tortonian to Pliocene–Pleistocene: σ₁ subvertical, σ₃ subhorizontal NW–SE, partly N–S directed or E–W-directed (radial extension); large-scale normal faulting in the Central Betic Cordilleras and in the oldest Neogene formations of the Granada Basin related to the gravitational collapse of the Betic Cordilleras and the exhumation of the intensely metamorphosed rock series of the Internal Zones, at the same time formation of the Alborán Basin and intramontane basins such as the Granada Basin;

(3) Pleistocene to Recent: (3a) σ₁ subvertical, σ₃ subhorizontal NE–SW with prominent normal faulting, but coevally; (3b) σ₁ subhorizontal NW directed, σ₃ NE–SW subhorizontal with strike-slip faulting. Extensional structures and strike-slip faulting are related to the ongoing convergence of the Eurasian and African Plates and coeval uplift of the Betic Cordilleras. Reactivation of pre-existing fractures and faults was frequently observed. Phase 3 is interpreted as periodic strike-slip and normal faulting events due to a permutation of the principal stress axes, mainly σ₁ and σ₂.

Plagioclase porphyroblast growth and its relation to deformation in the Alhamilla unit (Sierra Alhamilla, Betic Cordilleras, SE Spain)

Abstract. Plagioclase porphyroblasts from silvergrey schists belonging to the Nevado Filabride Complex in the Sierra Alhamilla (Betic Zone, SE Spain) are interpreted as having been formed preand synkinematically with respect to the second phase of deformation. Different types of inclusion patterns represent 'snap-shots'(high growth-rate/strain-rate ratio features) of the formation of a diffentiated crenulation cleavage during this second phase of deformation, by the processes of kinking, crenulation and associated differentiation.
Regional considerations indicate an Alpine age for this tectono-metamorphic event, which can be explained by the'hot emplacement'of the higher Nevado Filabride units. The observed structural evolution is not consistent with a pre-Alpine polyphase deformation history.     

Geochemical and mineralogical evidence of tectonic and sedimentary factors controlling the origin of ferromanganese crusts associated to stratigraphic discontinuities (Betic Cordilleras, SE of Spain)

Ferromanganese crusts were found in carbonates of tectonostratigraphic units located in the northern and southern areas of the eastern External Subbetic of the Betic Cordilleras (SE Spain). The crusts are associated with four stratigraphic discontinuities of the Jurassic pelagic swells sequences: D1 (Late Carixian-Early Domerian), D2 (Middle Toarcian-Early Bajocian), D3 (Middle Bathonian-Middle Oxfordian), D4 (Early Tithonian-Late Albian). Two main textural types of crusts are distinguished. Type I crusts are thin and characterized by the presence of goethite, quartz, albite and phyllosilicates. Moreover, they show Si, Al, Mg, Na, Ti and K contents close to the European Shale Composite contents and Fe/Mn ratios (>350) higher than type II crusts. Type II crusts occur as thicker banded laminae and/or macrooncoids. They consist mainly of goethite and Mn-oxyhydroxides, which are enriched in REE, Co, Ni and Cu and show a strong Ce positive anomaly. After stratigraphical, mineralogical and geochemical data, the crust formation would be produced by the exposition of bottom sediments during long periods to a thin layer of oxidizing sea and porewater enriched in metallic elements. The textural and compositional variations between crusts can be explained by taking into account the bathymetric conditions. In shallower swells, the precipitation of a thick layer of banded type II crusts and in deeper areas, thin type I crusts were formed. Organic influence was only important in crusts from D3 of the northern area where textural evidence indicates the existence of seasonal periodically alternation between organism accretion and fine sedimentation. These were preceded and followed by phases in which the inorganic precipitation of oxides prevailed together with the fine sedimentation.     

Progressive extensional shear structures in a detachment contact in the Western Sierra Nevada (Betic Cordilleras,Spain)

Abstract

The present contact caused by the superposition of the Alpujarride complex over that of the Nevado-Filabride in the western area of Sierra Nevada and Sierra de Filábres corresponds to a detachment. The deformation in the footwall associated with this contact, produced mylonitic fabrics with a significant stretching-lineation, over which brittle structures are superimposed. The deformation in the hanging wall associated with this contact is, on the other hand, essentially brittle. These deformations are subsequent to a series of syn-to post-metamorphic structures related to thrust phases.

