Relationships between tectonic and geomorphological linear features in the Guadix-Baza basin,southern Spain

Linear elements of the landscape of the Guadix-Baza basin, southern Spain, were identified from a Landsat TM image. Three important lineament trends have been identified in the Guadix-Baza basin. The first is NE–SW, which is the dominant trend in the basin; the second is NW–SE, and the third is ENE–WSW. These three trends are correlated to the major faults of the Guadix-Baza basin. The study of linear features by the analysis of satellite data has revealed a strong link between the buried tectonic structures and the morphological features appearing at the surface. The distribution and density of lineaments explains much of the morphology of the land surface. It is possible to reconstruct elements of the tectonic and denudational history of the region and show that during Quaternary times lineaments controlled the sedimentation of the basin and the drainage pattern. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Plio-Quaternary paleostresses in the Atlantic passive margin of the Moroccan Meseta: Influence of the Central Rif escape tectonics related to Eurasian-African plate convergence

The Atlantic Moroccan Meseta margin is affected by far field recent tectonic stresses. The basement belongs to the variscan orogen and was deformed by hercynian folding and metamorphism followed by a post-Permian erosional stage, producing the flat paleorelief of the region. Tabular Mesozoic and Mio-Plio-Quaternary deposits locally cover the Meseta, which has undergone recent uplift, while north of Rabat the subsidence continues in the Gharb basin, constituting the foreland basin of the Rif Cordillera.The Plio-Quaternary sedimentary cover of the Moroccan Meseta, mainly formed by aeolian and marine terraces deposits, is affected by brittle deformations (joints and small-scale faults) that evidence that this region – considered up to date as stable – is affected by the far field stresses. Striated faults are recognized in the oldest Plio-Quaternary deposits and show strike-slip and normal kinematics, while joints affect up to the most recent sediments.Paleostress may be sorted into extensional, only affecting Rabat sector, and three main compressive groups deforming whole the region: (1) ENE–WSW to ESE–WNW compression; (2) NNW–SSE to NE–SW compression and (3) NNE–SSW compression. These stresses can be attributed mainly to the NW–SE oriented Eurasian-African plate convergence in the western Mediterranean and the escape toward the SW of the Rif Cordillera. Local paleostress deviations may be related to basement fault reactivation. These new results reveal the tectonic instability during Plio-Quaternary of the Moroccan Meseta margin in contrast to the standard passive margins, generally considered stable.     

Tectonic setting of the recent damaging seismic series in the Southeastern Betic Cordillera,Spain

In this work we analyze the tectonic setting of the recent damaging seismic series occurred in the Internal Zones of the eastern Betic Cordillera (SE Spain) and surrounding areas, the tectonic region where took place the 11th May 2011 Mw 5.2 Lorca earthquake. We revisit and make a synthesis of the seven largest and damaging seismic series occurred from 1984 to 2011. We analyze their seismotectonic setting, and their geological sources under the light of recent advances in the knowledge on active faults, neotectonics, seismotectonics and stress regime, with special attention focused on the Lorca Earthquake. These seismic series are characterized by two types of focal mechanisms, produced mainly by two sets of active faults, NNW–SSE to NNE–SSW small (no larger than 20–30 km) extensional faults with some strike slip component, and E–W to NE–SW large strike slip faults (more than 50 km long) with some compressional component (oblique slip faults). The normal fault earthquakes related to the smaller faults are dominant in the interior of large crustal tectonic blocks that are bounded by the large E–W to NE–SW strike-slip faults. The strike slip earthquakes are associated to the reactivation of segments or intersegment regions of the large E–W to NE–SW faults bounding those crustal tectonic blocks. Most of the seismic series studied in this work can be interpreted as part of the background seismicity that occurs within the crustal blocks that are strained under a transpressional regime driven by the major strike slip shear corridors bounding the blocks. The seismotectonic analysis and the phenomenology of the studied series indicate that it is usual the occurrence of damaging compound earthquakes of M  \(\sim \)  5.0 associated with triggering processes driven by coseismic stress transfer. These processes mainly occur in the seismic series generated by NNW–SSE to NNE–SSW faults. These mechanical interaction processes may induce a higher frequency of occurrence of this kind of earthquakes than considered in traditional probabilistic seismic hazard assessments and it should be taken into account in future seismic hazard assessments.     

