Complex vein systems as a data source in tectonics: An example from the Ugab Valley,NW Namibia

Neoproterozoic metaturbidites in the Lower Ugab Domain, Namibia, contain a complex network of four sets of quartz-calcite veins, overprinted by km-scale folds associated with four regional foliations. The veins formed by fluid overpressure predating the main deformation. Deformation structures developed at the junction of two mobile belts during the assembly of Gondwana, the NS Kaoko Belt, and the EW trending Damara Belt. Km-scale NS trending folds were initiated during EW constriction in the Kaoko Belt, while their further development and all subsequent events are related to constriction in the EW-Damara Belt, with coeval sinistral strike slip in the Kaoko Belt. Deformation of the veins, and development of four orthogonal foliations are due to gradual changes in the bulk tectonic framework rather than separate orogenic events. The veins are deformed in a complex manner allowing a full 3D reconstruction of regional sequence of events. The local complex tectonics could be reconstructed because of the perfect local exposure and the multitude of veins: it illustrates the potential complexity of tectonic events and structural evolution in apparently simple slate belts.     

Growth history of fault-related folds and interaction with seabed channels in the toe-thrust region of the deep-water Niger delta

The deep-water fold and thrust belt of the southern Niger Delta has prominent thrusts and folds oriented perpendicular to the regional slope that formed as a result of the thin-skinned gravitational collapse of the delta above overpressured shale. The thrust-related folds have grown in the last 12.8 Ma and many of the thrusts are still actively growing and influencing the pathways of modern seabed channels. We use 3D seismic reflection data to constrain and analyse the spatial and temporal variation in shortening of four thrusts and folds having seabed relief in a study area of 2600 km² size in 2200–3800 m water depth. Using these shortening measurements, we have quantified the variation in strain rates through time for both fault-propagation and detachment folds in the area, and we relate this to submarine channel response. The total amount of shortening on the individual structures investigated ranges from 1 to 4 km, giving a time-averaged maximum shortening rate of between 90 ± 10 and 350 ± 50 m/Myr (0.1 and 0.4 mm/yr). Fold shortening varies both spatially and temporally: The maximum interval shortening rate occurred between 9.5 Ma and 3.7 Ma, and has reduced significantly in the last 3.7 Ma. We suggest that the reduction in the Pliocene-Recent fold shortening rate is a response to the slow-down in extension observed in the up-dip extensional domain of the Niger Delta gravitational system in the same time interval. In the area dominated by the fault-propagation folds, the channels are able to cross the structures, but the detachment fold is a more significant barrier and has caused a channel to divert for 25 km parallel to the fold axis. The two sets of structures have positive bathymetric expressions, with an associated present day uphill slope of between 1.5° and 2°. However, the shorter uphill slopes of the fault-propagation folds and increased sediment blanketing allow channels to cross these structures. Channels that develop coevally with structural growth and that cross structures, do so in positions of recent strain minima and at interval strain rates that are generally less than −0.02 Ma⁻¹ (−1 × 10⁻¹⁶ s⁻¹). However, the broad detachment fold has caused channel diversion at an even lower strain rate of c. −0.002 Ma⁻¹ (−7 × 10⁻¹⁷ s⁻¹).     

Compressive palaeostress in the Mesozoic cover of the Tunisian atlas in relation with Africa–Europe moving together

The current structure of the central Tunisian Atlas fossilizes the different tectonic events that have succeeded and that have structured this region. The Lower Cretaceous of this sector reflects, through variations of thickness and facies, the importance of the tectonic activity during this period. The tectonic study detailed in this sector has revealed the existence of structures from the kilometric scale down to the metric one related to a compressive regime that has dominated the studied zone at least from the Upper Hauterivian until the Lower Aptian.     

Open Fissure Folds record coseismic loading and postseismic stress relaxation

Open Fissure Folds hosted by high pressure/low temperature metamorphic rocks of south Evia (Greece) are introduced, their structural and microstructural record is analysed, and a mechanical model is proposed. Open Fissure Folds are preserved as at least two parallel folded quartz–feldspar veins separated by narrow buckled rock columns. The veins originated as tensile cracks that propagated in the middle crust driven by high differential stress. Features diagnostic for Open Fissure Folds indicate that the rock columns represented the layers of high viscosity, and not the veins as consistently reported in many previous studies on folded veins. This record is taken to indicate that buckling of the rock columns initiated after arrest of the fractures and terminated prior to complete vein sealing. Accordingly, mechanical decoupling by open fissures allowed for buckling of the rock columns in response to episodic creep of the host rocks according to stress relaxation, as expected for postseismic deformation in the earthquake cycle. I propose that the parental fractures propagated in response to quasi-instantaneous coseismic loading of the middle crust. Buckling was attributed to transient postseismic creep and stress relaxation. Complete sealing of the veins occurred when stresses were largely relaxed. Each Open Fissure Fold records the stress and strain history of a single earthquake.     