The micro- and meso-structures indicate that the hanging wall has moved towards the west-south-west.

Other brittle structures, which began during the same extensional regime, are superimposed on the detachment and have continued to develop up to the present time. These structures were produced in an extensional regime with a non-coaxial deformation component and suggest the possibility of a tectonic evolution similar to that described for core complexes in the USA.     

Palaeomagnetic study of the Ronda peridotites (Betic Cordillera, southern Spain)

A palaeomagnetic study of the Ronda peridotites (southern Spain) has been carried out on 301 samples from 20 sites, spread along the three main outcrops of the ultrabasic complex: Ronda, Ojén and Carratraca massifs. Different lithologies and outcrops with different degrees of serpentinization have been sampled and analysed. Rock magnetic experiments have been carried out on a representative set of samples. These measurements include: Curie curves, hysteresis cycles, isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) acquisition curves, thermal demagnetization of IRM imparted along three orthogonal axes and magnetic bulk susceptibility. Results indicate that magnetite is the main magnetic mineral present in the samples. Stepwise thermal and alternating field (AF) demagnetization of the natural remanent magnetization (NRM) reveals the presence of a characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) carried by magnetite, and in some sepentinized samples, a northward component with variable unblocking temperatures up to 250–575 °C. The appearance and the relative intensity of this northward component are strongly related to serpentinization degree. Taking into account the geological history of the peridotites, the ChRM has been considered as a thermo-chemical remanent magnetization acquired during the first serpentinization phase associated to the post-metamorphic cooling of this unit. On the basis of radiometric and fission track analysis, the ChRM is proposed to have been acquired between 20 and 17–18 Ma. The inclination of the mean direction of the ChRM statistically coincides with the expected inclination for stable Iberia during the Oligocene–Miocene. The declination of the ChRM differs from the expected declination, indicating clockwise block rotations of 41±12° about vertical axes since the cooling of the peridotites. When applying a compositional layering correction, the ChRM directions fail to pass this kind of fold test, thus, the compositional layering was not a palaeohorizontal during ChRM acquisition time. Normal and reversed polarities of the ChRM are reported, showing that at least one reversal of the Earth's magnetic field took place during ChRM acquisition process. A tentative polarity zonation within the peridotitic outcrops is also suggested. No evidence is found from these data for the previously proposed simultaneity between post-metamorphic cooling and rotation of the peridotites.     

The geodynamic evolution of the Internal Zone of the Betic Cordilleras (south-east Spain): a model based on structural analysis and geothermobarometry

ABSTRACT The Internal Zone of the Betic Cordilleras consists of several superimposed major thrust sheets with different P-T-t evolutions. On the basis of an integrated field, microscopic and laboratory study, the tectono-metamorphic history of the Mulhacen Complex and Almanzora Unit has been reconstructed in detail. The Mulhacen Complex has been affected by at least five phases of penetrative deformation, which have been labelled D_x-1, D_x, D_x+1, D_x+2 and D_x+3. D_x-1, and D_x are related to continent-continent collision, which is indicated by high pressure-low temperature (HP/LT) and subsequent intermediate P/T metamorphic conditions. D_x+1 is related to crustal thinning and heterogeneous extension. During this event the Almanzora Unit was juxtaposed against the Mulhacen Complex. This phase was succeeded by the establishment of low pressure-high temperature (LP/HT) conditions and at least two phases of folding and overthrusting. The Almanzora Unit shows a comparable tectono-metamorphic evolution post D_x+1. However, the P/T conditions prior to D_x+1 indicate a higher crustal position with respect to the Mulhacen Complex during the collisional event.     

Palaeostress analysis of the northern Nijar and southern Vera basins: constraints for the Neogene displacement history of major strike-slip faults in the Betic Cordilleras, SE Spain