The role of strain partitioning on intermontane basin inception and isolation,External Western Gibraltar Arc

The intermontane Ronda Basin, currently located in the Western Betics External Zones, started as an embayment of the Betic foreland basin during the Tortonian. We have characterized a post-Serravallian, basin-related deformation event that overprinted the former fold-and-thrust belt. Updated structural and kinematic maps allow us to identify NW–SE basinward-dipping normal faults at the southwestern and northeastern boundaries of the basin and NE–SW shortening structures (large-scale folds and reverse faults) affecting both the outcropping basement and partially the basin infill. In order to test the possible tectonic activity of these structures during the last 5 Ma, exhaustive geomorphologic analyses in the Ronda Basin area have been done. This included the qualitative study of relief and drainage network, together with the characterization of quantitative indices (SLk, Smf, V_f and HI). These results obtained from this analysis are coherent with structural data and suggest that the identified post-Serravallian structures were active up to at least 5 Ma. We also conclude that the Ronda Basin was generated by along strike segmentation of the relief in the Western Betics induced by NE–SW (arc-parallel) stretching accompanied with NW–SE shortening. In the NW basin boundary, the strain was partitioned into ENE–WSW dextral strike-slip faults and NE–SW shortening structures, which gave rise to a Messinian transpressive structural high that disconnected the former Ronda Basin from its parental foreland basin.     

Volcanism and mantle–crust evolution: The Etna case

Mount Etna is located in a particular region of convergence of African and Eurasian plates where intense post-collisional tectonics caused considerable uplift. However we present arguments supporting the hypothesis that volcanism and associated seismic activity would result from a local mantle uprise leading to a “horst”, probably linked to a deep-rooted hot spot. It ensued deformation and fracturing of the overlying crust with emission of aphyric tholeiitic basalts directly from their mantle source, and subsequent development of a “deep reservoir” (or complex of intrusions) at the top of a mantle diapir near 30 km depth. This is advocated by the appearance of porphyritic alkaline lavas whose mineral equilibria and differentiation processes are consistent with an 8–10 kbar pressure, and by the development of central volcanoes. The horst itself appears to have begun in the SW sector of the present volcanic area. Its uplift was greater westward, as seen from the trend of the terraces along the Simeto river, and became later obvious toward the SE. These differential movements produced fractures and faults which are to day evident in the southern area of Mt Etna. The growth of the horst then proceeded in a NE direction, following the regional tectonic lines and with a greater intensity along the side facing SE, crossed by the regional NNW–SSE line (Aeolian–Maltese escarpment).The seismicity and ground deformation registered over the last twenty years support the proposed model. Earthquakes are unfrequent in the lower southern and western areas of the volcano, whereas they are numerous and stronger to the north-east, in the summit area above 1600 m a.s.l., and in the eastern sector along the NW–SE faults and fractures. Finally, a digital elevation model recently published reveals the existence of two tectonic domains. The first one is associated with the horst and contains prevalently NE–SW oriented faults, whereas the second is mainly linked to regional tectonics with NNW–SSE and NW–SE faults and fractures.     

Eocene extensional tectonics in the Amakusa region,northern Ryukyu arc

Paleogene surface tectonics in Japan is not well understood because of the paucity of onshore Paleogene stratigraphic records except for those from accretionary complexes. Paralic Paleogene formations remaining in SW Japan are usually so thin that it is difficult to decipher the tectonics from them. However, the Eocene paralic sedimentary package with a thickness of kilometers indicates syn-depositional tectonic subsidence by a few kilometers in the Amakusa archipelago, west of Kyushu Island. Thus, we made a detailed geological map of the Eocene formations in an area of ~50 square kilometers in the northwestern part of the archipelago. We identified NE-SW and NW-SE trending normal faults, most of which were recognized by previous researchers, and also discovered low-angle faults. NW-SE trending ones are known to be of the Miocene. NE-SW trending and low-angle normal faults are the oldest map-scale structures in the Eocene ones. It is not obvious within the above-mentioned area whether those normal faults are accompanied by growth strata. However, the significant southeastward thickening of the Eocene formations across the Amakusa archipelago suggests that they filled a large half graben with the basin margin fault along the eastern side of the archipelago. This basin model is consistent with the N-S to NW-SE transport directions of the low-angle and NE-SW trending normal faults. Since many NE-SW to EW trending Eocene grabens were formed in the offshore regions west of Kyushu Island and in the East China Sea, the Amakusa region was probably a northeastern branch of the rift system. The geologic structures and depositional ages of the Eocene formations indicate that the Eocene extensional tectonics removed the overlying strata to some extent for the high-P/T Takahama Metamorphic Rocks which crops out to the south of our study area.     