贵州石阡地热田地热资源量计算

贵州省石阡地热田属于典型的山区褶皱断裂复合型热储,本文针对以往该类型热储资源量计算存在的问题,在热矿水采样测试结果和综合研究基础上,建立石阡地热田热储模型;结合地热井钻探和测井资料,考虑褶皱断裂型热储参数存在各向异性的差别,将地热资源量计算区划为以层状热储为主的层状热储区和以断裂带为主的带状热储区,确定计算参数,采用热储法计算地热资源量;计算得出石阡地热田地热资源为2.18×1016kJ/a,折合成标准煤7.46×108t/a,可利用的地热资源量为3.28×1015kJ/a,折合标准煤1.12×108t/a;将计算结果与该地区以往研究成果进行对比分析,结果显示,褶皱断裂型热储地热资源量的计算过程中,深部断裂带带状热储是不可忽略的,本次研究所采用的计算方法得出的结果更能真实的反映该地热田实际的地热资源量。     

Structure of the Ordovician succession around Aberdaron,southwest Llŷn,North Wales

Three deformation phases are recognizable within the Lower Ordovician metasedimentary sequence of the Aberdaron area and they are similar to those described for Lower Palaeozoic sequences in other parts of North Wales. There is no certain evidence however for a major Aberdaron Syncline as described by some previous workers. The first deformation phase produced southcast verging mesoscopic folds with steep to moderate dipping axial surfaces and a sporadic axial plane cleavage. The second deformation was relatively weak and produced only a low-dipping crenulation cleavage at a few favoured localities. The third phase gave rise to numerous small buckle folds, kinks in some pelitic units where the first cleavage was well developed, an axial plane cleavage, and a suite of quartz veins. The orientation of the third phase minor structures is not uniform and the fold trend and strike of axial plane cleavage varies from east-northeast to south-southeast, although retains a constant angular relationship to the local strike of bedding. The distribution of the third cleavage is bimodal and the third deformation phase may have been brought about by conjugate shears during a late brittle fracture stage of NW–SE compression. The structural sequence affecting the Ordovician cannot be correlated with that in the Mona Complex and it seems likely that the Mona Complex was deformed before the Arenig.     

雪峰山西侧贵州地区中生代构造特征及其演化

贵州中生代变形主要发生在燕山期,发育三幕褶皱变形、两幕逆冲和三幕走滑。根据区域对比、卷入褶皱的地层和褶皱间的叠加关系,判断三期褶皱的形成顺序依次为近东西向、北东向和南北向,时限在J_3—K_2之间。逆冲推覆构造主要由向北西或西逆冲的近南北向逆冲断层组成,大体与南北向褶皱同时形成;自雪峰构造带西缘向西,依次划分出根部带、中部带和前锋带。但是,在根部带识别出两幕逆冲推覆,其它两带各识别出一幕。走滑断层也有3个方向:东西向、北东向和近南北向。东西向走滑断层呈现出右行压扭的运动学特征,而大多数北东向走滑断层是左行张扭性质的。依据各个方向断层间的切割和限制关系,推测东西向走滑断层最早形成,其次是南北向逆冲断层,北东向走滑断层最晚活动。这些断裂和褶皱特征,总体表现出贵州多重多种复合联合的构造特征,最后,探讨了本区的构造成因模式。     

新疆库鲁克塔格地区构造应力场解析

通过对库鲁克塔格地区的构造地质演化分析,将该地区震旦系以来较强构造变形的构造应力场分4个时期：早古生代、晚古生代、中生代和新生代。根据节理、褶皱和岩墙等应力感构造的测量分析,得出库鲁克塔格地区及其周缘的4个时期构造应力场的最大主压应力方向分别为北北东向、北西西-北西向、北东向和北北东-近南北向。基于对新近纪以来库鲁克塔格地区构造应力场的二维有限元模拟,进一步对该地区应力场的分布特征、边界几何形态对应力场的影响等问题进行了讨论与分析。     

雪峰山西侧贵州地区中生代构造特征及其演化

贵州中生代变形主要发生在燕山期,发育三幕褶皱变形、两幕逆冲和三幕走滑。根据区域对比、卷入褶皱的地层和褶皱间的叠加关系,判断三期褶皱的形成顺序依次为近东西向、北东向和南北向,时限在J3—K2之间。逆冲推覆构造主要由向北西或西逆冲的近南北向逆冲断层组成,大体与南北向褶皱同时形成; 自雪峰构造带西缘向西,依次划分出根部带、中部带和前锋带。但是,在根部带识别出两幕逆冲推覆,其它两带各识别出一幕。走滑断层也有3个方向：东西向、北东向和近南北向。东西向走滑断层呈现出右行压扭的运动学特征,而大多数北东向走滑断层是左行张扭性质的。依据各个方向断层间的切割和限制关系,推测东西向走滑断层最早形成,其次是南北向逆冲断层,北东向走滑断层最晚活动。这些断裂和褶皱特征,总体表现出贵州多重多种复合联合的构造特征,最后,探讨了本区的构造成因模式。