This paper presents the results of a detailed structural analysis of the northern Nijar and southern Vera basins with special emphasis on the evolution of the regional stress field and the associated timing of movement of the Serrata, Gafarillos and Palomares strike-slip fault zones. These major fault zones control the Neogene deformation of the SE Internal Betic Cordilleras in Spain. Detailed stress analysis on Neogene sediments of the Vera and Nijar basins shows a strike-slip regime with NW–SE-oriented subhorizontal maximum principal stress (σ₁) during Tortonian and earliest Messinian times. Under the influence of this stress field, dextral displacement along the N090E-trending Gafarillos fault zone resulted in deformation of the sediments of the southern Sorbas and northeastern Nijar basins. During the early Messinian a clock-wise rotation of the stress field occurred. Stress analysis in rocks with late–early Messinian up to Quaternary ages in the Nijar and Vera basins indicates a strike-slip regime with N–S-oriented subhorizontal maximum principal stress (σ₁). Under the influence of this stress field the main activity along the N010E-striking Palomares strike-slip fault zone took place, resulting in deformation of the Neogene sediments of the southeastern Vera basin and culminating in a maximum sinistral displacement of more than 20 km. At the same time the stress field was not suitably oriented to exert a large shear component on the Gafarillos fault zone, which activity ended after the earliest Messinian. Fault and outcrop patterns of syntectonic Neogene sediments in the Vera basin show that displacement along the Palomares fault zone decreased at the end of the Middle Miocene although minor displacement phases may still have occurred during the Late Miocene and possibly even Pliocene. From the Middle Miocene onward, deformation in the Nijar basin was controlled by sinistral displacement along the N040E-trending Serrata strike-slip fault zone.     

Joints,faults and palaeostress evolution in the Campo de Dalias (Betic Cordilleras,southeastern Spain)

The Campo de Dal??as, located between the central and eastern Betic Cordilleras, shows an evolution determined by the overprinting of two main stress fields since Pliocene times. The first of these develops hybrid and tensional joint sets up to Pleistocene (100 000 yr) and is characterized by NNW–SSE horizontal trend of compression and an ENE–WSW horizontal extension. The second stress field has prolate to triaxial extensional ellipsoids, also with ENE–WSW horizontal extension, and continues to be active today. The most recent stresses produce the reactivation of previous joints as faults whose trends are comprised mainly from N120°E to N170°E and have a normal and transtensional regime, with dextral or sinistral components. The palaeostress evolution of this region is similar to that undergone by other basins of the Eastern Betic Cordilleras, although the Pliocene–Pleistocene transcurrent deformations in the Campo de Dal??as only develop joints and not strike-slip faults.     

Deformation related to Miocene westward translation in the core of the Betic zone Implications on the tectonic interpretation of the Betic orogen (Spain)

Abstract

The Cenozoic westward motion of the Betic-Rif internal zone (“Alboran block”) between Iberia and Africa is constrained by paleogeographic considerations and by wrench faulting which affects both sides of the external zones. However, in the Alboran domain itself there was so far no evidence of significant internal deformation related to this westward displacement which was consequently consider as an en bloc” motion. Our work, in Eastern Andalucia, demonstrates that the main tectonic units building up the Betic zone should be regarded as large-scale tectonic sheets with a typical duplex style. The direction of the tectonic transport is to the West. At meso-scale, the major structures exhibit a combination of hindward and foreward dipping imbricates on the respective east and west sides of antiformal stacks or “rigid cores”. On a broader scale, the same geometric framework appears on both east and west sides of the Sierra Nevada window which we interpret as a tectonic culmination on the hangingwall of a Subbetic décollement zone. The development of this tectonics, in retrogressive metamorphic conditions, postdates the ductile deformation of the internal complexes. The morpho-tectonic relationships between the culmination of the metamorphic cores and the Neogene basins give a way to date the westward motion of the “Alboran System of Nappes” of the middle and upper Miocene.     

Petrology and metamorphic evolution of ultramafic rocks and dolerite dykes of the Betic Ophiolitic Association (Mulhacén Complex, SE Spain): evidence of eo-Alpine subduction following an ocean-floor metasomatic process

