On the structure of the Ivrea-Verbano Zone (northern Italy) and its implications for present-day lower continental crust geometry

The Ivrea-Verbano Zone in northern Italy represents a section through the lower continental crust which has been tilted and emplaced into its present position during the Alpine orogeny. Recent and on-going structurally-oriented geological mapping in this region is providing new information about the geometry of the complex. The central part of the zone is dominated by a large basic complex (the 'mafic formation') which is intrusive into the surrounding gneisses. The foliation within the envelope of gneisses is deflected around the intrusive complex as if by ballooning, but in the region south-west of Monte Capio both units are folded together into a tight to isoclinal steeply plunging fold with an amplitude of c. 10 km. This fold locally inverts the stratigraphy of the layered basic group of the complex, and is thought to be the result of gravitational collapse following intrusion and inflation of a large magma body into the lower crust.
Several high-temperature shear zones have now been traced within the country rock for distances up to 20 km. The geometry of these, and their relationship to the basic complex suggests that at least some of the extensional collapse of the mafic body is related to uplift caused by intrusion of this body.
Close parallels can be drawn between the observed structure in the Ivrea-Verbano Zone (after removing the effects of late, low-temperature faulting and folding related to emplacement of the rocks into their present position), and those inferred from deep seismic reflection profiling in areas of current extension such as parts of the US Basin and Range province.     

Amino acid racemization in mammalian bones and teeth from La Chaise-de-Vouthon (Charente), France

A controlled test of the amino acid dating method as it is currently being applied to bones and teeth was attempted for the time range 100-250 ka, beyond that of ¹⁴C, at the archeological site of La Chaise-de-Vouthon (Charente, France). In Bourgeois-Delaunay, mammal fossils associated with Paleolithic artifacts were collected from layers dated at 101 ± 12 to 114 ± 7 ka by ²³⁰Th/²³⁰ dating of the over- and underlying stalagmitic floors. Racemization ratios for most amino acids were significantly lower than for comparably aged materials from other European sites. Regardless of the rate constants used, most amino acid dates were incorrect. Large associated errors spanned the late Pleistocene, making the dates useless for discriminating archaeological or geological events. Stratigraphic correlations using any tissue were also problematic. Relative interacid ratios varied with age, indicating that diagenetic alteration had affected racemization. Therefore, amino acid relative and absolute dating cannot be accurately applied to mid-Pleistocene bones or teeth.     

The role of tectonic grain size reduction in the rheological stratification of the lithosphere

With the aid of published constitutive flow laws for common crustal and upper mantle rock types, it is possible to construct curves showing variation of rock strength with depth in the continental lithosphere, assuming a particular crustal stratification of rock types and a particular geothermal gradient. Such exercises lead to the conclusion that marked changes in strength can occur at major petrological interfaces, such as the Moho discontinuity, which are therefore likely to be associated with a tendency for major, sub-horizontal detachments to form. Constitutive flow laws used for such purposes are usually assumed to represent steady-state flow, at constant rock microstructure.We argue that perhaps the most significant tectonic displacements of rock masses occur across major, localized shear zones, characterized by intense grain-size reduction, and illustrate this by reference to deformation in the metabasic and ultrabasic rocks of the lower part of the Ivrea Zone of northern Italy, which is believed to provide a section through what was once part of the deep continental crust. Calculations of the variation of the flow strength with depth of rocks should therefore use flow laws which include provision for strain dependent variations of strength, arising from strain dependent microstructural changes.We use the results of recent studies of grain-size dependent flow of olivine to estimate strain dependent variations in the flow strength of the sub-continental upper mantle, arising from dynamic recrystallization. From this we argue that after an initial period of flow at high stress, parts of the upper mantle can become very weak, if grain size is sufficiently reduced. Under favourable circumstances, flow can be concentrated immediately below the Moho, or in a band below the Moho. Such behaviour is consistent with our observations of the behaviour of dunites in the Ivrea Zone, and with some interpretations of upper mantle seismic reflectors.