Active tectonics around the junction of Southwest Japan and Ryukyu arcs: Control by subducting plate geometry and pre‐Quaternary geologic structure

The origin of active faults in the Inner zone of the western part of Southwest Japan was explained by a decrease of the minimum principal stress and reactivation of ancient geologic structures. Although the E–W maximum principal stress in Southwest Japan due to the collision of the Southwest and Northeast Japan arcs along the Itoigawa–Shizuoka Tectonic Line is assumed to decrease westward, the density of active strike‐slip faults increases in the western margin of the Southwest Japan Arc (western Chugoku and northern Kyushu) where the subducting Philippine Sea Plate dips steeply. The E–W maximum compressional stress is predominant throughout Southwest Japan, while the N–S minimum principal stress that is presumably caused by coupling between Southwest Japan arc and Philippine Sea Plate decreases due to the weak plate coupling as the plate inclination increases under the western margin of Southwest Japan. The increase of the fault density in the western margin of the arc is attributed to a decrease of the minimum principal stress and consequent increase of shear stress. Low slip rates of the active faults in this region support the view that the westward increase of fault density is not a response to increasing maximum stress. These faults of onshore and offshore lie in three distinct domains defined on the basis of fault strike. They are defined domains I, II, and III which are composed of active faults striking ENE–WSW, NW–SE, and NE–SW, respectively. Faulting in domains I, II, and III is related to Miocene rift basins, Eocene normal faults, and Mesozoic strike‐slip faults, respectively. Although these active faults are strike‐slip faults due to E–W maximum stress, it is unclear whether their fault planes are the same as those of pre‐Quaternary dip‐slip faults.     

Fault-generated mountain fronts in the central apennines (Central Italy): Geomorphological features and seismotectonic implications

The morphotectonic framework of the Central Apennines is given by faulted blocks bounded by normal faults, mostly trending NW–SE, NNW–SSE and NE–SW, which cut previous compressive structures. Such a structural setting is consistent with the focal mechanisms of the earthquakes which often occur in this area. In this paper, three lithologically different normal fault-generated mountain fronts are analysed in order to assess the relations between their geomorphic features and active tectonics. They border the Norcia depression (Sibillini Mts, Umbria), the Amatrice–Campotosto plateau (Laga Mts, Lazio) and the Fucino basin (Marsica Mts, Abruzzi). The Norcia depression is bounded by a N20°W trending normal fault to the east and by a parallel antithetic fault to the west. The main fault has a 1000 m throw and gives rise to a wide fault escarpment, characterized by: (1) sharp slope breaks due to low angle gravity faults; (2) important paleolandslides; and (3) several fault scarplets on the piedmont belt affecting Quaternary deposits. The Amatrice–Campotosto plateau is delimited by the western slope of Mt Gorzano which runs along a N20°W trending normal fault having a 1500m throw. Minor parallel faults dislocate Quaternary landforms. Large-scale massmovements also occur here. The Fucino basin was struck by the 1915 Avezzano earthquake (I=XI MCS) which produced extensive surface faulting along two parallel NW trending normal fault escarpments on the eastern border of the basin. There is paleoseismic evidence including buried gravity graben in Late Glacial gravels and tectonic dip-slip striations on Holocene calcitic crusts covering bedrock normal fault planes. These data suggest that active extensional tectonics plays a major role in the slope morphogenesis of the Central Apennines and they indicate the importance of geomorphic analysis in seismic zonation of this area.     