The Betic Ophiolitic Association, cropping out within the Mulhacén Complex (Betic Cordilleras), is made up of numerous metre- to kilometre-sized lenses of mafic and/or ultramafic and meta-sedimentary rocks. Pre-Alpine oceanic metasomatism and metamorphism caused the first stage of serpentinization in the ultramafic sequence of this association, which is characterized by local clinopyroxene (Cpx) breakdown and Ca-depletion, and complementary rodingitization of the basic dykes intruded in them. Subsequent eo-Alpine orogenic metamorphism developed eclogite facies assemblages in ultramafic and basic lithotypes, which were partly retrograded in Ab-Ep-amphibolite facies conditions during a meso-Alpine event. The heterogeneous development of the oceanic metasomatism in the ultramafic rock-types led to the patchy development of highly serpentinized Ca-depleted domains, without gradual transition to the host, and less serpentinized, Cpx-bearing ultramafites, mainly lherzolitic in composition. The high-pressure eo-Alpine recrystallization of these ultramafites in subduction conditions originated secondary harzburgites in the Ca-depleted domains, consisting of a spinifex-like textured olivine+orthopyroxene paragenesis, and a diopside+Ti-clinohumite paragenesis in the enclosing lherzolitic rocks. During the meso-Alpine event, secondary harzburgites were partly transformed into talc+antigorite serpentinites, whereas the diopside and clinohumite-bearing residual meta-lherzolites were mainly transformed into Cpx-bearing serpentinites. Relics of mantle-derived colourless olivine may be present in the more or less serpentinized secondary harzburgites. These relics are overgrown by the eo-Alpine brown pseudo-spinifex olivine, which contains submicroscopic inclusions of chromite, ilmenite and occasional halite and sylvite, inherited from its parental oceanic serpentine. The same type of mantle-derived olivine relics is also preserved within the Cpx-bearing serpentinites, although it has been partly replaced by the eo-Alpine Ti-clinohumite. The dolerite dykes included in the ultramafites were partly rodingitized in an oceanic environment. They were then transformed during the eo-Alpine event into meta-rodingites in their border zones and into eclogites towards the innermost, less-rodingitized portions. Estimated P–T conditions for the high-pressure assemblages in ultramafic and basic lithotypes range from 650 to 750°C and 16–25 kb.     

Quantitative subsidence-uplift analysis of the Bajo Segura Basin (eastern Betic Cordillera, Spain): tectonic control on the stratigraphic architecture

The Bajo Segura Basin is located in the eastern Betic Cordillera, at present connected with the Mediterranean Sea to the east. It has a complete stratigraphic record from the Tortonian to the Quaternary, which has been separated into six units bounded by unconformities. This paper is concerned with the northern edge of the basin, controlled by a major strike–slip fault (the Crevillente Fault Zone, CFZ), where the most complete stratigraphic successions are found. The results obtained (summarised below) are based on an integrated analysis of the sedimentary evolution and the subsidence-uplift movements. Unit I (Early Tortonian) is transgressive on the basin basement and is represented by ramp-type platform facies, organised in a shallowing-upward sequence related to tectonic uplift during the first stages of movement along the CFZ. Unit II (lower Late Tortonian) consists of shallow platform facies at bottom and pelagic basin facies at top, forming a deepening-upward sequence associated with tectonic subsidence due to sinistral motion along the CFZ. Unit III (middle Late Tortonian) is made up of exotic turbiditic facies related to a stage of uplift and erosion of the southern edge of the basin. Unit IV (upper Late Tortonian) consists of pelagic basin facies at bottom and shallow platform facies at top, defining a shallowing-upward sequence related to tectonic uplift during continued sinistral movement on the basin-bounding fault. Units V (latest Tortonian–Messinian) and VI (Pliocene–Pleistocene p.p.) consist of shallowing-upward sequences deposited during folding and uplift of the northern margin of the basin. No definitive evidence of any major eustatic sea-level fall, associated with the ‘Messinian salinity crisis’, has been recorded in the stratigraphic sections studied.     

The role of western Mediterranea tectonic evolution in the geometry of a karstic domain in the Betic Cordilleras (Sierra Gorda,Spain): importance of a tardy extensional regime

Abstract

Located in the central part of the Betic Cordilleras, the large carbonate Sierra Gorda Massif provides an example of a west-Mediterranean karstic aquifer. In spite of a complex polyphased tectonic history, the fracturing presents, from aerial views and at outcrop scale a quite organised geometry. Four fracture directions are found over the massif. N000—010, NOS0-070, N090–100 and N140–170. The statistical and geostatistical approach allows the characteristics (lengths, orientations) and the spatial structure for each fracture set to be determined. The N000–010 and N140–170 sets are grouped in packets whereas the two other sets are grouped in bands. The microtectonic study describes the evolution of the massif in the geodynamic context of this part of Mediterranea, distin guishing three recent stages of brittle tectonic activity in t e massif: a WNW-ESE Middle Miocene compression, then a NNW-SSE to NW-SE compression with a poorly wrenching regime, and finally a probably pre-Quaternary N-S radial distension. This last stage is essential for the karstification of the massif and groundwater circulation. From the combined analysis of fracture network geometry and palaeostresses a multiple porosity model in agreement with hydrological observations made inside the massif can be proposed: in particular, the hectometric N090–100 (and N050–070) fractures which are essential for the network connectivity, and have a major drainage role at aquifer scale, while the N000–010 and N140- 170 ones have a more local drainage role. This extensive tardy regime, which is for the first time described separately from the internal zones of the Cordilleras, must be considered as a significant phenomenon on a regional scale, and henceforth integrated in future geodynamic schemes of this part of Mediterranea. © Elsevier, Paris     