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Zusammenfassung Mit Hilfe von veröffentlichten wesentlichen Fließgesetzen für die meisten Krusten- und oberen Mantelgesteinstypen ist es möglich Kurven zu konstruieren, die Variationen in der Gesteinsfestigkeit in Abhängigkeit von der Tiefe innerhalb der kontinentalen Kruste zeigen. Dies unter der Annahme einer bestimmten krustalen Schichtung der Gesteinstypen sowie einem bestimmten geothermischen Gradienten. Derartige Untersuchungen führen zu dem Schluß, daß deutliche Unterschiede in der Gesteinsfestigkeit an markanten petrologischen Grenzflächen auftreten können, wie z. B an der Moho-Diskontinuität. Derartige Grenzflächen haben somit wahrscheinlich die Tendenz subhorizontale Ablösungsflächen auszubilden. Die allgemeinen Fließgesetze, die für diese Berechnungen angewandt wurden, repräsentieren gewöhnlich bei unverändertem Gesteinsmikrogefüge den »steady-state«Zustand. Es ist anzunehmen, daß die bedeutendsten tektonischen Verschiebungen in den Gesteinsmassen entlang großer, definierter Scherzonen stattfinden, die durch intensive Korngrößenreduktion charakterisiert werden. Belegt wird dies anhand der Deformation in den metabasischen und ultrabasischen Gesteinen des tieferen Teiles der Ivrea-Zone in Norditalien, von der angenommen wird, daß sie einen Schnitt durch denjenigen Teil darstellt, der ehemals dem tieferen Abschnitt der kontinentalen Kruste angehörte.Berechnungen der Variation der Fließfähigkeit von Gesteinen in Abhängigkeit von der Tiefe sollten daher Fließgesetze verwenden, die deformationsabhängige Variationen im Festigkeitsverhalten, das sich aus dem deformationsabhängigen Gefügewechsel ergibt, berücksichtigen.Wir benutzen die Ergebnisse neuerer Untersuchungen über korngrößenabhängiges Fließen von Olivin, um die Deformationsabhängigen Variationen im Fließverhalten des subkontinentalen oberen Mantels, das aus der dynamischen Rekristallisation entsteht, abzuschätzen. Hieraus läßt sich schließen, daß nach einer anfänglichen Periode des Fließens bei hohem Streß Teile des oberen Mantels sehr weich werden können, sofern nur die Korngröße genügend reduziert wird. Unter günstigen Bedingungen kann sich das Fließen direkt unter, zumindest aber in einem Bereich unter der Moho konzentrieren. Ein derartiges Verhalten steht in Übereinstimmung mit den Beobachtungen des Verhaltens der Dunite in der Ivrea-Zone sowie mit Interpretationen von seismischen Reflektoren des oberen Mantels.

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Résumé En utilisant les lois de fluage fournies par la littérature à propos des roches courantes de la croûte et du manteau supérieur, il est possible de construire des courbes montrant la variation de la rigidité des roches en fonction de la profondeur dans la lithosphére continentale, ceci pour un gradient géothermique déterminé et pour une superposition déterminée des divers types de roches dans la croûte. De telles recherches conduisent à la conclusion que des changements brusques de rigidité peuvent se produire aux interfaces pétrologiques majeures, telle la discontinuité Moho; ces interfaces apparaissent de la sorte comme des endroits favorables à la production de décollements subhorizontaux importants. Les lois de fluage utilisées sont généralement supposées s'appliquer à la déformation plastique d'une roche à microstructure constante.Les auteurs pensent que les déplacements tectoniques les plus significatifs des masses rocheuses s'opèrent le long de shear zones localisées, caractérisées par une forte réduction de la taille des grains. Cette conception est illustrée par la déformation des roches basiques et ultrabasiques de la partie inférieure de la zone d'Ivrée (Italie du Nord), considérée comme une coupe à travers une partie d'une ancienne croûte continentale profonde. Les calculs de la variation de la ductilité des roches en fonction de la profondeur devraient donc utiliser des lois de fluage qui tiennent compte des variations de rigidité résultant des modifications microstructurales induites par la déformation.Les auteurs ont utilisé les résultats d'études récentes relatives aux relations entre le fluage de l'olivine et sa granularité; ils ont appliqué ces données à l'estimation de la manière dont varie la ductilité en fonction de la déformation dans le manteau supérieur sub-continental, dont les roches résultent de la recristallisation dynamique. Il en concluent qu'après une période initiale de flux sous haute contrainte, certaines parties du manteau supérieur peuvent devenir très déformables si leur grain a été suffisamment réduit. Dans des circonstances favorables, le flux peut se concentrer immédiatement sous Moho, ou se répartir dans une zone située sous Moho. Un tel comportement est en accord avec celui des dunites de la zone d'Ivrée, ainsi qu'avec l'interprétation des réflecteurs sismiques du manteau supérieur.

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Holocene vegetational history of the Kootenai River Valley,Montana

Pollen records in the Kootenai and Fisher River drainages in western Montana reveal a fivezone sequence of Holocene vegetation change. Deposition of Glacier Peak Ash-Layer G (ca. 10,540 ± 660 yr B.P.) in the lowermost sediments (clay intermixed with pebbles) at Tepee Lake gives a minimum date for the initiation of sedimentation. Initial vegetation on the newly deglaciated terrain was dominated by Pinus (probably white bark pine) with small amounts of Gramineae, Picea and Abies, reflecting a relatively cool, moist macroclimate. Two vegetation units appear to contribute to Pollen Zone II (ca. 11,000–7100 yr B.P.): arboreal communities with pines, along with Pseudotsuga or Larix, or both, and treeless vegetation dominated by Artemisia. Pollen Zone II represents an overall warmer macroclimate than occurred upon ice withdrawal. After ca. 7100 yr B.P. (Pollen Zone III) diploxylon pines became a major pollen contributor near both Tepee Lake and McKillop Creek Pond, indicating an expansion of xerophytic forest (P. contorta and P. ponderosa) along with an increase in the prominence of Pseudotsuga menziesii or Larix occidentalis, or both. Artemisia briefly expanded coverage near Tepee Lake concomitant with the Mazama ashfall ca. 6700 yr B.P. A short-term climatic trend with more available water began after ca. 4000 yr B.P. as Abies (probably A. grandis) along with Picea engelmannii became a more regular component of the forest surrounding both sites. Emergence of the modern macroclimate is indicated primarily with the first regular appearance of Tsuga heterophylla in the pollen record by ca. 2700 yr B.P., synchronous with the development of western hemlock forest within the same latitudes in northern Idaho and northeastern Washington.     