Preliminary Study on Cenozoic Group and Fault Activity in the Sea Area Near the Yangtze River Mouth

By shallow seismic prospecting, the Cenozoic Group in the sea area near the Yangtze Rver Mouth can be divided into five seismic sequences. They correspond to the Quaternary,Pliocene, Upper Miocene, Lower Miocene and Eocene respectively. The Quaternary System covers all the detecting area. The Tertiary System overlaps and thins out from NE to SW. The sedimentary basement mainly consists of volcanic rock (J3) and acidic rock (r35). Paleogene or Late Cretaceous basins are not found there. The faults that have been detected are all normal faults. They can be divided into three groups (NE, NW, near EW) by their trend. The NE and NW-trending faults are predominant, and agree with aeromagnetic anomaly. Their length and displacement are larger than that of the EW-trending faults. The activity of the NEtrending faults is different in different segments. The SW segment is a Quaternary fault, the middle segment is a Neogene fault, The NE is Paleogene. But the segment of the NW-trending fault is not obvious. The average vertical displacement rate is about 0.015mm/a.     

Geomorphic response to late Quaternary tectonics in the axial portion of the Southern Apennines (Italy): A case study from the Calore River valley

The present study focuses on the morphotectonic evolution of the axial portion of the Southern Apennine chain between the lower Calore River valley and the northern Camposauro mountain front (Campania Region). A multidisciplinary approach was used, including geomorphological, field‐geology, stratigraphical, morphotectonic, structural, ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar and tephrostratigraphical data. Results indicate that, from the Lower Pleistocene onwards, this sector of the chain was affected by extensional tectonics responsible for the onset of the sedimentation of Quaternary fluvial, alluvial fan and slope deposits. Fault systems are mainly composed of NW‐SE, NE–SW and W‐E trending strike‐slip and normal faults, associated to NW‐SE and NE–SW oriented extensions. Fault scarps, stratigraphical and structural data and morphotectonic indicators suggest that these faults affected the wide piedmont area of the northern Camposauro mountain front in the Lower Pleistocene–Upper Pleistocene time span. Faults affected both the oldest Quaternary slope deposits (Laiano Synthem, Lower Pleistocene) and the overlying alluvial fan system deposits constrained between the late Middle Pleistocene and the Holocene. The latter are geomorphologically and chrono‐stratigraphically grouped into four generations, I generation: late Middle Pleistocene–early Upper Pleistocene, with tephra layers ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dated to 158±6 and 113±7 ka; II generation: Upper Pleistocene, with tephra layers correlated with the Campanian Ignimbrite (39 ka) and with the slightly older Campi Flegrei activity (⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age 48±7 ka); III generation: late Upper Pleistocene–Lower Holocene, with tephra layers correlated with the Neapolitan Yellow Tuff (~15 ka); IV generation: Holocene in age. The evolution of the first three generations was controlled by Middle Pleistocene extensional tectonics, while Holocene fans do not show evidence of tectonic activity. Nevertheless, considering the moderate to high magnitude historical seismicity of the study area, we cannot rule out that some of the recognized faults may still be active. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Deformation characterization of a regional thrust zone in the northern Rif (Chefchaouen,Morocco)

This paper provides the structural analysis of the Chefchaouen area in the northern Rif. Here the Dorsale Calcaire superposes, by means of an excellently exposed thrust fault, onto the Predorsalian succession in turn tectonically covering the Massylian Unit. Hanging wall carbonates of the Dorsale Calcaire Unit form a WSW-verging regional fold with several parasitic structures, deformed by late reverse faults in places indicating an ENE vergence. A 200 m thick shear zone characterizes the upper part of the Predorsalian succession, located at footwall of the Dorsale Calcaire Unit. Here the dominantly pelitic levels are highly deformed by (i) C′ type shear bands indicating a mean WSW tectonic transport and (ii) conjugate extensional shear planes marking an extension both orthogonal and parallel to the shear direction. The Massylian Unit is characterized by a strain gradient increasing toward the tectonic contact with the overlying Predorsalian succession, where the dominantly pelitic levels are so highly deformed so as appearing as a broken formation. Such as the previous succession, conjugate extensional shear bands and normal faults indicate a horizontal extension parallel to the thrust front synchronous with the mainly WSW-directed overthrusting. The whole thrust sheet pile recorded a further shortening, characterized by a NW–SE direction, expressed by several reverse and thrust faults and related folds. Finally strike-slip and normal faults were the last deformation structures recorded in the analyzed rocks. A possible tectonic evolution for these successions is provided. In the late Burdigalian, the Dorsale Calcaire Unit tectonically covered the Predorsalian succession and together the Massylian Unit. The latter two successions were completely detached from their basement and accreted in the orogenic wedge within a general NE–SW shortening for the analyzed sector of the northern Rif. At lithosphere scale the thrust front migration was driven by roll back and slab tear mechanisms producing a synchronous arching and related counterclockwise rotation of the tectonic prism along the African margin. Radial displacement involved extension parallel to the thrust front well-recorded in the analyzed rocks. The NE–SW shortening, probably acting in the Tortonian–Pliocene interval, was related to the final compression of the Rif Chain resulting in out-of-sequence thrusts affecting the whole orogenic belt.     