The role of western Mediterranea tectonic evolution in the geometry of a karstic domain in the Betic Cordilleras (Sierra Gorda,Spain): Importance of a tardy extensional regime

Located in the central part of the Betic Cordilleras, the large carbonate Sierra Gorda Massif provides an example of a west-Mediterranean karstic aquifer. In spite of a complex polyphased tectonic history, the fracturing presents, from aerial views and at outcrop scale a quite organised geometry. Four fracture directions are found over the massif: N000-010, N050-070, N090-100 and N140-170. The statistical and geostatistical approach allows the characteristics (lengths, orientations) and the spatial structure for each fracture set to be determined. The NOOO-010 and N140-170 sets are grouped in packets whereas the two other sets are grouped in bands. The microtectonic study describes the evolution of the massif in the geodynamic context of this part of Mediterranea, distinguishing three recent stages of brittle tectonic activity in the massif: a WNW-ESE Middle Miocene compression, then a NNW-SSE to NW-SE compression with a poorly wrenching regime, and finally a probably pre-Quaternary N-S radial distension. This last stage is essential for the karstification of the massif and groundwater circulation. From the combined analysis of fracture network geometry and palaeostresses a multiple porosity model in agreement with hydrological observations made inside the massif can be proposed: in particular, the hectometric N090-100 (and N050-070) fractures which are essential for the network connectivity, and have a major drainage role at aquifer scale, while the N000-010 and N140-170 ones have a more local drainage role. This extensive tardy regime, which is for the first time described separately from the internal zones of the Cordilleras, must be considered as a significant phenomenon on a regional scale, and henceforth integrated in future geodynamic schemes of this part of Mediterranea.     

2010年青海玉树地震(Ms7.1)同震地表破裂及其与山脉隆升的关系

野外调查发现,2010年4月14日青海玉树Ms7.1级地震同震地表破裂带长约65km,破裂带走向为310°,破裂面向NE陡倾,地表破裂带由2部分组成,其中西侧部分长约19km,东侧部分长约30km,两者之间存在约15km的无破裂区。地表破裂以右阶雁行状破裂分布为主要特征,呈现左旋走滑性质,伴随有垂直位移。统计结果显示,同震地表破裂垂直位移 (dv)与水平位移 (dh)的比值在0.13~0.53之间,地貌累积dv与累积dh比值为0.27~0.63。同震dv/dh与地貌dv/dh的相似显示玉树南山的形成和玉树地震具有同样的运动学和动力学性质,玉树南山的形成是地质历史上沿玉树断裂多次类似于玉树地震的地震活动的结果,计算出需要1800~2600次地震才能造成玉树南山的隆升。前人研究本段断层地震复发周期为120~200年,计算出断层开始活动时间不晚于20万~40万年以前。     

2010年青海玉树地震(Ms7.1)同震地表破裂及其与山脉隆升的关系

野外调查发现,2010年4月14日青海玉树Ms7.1级地震同震地表破裂带长约65km,破裂带走向为310°,破裂面向NE陡倾,地表破裂带由2部分组成,其中西侧部分长约19km,东侧部分长约30km,两者之间存在约15km的无破裂区。地表破裂以右阶雁行状破裂分布为主要特征,呈现左旋走滑性质,伴随有垂直位移。统计结果显示,同震地表破裂垂直位移 (dv)与水平位移 (dh)的比值在0.13~0.53之间,地貌累积dv与累积dh比值为0.27~0.63。同震dv/dh与地貌dv/dh的相似显示玉树南山的形成和玉树地震具有同样的运动学和动力学性质,玉树南山的形成是地质历史上沿玉树断裂多次类似于玉树地震的地震活动的结果,计算出需要1800~2600次地震才能造成玉树南山的隆升。前人研究本段断层地震复发周期为120~200年,计算出断层开始活动时间不晚于20万~40万年以前。     

