Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Geophysical Union
Résumé : International audience
We present Contact Dynamics discrete element simulations of the earthquake-triggered Jiufengershan avalanche, which mobilized a 60 m thick, 1.5 km long sedimentary layer, dipping similar to 22 degrees SE toward a valley. The dynamic behavior of the avalanche is simulated under different assumptions about rock behavior, water table height, and boundary shear strength. Additionally, seismic shaking is introduced using strong motion records from nearby stations. We assume that seismic shaking generates shearing and frictional heating along the surface of rupture, which, in turn, may induce dynamic weakening and avalanche triggering; a simple "slip-weakening'' criterion was adopted to simulate shear strength drop along the rupture surface. We investigate the mechanical processes occurring during triggering and propagation of an avalanche mobilizing shallowly dipping layers. Incipient deformation forms a pop-up structure at the toe of the dip slope. As the avalanche propagates, the pop-up deforms into an overturned fold, which overrides the surface of separation along a decollement. Simultaneously, uphill layers slide at high velocity (125 km/h) and are folded and disrupted as they reach the toe of the dip slope. The avalanche foot forms a wedge that is pushed forward as deformed rocks accrete at its rear. We simulated five cross sections across the Jiufengershan avalanche, which differ in the geometry of the surface of separation. Topographic and simulated surface profiles are similar. The friction coefficient at the surface of separation determined from back analysis is abnormally low (mu(SS) = 0.2), possibly due to lubrication by liquefied soils. The granular deposits of simulated earthquake- and rain-triggered avalanches are similar.
ISSN: 0148-0227

hal-00420882
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00420882
DOI : 10.1029/2008JF001075

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Résumé : International audience
Microstructures and crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) of anorthosite samples interlayered in the upper and lower gabbro sections in the Oman ophiolite were analyzed in this paper. In the anorthosites registering the dynamics of the melt lenses, foliation is flat lying and starts to develop a few meters below the root zone of the sheeted dike complex (RZSDC). Microstructures and CPO of these rocks were developed in response to four different mechanisms: (1) density-controlled settling of plagioclase on the lens floor, (2) deposition of anorthosites related to convection currents, (3) melt compaction, and (4) uncompacted melt accumulation. In these anorthosites, the poles to (010) of plagioclase are parallel to the flow plane of convection, whereas the [100] axes and poles to (001) express the convection flow direction and the axis of convection rolls, respectively. The effect of subsidence of melt lens floor is recorded immediately below the RZSDC and is characterized by the rapid (but progressive) development of dipping foliation and lineation, reflecting the increase of deformation downsection. The degree of foliation and CPO development in the anorthosites is directly related to the distance of the center of the melt lenses before the subsidence starts. Despite the uncertain origin of the anorthosites from the lower gabbro section, all the samples lost the magmatic microstructural characteristics and presently are reequilibrated aggregates. However, they still preserve plagioclase CPO, where some of these patterns present similarities with the anorthosites from the upper gabbro section, but no evidence of intracrystalline deformation under high temperatures.
ISSN: 0278-7407

hal-00617446
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00617446
DOI : 10.1029/2010TC002697

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Springer Verlag
Résumé : International audience
In this study, we quantify and analyze the spatial and temporal evolution of the surface displacement of Kahrod landslide located in the center of Alborz range (Iran) within the Haraz valley. This landslide represents a threat for this main drainage axis and its numerous infrastructures. We present three sets of displacement vectors based on GPS technique. An 8-benchmark network has been surveyed four times on a 1-year period basis. It provides accurate information on the rate of displacement within the landslide, and addresses the problem of the mechanical resistance of a small hillock, down slope, under the stress imposed by the landslide. Then. this network is densified (57 marks) and measured twice in 6 months using a rapidstatic approach. This yields to a dense description of surface deformation over the whole landslide. Finally, a 1-year time series of permanent GPS recordings is presented and compared to rainfall. Furthermore, we analyze Envisat radar differential interferograms (DInSAR) spanning the same period as permanent GPS. These geodetic data allow to precisely determine the limits of the current sliding zone and to describe the spatial and temporal evolution of surface displacement. The combination of geodesy and field observations leads to a precise description of the past and present kinematics behavior of Kahrod landslide. The chaotic nature of the sliding mass suggests a first catastrophic landslide in a first episode. During the period of observation, the landslide appears to deform quite steadily, and the evidence of short-term correlation between rainfall and deformation amplitude needs to be confirmed by future measurements. Carrying on the acquisition of GPS and InSAR data within the sliding mass but also within adjacent bedrock should give fundamental information with regards to major activation processes (river sapping, water seeping, earthquakes, or failure within the frontal hill of bedrock) and their potential consequences.
ISSN: 1435-9529

hal-00411318
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00411318
DOI : 10.1016/j.enggeo.2008.02.013