THE DIFFERENCE OF DEPOSITION RATE IN THE BOREHOLES AT THE JUNCTION BETWEEN NANKOU-SUNHE FAULT AND HUANGZHUANG-GAOLIYING FAULT AND ITS RESPONSE TO FAULT ACTIVITY IN THE BEIJING AREA

Beijing plain area has been always characterized by the tectonic subsidence movement since the Pliocene. Influenced and affected by the extensional tectonic environment, tensional normal faulting occurred on the buried NE-trending faults in this area, forming the "two uplifts and one sag" tectonic pattern. Since Quaternary, the Neocathaysian stress field caused the NW-directed tensional shear faulting, and two groups of active faults are developed. The NE-trending active faults include three major faults, namely, from west to east, the Huangzhuang-Gaoliying Fault, Shunyi Fault and Xiadian Fault. The NW-trending active faults include the Nankou-Sunke Fault, which strikes in the direction of NW320°~330°, with a total length of about 50km in the Beijing area. The northwestern segment of the fault dips SW, forming a NW-directed collapse zone, which controls the NW-directed Machikou Quaternary depression. The thickness of the Quaternary is more than 600 meters; the southeastern segment of the fault dips NE, with a small vertical throw between the two walls of the fault. Huangzhuang-Gaoliying Fault is a discontinuous buried active fault, a boundary line between the Beijing sag and Xishan tectonic uplift. In the Beijing area, it has a total length of 110km, striking NE, dipping SE, with a dip angle of about 50~80 degrees. It is a normal fault, with the maximum fault throw of more than 1 000m since the Tertiary. The fault was formed in the last phase of Yanshan movement and controls the Cretaceous, Paleogene, Neogene and Quaternary sediments.There are four holes drilled at the junction between Nankou-Sunhe Fault and Huangzhuang-Gaoliying Fault in Beijing area. The geographic coordinates of ZK17 is 40°5'51"N, 116°25'40"E, the hole depth is 416.6 meters. The geographic coordinates of ZK18 is 40°5'16"N, 116°25'32"E, the hole depth is 247.6 meters. The geographic coordinates of ZK19 is 40°5'32"N, 116°26'51"E, the hole depth is 500.9 meters. The geographic coordinates of ZK20 is 40°4'27"N, 116°26'30"E, the hole depth is 308.2 meters. The total number of paleomagnetism samples is 687, and 460 of them are selected for thermal demagnetization. Based on the magnetostratigraphic study and analysis on the characteristics of sedimentary rock assemblage and shallow dating data, Quaternary stratigraphic framework of drilling profiles is established. As the sedimentation rate of strata has a good response to the activity of the basin-controlling fault, we discussed the activity of target fault during the Quaternary by studying variations of deposition rate. The results show that the fault block in the junction between the Nankou-Sunhe Fault and the Huangzhuang-Gaoliying Fault is characteristic of obvious differential subsidence. The average deposition rate difference of fault-controlled stratum reflects the control of the neotectonic movement on the sediment distribution of different tectonic units. The activity of Nankou-Sunhe Fault shows the strong-weak alternating pattern from the early Pleistocene to Holocene. In the early Pleistocene the activity intensity of Huangzhuang-Gaoliying Fault is stronger than Nankou-Sunhe Fault. After the early Pleistocene the activity intensity of Nankou-Sunhe Fault is stronger than Huangzhuang-Gaoliying Fault. The activity of the two faults tends to consistent till the Holocene.     

