Geochemistry of orthogneisses and metasedimentary rocks across a proposed terrane boundary in the Central Domain of Borborema Province,NE Brazil: Geodynamic implications

The Borborema Province, northeastern Brazil, occupies a central position in pre-drift reconstructions of western Gondwana, making an understanding of its geological evolution crucial for Neoproterozoic reconstructions. In recent years, it has been proposed that the Borborema Province grew by accretion of distinct tectonic terranes. In order to test this hypothesis, we compare here the geochemistry of orthogneisses and metasedimentary rocks across a proposed terrane boundary in the Central Domain of the province. Orthogneiss samples show smooth trends in Harker diagrams and similar rare earth element (REE) patterns, characterized by sharp decreases from La to Sm (chondrite-normalized La/Sm = 3–6) and flat heavy REE profiles (chondrite-normalized Tb/Yb = 1.5–2.5), with small or no Eu anomalies. In primitive mantle-normalized multi-element diagrams, all samples show parallel patterns characterized by sharp negative anomalies of U, Ta, Nb, P and Ti. The metasedimentary samples show little scatter of the major elements in Harker diagrams, suggesting that their chemistry was little affected by post-depositional diagenesis and metamorphism. They have indistinguishable chondrite-normalized REE patterns, characterized by light REE enrichment, flat heavy REE (normalized Tb/Y = 1–2) and small or no negative Eu anomalies, and similar ratios of immobile trace elements (e.g., Th/Sc, Zr/Sc). The geochemistry of the metasedimentary samples is comparable in many ways to those of the orthogneisses, suggesting that these may have been an important source of the precursor sedimentary rocks. These data do not support the terrane accretion hypothesis, rather suggesting the existence of a continuous basement that became available for erosion during intraplate continental extension in the late Neoproterozoic. Comparisons of the studied sequences with those present in the Northern Domain suggest that most, if not all of the Neoproterozoic geodynamic evolution of Borborema Province, occurred in an intracontinental setting.     

The Tesistan,Mexico earthquake (Mw 4.9) of 11 May 2016: seismic-tectonic environment and resonance vulnerability on buildings

To highlight the importance of small earthquakes in seismic hazard, a study of the 11 May 2016, M_w 4.9, Tesistan, Mexico earthquake is presented. Due to the close proximity of the event to the city, accelerations were considerably higher than those caused by historical severe earthquakes(6.0 M_w 8.2). This paper addresses two objectives related to the Tesistan event: the first is to estimate the focal mechanism solution in order to place the event in the context of the tectonic environment of this area. The second is focused on a vulnerability evaluation of buildings that suffered resonance. Several building′s typologies with variations in construction system and height are assessed in terms of resonance with the structural and soil periods. The results show that around the Zapopan station, strong damage is expected in intermediate to high-rise buildings(12-30 m) with moment resistant frame systems and in reinforced concrete shear walls. Masonry structures around this station may not present resonance. In contrast, in the surroundings of the Guadalajara station, all intermediate height buildings from 9 to 21 m may present resonance.