Resedimented carbonate and volcanic rocks in the Berriasian-Hauterivian of the Subbetic (Alamedilla, Betic Cordillera, southern Spain)

Sedimentary rocks of the Lower Cretaceous in the Subbetic of the Alamedilla area (province of Granada) were studied. In this area, a significant amount of redeposited sediments within the Carretero Formation were recorded. Resedimented material is mainly composed of Jurassic oolitic limestones and volcanic rocks, as well as of Neocomian hemipelagic sedimentary rocks (marly limestones and marls). All these redeposited sediments corresponding to rock fall and debris flow originated as the result of significant slopes in a very sharp submarine topography. Volcanism and the resultant volcanic edifices created this sharp slopes making up in some cases guyots. The volcanism was mainly active in the Middle Jurassic, although it persisted locally until Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous, and controlled the sedimentation in this area of the Subbetic basin during most of the Mesozoic. The proposed genetic model is in agreement with a base-of-slope apron model with two significant special features: (1) the provenance of the clasts mainly from Jurassic outcrops with oolites deposited in guyots and isolated marine platforms, and volcanic submarine rocks, and (2) the palaeobathymetry of the deposits, relatively shallow and sporadically affected by storm waves.     

Evolution of the West Andean Escarpment at 18°S (N. Chile) during the last 25 Ma: uplift, erosion and collapse through time

The geological record of the Western Andean Escarpment (WARP) reveals episodes of uplift, erosion, volcanism and sedimentation. The lithological sequence at 18°S comprises a thick pile of Azapa Conglomerates (25–19 Ma), an overlying series of widespread rhyodacitic Oxaya Ignimbrites (up to 900 m thick, ca. 19 Ma), which are in turn covered by a series of mafic andesite shield volcanoes. Between 19 and 12 Ma, the surface of the Oxaya Ignimbrites evolved into a large monocline on the western slope of the Andes. A giant antithetically rotated block (Oxaya Block, 80 km×20 km) formed on this slope at about 10–12 Ma and resulted in an easterly dip and a reversed drainage on the block's surface. Morphology, topography and stratigraphic observations argue for a gravitational cause of this rotation. A “secondary” gravitational collapse (50 km³), extending 25 km to the west occurred on the steep western front of the Oxaya Block. Alluvial and fluvial sediments (11–2.7 Ma) accumulated in a half graben to the east of the tilted block and were later thrust over by the rocks of the escarpment wall, indicating further shortening between 8 and 6 Ma. Flatlying Upper Miocene sediments (<5.5 Ma) and the 2.7 Ma Lauca–Peréz Ignimbrite have not been significantly shortened since 6 Ma, suggesting that recent uplift is at least partly caused by regional tilting of the Western Andean slope.     

Internal structure of a collapsed terrain: The Lújar syncline and its significance for the fold- and sheet-structure of the Alborán Domain (Betic Cordilleras, Spain)

Detailed structural analysis of the Sierra de Lújar in the western Alpujarras region (Betic Cordilleras, S Spain), a very representative area of the terrain known as the Alborán Domain, has revealed the existence of a very large N-vergent recumbent syncline which involves the whole mountain massif and neighbouring areas. The Lújar syncline and, probably, the associated recumbent anticline which crops out southeast of Sierra de Lújar show a great variation in the orientation of the hinge line. Although having a curved shape, the hinge line is contained in a plane whose attitude coincides with the main attitude of the axial-plane crenulation foliation (Sc), suggesting that it is a sheath fold.The strongly deformed overturned limb of the syncline is cut by two low-angle normal faults displacing towards the north. Similarity in the kinematics between the faults and the fold, and the association between the faults and the high-strain zone in the overturned limb of the fold, suggest that they are related. Regional constraints on the age of the crenulation cleavage and the low-angle normal faults indicate that they formed during the early Miocene late-orogenic extensional event in the Alborán Domain.We propose an alternate explanation for the structure of the Alpujarras region in which the Lújar syncline forms part of a recumbent syncline–anticline pair that extends along much of the Alpujarride outcrop in the southern Betic Cordillera. In several places, the fold is disrupted by low-angle normal faults, and it is overlain by an upper Alpujárride extensional sheet mainly composed of medium- to high-grade metamorphic rocks. We suggest that all these structures arose from the extensional deformation under decreasing temperature conditions of a previously thickened and metamorphosed orogenic crust.