The field and remote sensing analysis of the Kerguelen Archipelago structure,Indian Ocean

The Kerguelen Archipelago is part of an oceanic plateau with a complex history. Little work has been done on the tectonics of the onshore areas, even though the extensive outcrop renders the islands especially good for structural work. We present the results of three field campaigns and remote sensing analysis carried out in the main Kerguelen Island, around Val Travers valley and Mt Ross volcano (Central Plateau) and in the Rallier du Baty peninsula (SW part of the archipelago). We have mapped faults, fracture sets, and the location and geometry of intrusive bodies. We found that the plateau basalt lavas that make up most of the area are densely fractured, crossed by many veins, dykes and some small faults. This work provides a general framework for the structure of Kerguelen Archipelago that is dominated by 110°-striking faults and veins, dyke swarms and an alignment of recent central volcanoes, which have formed in N-S to NNW-SSE directed extensional stress field. The other structures are fractures, veins and dykes which strike 130–150°, 000° and 030–050°. They are likely related to transform faults of the Indian oceanic crust and to faults of the north Kerguelen Plateau (offshore basement of the archipelago). These buried structures were likely re-activated by a low magnitude stress field.     

An investigation of the active tectonics in central-eastern mainland Greece with imaging and decomposition of topographic and aeromagnetic data

We report the results of a joint analysis of aeromagnetic, topographic and tectonic data in central-eastern mainland Greece. The emphasis of the analysis is placed on the detection of coherent lineations (discontinuities), collocated and correlated with faulting structures detected by geological field observation. To this effect, edge detection and image enhancement were applied to digital aeromagnetic anomaly maps and digital elevation models, comprising bidirectional differentiation, wavelet transformation (imaging) and spatial decomposition/reconstruction in the wavenumber domain. The analysis facilitated the detection of significant topographic lineaments with NNE–SSW, ENE–WSW and ESE–WNW orientations. Respectively, the aeromagnetic data exhibit two families of significant NE–SW, and one family of ESE–WNW lineaments. The major aeromagnetic and topographic lineaments coincide and have comparable width scales of the order of 2–3 km, indicating that they are produced by significant discontinuities in the upper crust. The kinematics of the NE–SW faults varies between oblique-slip and strike-slip. These faults affect Neogene to Late Quaternary deposits and have been responsible for the formation of transverse depressions and horsts. This is also corroborated by focal plane solutions from small earthquakes recorded by local networks. The nature of these structures is not yet clear. However, they have been detected by diverse methodologies, they have considerable extent and are apparently active. These attributes suggest that they may possibly be related to the propagation and diffusion of the North Anatolian and North Aegean fault systems into the Greek mainland.     

南海东北部滨海断裂带的研究现状与展望

南海东北部滨海断裂带由于其在南海中所处的特殊地理位置及在华南沿海和南海北部陆架两个构造区域中的重要作用，一直倍受中外地球工作者关注。本文总结了滨海断裂带地球物理方面的最新研究成果及目前所存在的问题，阐明了滨海断裂带两测地壳结构特征明显不同，并特别指出，加强滨海断裂带深部结构研究，同时综合周边已知的地球物理资料，解决滨海断裂带的构造属性问题、中地壳低速层问题及探讨滨海断裂带与地震活动性的关系是今后的研究重点与突破方向。     

Integrated Onshore‐Offshore Investigation of a Mediterranean Layered Coastal Aquifer

Most of the Mediterranean coastal porous aquifers are intensively exploited. Because of climatic and anthropogenic effects, understanding the physical and geological controls on groundwater distribution and flow dynamics in such aquifers is crucial. This study presents the results of a structural investigation of a system located along the coastline of the Gulf of Lions (NW Mediterranean). A key aspect of this study relies on an onshore‐offshore integrated approach combining outcrops, seismic profiles, and borehole data analysis. This multidisciplinary approach provides constraints on pore‐fluid salinity distribution and stratigraphic organization, which are crucial in assessing the modes of groundwater/seawater exchanges. Onshore, Lower Pliocene deposits dip gently seaward. They are unconformably overlain by Holocene clays in the lagoons. Offshore the Pliocene deposits either outcrop at the seabed or are buried below nonconsolidated sands infilling paleo‐valleys. Beneath the lido, the groundwater salinity distribution consists of salty pore water, overlying fresher pore water. Active circulation of groundwater masses is inferred from the geophysical results. In particular, offshore outcrops and paleo‐valleys may play an important role in salt water intrusion.     