The effect of water on stress relaxation of faulted and unfaulted sandstone

A series of stress relaxation experiments have been carried out on faulted and intact Tennessee sandstone to explore the influence of pore water on strength at different strain rates. Temperatures employed were 20, 300 and 400°C, effective confining pressure was 1.5 kb and strain rates as low as 10^–10 sec^–1 were achieved. Most samples were prefaulted at 2.5 kb confining pressure and room temperature. This is thought to have secured a reproducible initial microstructure.The strength of the dry rock was almost totally insensitive to strain rate in the range 10^–4 to 10^–10 sec^–1. In contrast, the strength of the wet rock decreased rapidly with strain rate at rates less than 10^–6 sec^–1. Brittle fracture of the quartz grains which constitute this rock is the most characteristic mode of failure under the test conditions used.The experimental data are discussed in terms of the possible deformation rate controlling processes, and it is suggested that in the wet experiments at intermediate to high strain rates (10^–7 to 10^–4 sec^–1) the observed deformation rate is controlled by the kinetics of water assisted stress corrosion, whilst deformation at low strain rates (ca. 10^–9 sec^–1) is controlled by a pressure solution process.The results have implications for the rheology of fault rocks at depths of perhaps 10 to 15 km in sialic crust.     

Reexamination of postglacial vegetation history in northern Idaho: Hager Pond,Bonner Co.

Hager Pond, a mire in northern Idaho, reveals at least five pollen zones since sediments formed after the last recession of continental ice (>9500 yr BP). Zone I (>9500-8300 yr BP) consists mainly of diploxylon pine, plus low percentages of Abies, Artemisia, and Picea. SEM examination of conifer pollen at selected levels in the zone reveals that Pinus albicaulis, P. monticola, and P. contorta are present in unknown proportions. The zone resembles modern pollen spectra from the Abies lasiocarpa-P. albicaulis association found locally today only at high elevation. Presence of whitebark pine indicates a cooler, moister climate than at present, but one which was rapidly replaced in Zone II (8300-7600 yr BP) by warmer, drier conditions as inferred by prominence of grass with diploxylon pine. Zone III (7600-3000 yr BP) was probably dominated by Pseudotsuga menziesii, plus diploxylon pine and prominent Artemisia and denotes a change in vegetation but continuation of the warmer drier conditions. Beginning at approximately 3000 yr BP Picea engelmannii, Abies lasiocarpa, and/or A. grandis and diploxylon pine were dominants and the inferred climate became cooler and moister concomitant with Neoglaciation. The modern climatic climax (Zone V), with Tsuga heterophylla as dominant, has emerged in approximately the last 1500 yr.     

The influence of interstitial water on the rheological behaviour of calcite rocks

The effects of pore water on the mechanical behaviour of Solnhofen Limestone and Carrara Marble at various temperatures and confining pressures at constant strain-rate have been experimentally investigated. It is shown that water affects the strength and ductility of calcite rocks through

1.

(1) physico-chemical action at grain boundaries, and     

The low temperature brittle-ductile transition in a quartzite and the occurrence of cataclastic flow in nature

The paper describes the mechanical and microstructural characteristics associated with the brittle to cataclastic flow transition in an orthoquarzite (Oughtibridge Ganister), and compares its microstructural development with features of cataclastic deformation of rocks in nature. The brittle to ductile transition in dry ganister occurs at about 600 MPa at room temperature. At lower pressures shear oriented grain boundary cracks form both pre and post peak strength, loosening the microstructure to the point at which axial transgranular cracks develop. Fault zone localization then occurs. At high pressures fault localization is suppressed by friction, and cataclastic flow occurs by the formation of ultracataclasite shear zones around each grain boundary, Rhomb shaped, relatively intact grain cores survive to high (greater than 20%) strains. Hardening mechanisms responsible for the ductility are discussed. It is shown that natural zones of intense cataclasis (fault zones) often develop microstructures comparable with those seen in these experiments, but the less intense cataclastic flow often associated with folding of rocks at high crustal levels in the external zones of orogenic belts is not comparable inasmuch as grain-scale catalaclasis does not normally occur. It is emphasised that finite strain microstructural similarity does not necessarily point to comparable deformation paths and stress history.