Structural characteristics of the Tan-Lu fault zone in Cenozoic basins offshore the Bohai Sea

The Tan-Lu fault zone across the eastern margin of the Cenozoic basins offshore the Bohai Sea is a NNE-trending right-lateral strike-slip fault system developed in the Cenozoic basin cover. It cuts through NE-to NNE-striking major extensional faults that controlled the formation of Paleogene basins. Recent petroleum exploration indicates that Cenozoic structural activities of the Tan-Lu fault system have directly or indirectly affected oil and gas distribution offshore the Bohai Sea. As part of a deep fault zone the Tan-Lu fault zone has been activated since the Oligocene,and obviously affected the tectonic evolution of offshore Bohai basins since then. The formation of Paleogene rift basins offshore the Bohai Sea has utilized the pre-existing structural elements of the Tan-Lu fault zone that developed in the late Mesozoic.     

Active faulting offshore SE Spain (Alboran Sea): Implications for earthquake hazard assessment in the Southern Iberian Margin

The southern margin of the Iberian Peninsula hosts the convergent boundary between the European and African Plates. The area is characterised by low to moderate magnitude shallow earthquakes, although large historical events have also occurred. In order to determine the possible sources of these events, we recently acquired swath-bathymetry, TOBI sidescan sonar and high-resolution seismic data on the Almería Margin (Eastern Alboran Sea). The new dataset reveals the offshore continuation of the NE–SW trending Carboneras Fault, a master fault in the Eastern Betic Shear Zone, and its associated structures (N150 and NS faults). These structures are active since they cut the Late Quaternary sedimentary units. The submarine Carboneras Fault zone is 100 km long, 5–10 km wide, and is divided into two N045 and N060 segments separated by an underlapping restraining stepover. Geomorphic features typically found in subaerial strike-slip faults, such as deflected drainage, water gaps, shutter ridges, pressure ridges and “en echelon” folds suggest a strike-slip motion combined with a vertical component along the submarine Carboneras Fault. Considering the NNW–SSE regional shortening axis, a left-lateral movement is deduced for the Carboneras Fault, whereas right-lateral and normal components are suggested for the associated N150 and NS faults, respectively. The offshore portion of this fault is at least twice as long as its onshore portion and together they constitute one of the longest structures in the southeastern Iberian Margin. Despite the fact that present day seismicity in the Almería margin seems to be associated with the N150 to NS faults, the Carboneras Fault is a potential source of large magnitude (M_w ∼7.2) events. Hence, the Carboneras Fault zone could pose a significant earthquake and tsunami hazard to the coasts of Spain and North Africa, and should therefore be considered in any hazard re-evaluation.     

OFFSHORE USE OF THE SELF-POTENTIAL METHOD*

An offshore self-potential array, towed behind a small boat, has recorded anomalies of up to ?300 mV. These anomalies were related to conductive onshore deposits, and appear to be caused by offshore extensions of the deposits. Along with locating onshore deposits and their offshore extensions, the system may be useful for locating offshore deposits with no onshore extension. The background noise level of the system typically is a few tenths of a millivolt, allowing reliable recording of one millivolt gradient anomalies under average sea conditions.     

The Lemnos 8 January 2013 (M w = 5.7) earthquake: fault slip,aftershock properties and static stress transfer modeling in the north Aegean Sea

We investigate mainshock slip distribution and aftershock activity of the 8 January 2013 M _w?=?5.7 Lemnos earthquake, north Aegean Sea. We analyse the seismic waveforms to better understand the spatio-temporal characteristics of earthquake rupture within the seismogenic layer of the crust. Peak slip values range from 50 to 64 cm and mean slip values range from 10 to 12 cm. The slip patches of the event extend over an area of dimensions 16?×?16 km². We also relocate aftershock catalog locations to image seismic fault dimensions and test earthquake transfer models. The relocated events allowed us to identify the active faults in this area of the north Aegean Sea by locating two, NE–SW linear patterns of aftershocks. The aftershock distribution of the mainshock event clearly reveals a NE–SW striking fault about 40 km offshore Lemnos Island that extends from 2 km up to a depth of 14 km. After the mainshock most of the seismic activity migrated to the east and to the north of the hypocenter due to (a) rupture directivity towards the NE and (b) Coulomb stress transfer. A stress inversion analysis based on 14 focal mechanisms of aftershocks showed that the maximum horizontal stress is compressional at N84°E. The static stress transfer analysis for all post-1943 major events in the North Aegean shows no evidence for triggering of the 2013 event. We suggest that the 2013 event occurred due to tectonic loading of the North Aegean crust.