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Absolute earthquake hypocenter locations have been determined in the area offshore eastern Taiwan, at the Southernmost Ryukyu subduction zone. Location process is run within a 3D velocity model by combining the Taiwanese and neighboring Japanese networks and using the 3D MAXI technique. The study focuses on the most active seismic cluster in the Taiwan region that occurs in the forearc domain offshore eastern Taiwan. Earthquakes distribute mainly along 2 active planes. The first one aligns along the subduction interface and the second one, shallower affects the overriding margin. Focal mechanisms within the shallow group indicate that nodal planes are either compatible with high-angle back-thrusts or low-angle thrusts. The active seismic deformation exclusively indicates reverse faulting revealing that the forearc basement undergoes trench-perpendicular strong compression. By integrating the seismological image into the regional context, we favor the hypothesis in which the dense seismicity occurring offshore marks the activity of en-échelon high-angle reverse faults accommodating the uplift of a broken piece of Ryukyu Arc basement, called Hoping Basement Rise. The uplift is inferred to be caused by the subduction of an oceanic relief, either exotic block, seamount or oceanic crust sliver. Our favored solution satisfies the narrowness of epicenter's cluster along the Hoping Canyon, and the observation of high-angle active faults on seismic lines crossing the area. Furthermore, this solution is compatible with the active uplift of the Hoping Rise demonstrated from morphological and sedimentological data. We do not exclude the branching of the high-angle reverse faults system onto a splay fault connected with the subduction interface but further investigations are needed to map precisely the 3D distribution of active faults that break the margin.
ISSN: 0040-1951

hal-00407726
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00407726
DOI : 10.1016/j.tecto.2007.11.018

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Geophysical Union
Résumé : International audience
Phyllosilicate content and related permeability of fault zones form primary controls on hydraulic and mechanical behavior of the brittle crust. Hence, understanding and predicting the localization of these ubiquitous minerals is a major issue for fundamental and applied geosciences. We describe normal fault zones cutting a foreland arkosic turbiditic formation suffering high-T diagenesis and formed under conditions (~200°C) typical of deeply buried reservoirs and common within the seismogenic interval. Microstructural analyses show a large proportion of phyllosilicates (up to 34%) in the fault rock, derived from near-complete feldspar alteration and disaggregation during deformation. This study shows that even faults with offsets (~20 cm) much lower than bed thickness can have such large feldspar-to-phyllosilicate transformation ratios, implying that the origin of the phyllosilicates is purely transformation related. These results imply that the potential sealing capacity and strength of faults could be predicted from the host rock feldspar content. Where sealing capacity and fault strength can be related to phyllosilicate content, these properties can then also be inferred from the predicted phyllosilicate content: this opens up new horizons concerning the hydraulic and the mechanical behavior of the upper crust.
ISSN: 0094-8276

hal-00903574
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00903574
DOI : 10.1002/grl.50829

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
The late Carboniferous accretionary system of the South Tianshan orogen (North-Western China) underwent complex structural and polymetamorphic evolution. Combined petrological, geochronological and microstructural analysis of (ultra)high-pressure (UHP) metabasites (eclogites and blueschists) enclosed in metapelites show a relict coarse-grained eclogitic fabric S2 surrounded by a dominant fine-grained eclogite and blueschist facies retrograde fabric S2. The S2 fabric is reworked by upright folds F3 that are responsible for a major shortening of the whole accretionary system. For both the eclogite and blueschist, peak and retrograde P–T conditions have been thermodynamically constrained at 25–26 kbar and 425–500 °C and 10–13 kbar and 500−550 °C respectively, suggesting a shared exhumation history. The garnet-whole rock-amphibole isochron in the blueschist yielded Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd ages of 326.0 ± 2.9 Ma and 318.4 ± 3.9 Ma respectively, interpreted to date the prograde to peak metamorphic assemblage. The retrograde path of the eclogite is characterized by heterogeneous omphacite recrystallization into a mylonitic fine-grained matrix and crystallization of blue amphibole. Microstructures in both pristine porphyroclastic and recrystallized fine-grained domains in the eclogite indicate a gradual evolution from constriction-dominated (L>S-type) to flattening-dominated (S>L-type) type of deformation, increase of fabric intensity reflected by gradually growing M-indexes and the development of lattice preferred orientation (LPO) typical for dislocation creep under slightly hydrated conditions. Recrystallization of the matrix in the blueschist is homogeneous, which indicates a matrix dominated channel flow during exhumation. These LPOs evolutions suggest a significant mechanical coupling with the upper plate concomitant with oroclinal bending of the Kazakh orocline. Lock up of Kazakh orocline is responsible for further stress increase resulting in horizontal shortening of South Tianshan accretionary wedge and development of D3 upright folding and steepening of the whole sequence.
ISSN: 1342-937X

hal-01481263
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01481263
DOI : 10.1016/j.gr.2016.07.007

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Geophysical Union (AGU) American Geophysical Union
Résumé : International audience
The brittle to ductile transition may strongly influence hydraulic properties of rocks at the depth and temperature ranges that hydrothermal fluids circulate. To examine this transition in the context of the oceanic crust, we conducted a series of deformation experiments on a natural basalt sample at in situ oceanic crust conditions. Dilatancy was measured during deformation. The method consisted in monitoring the volume of pore fluid that flows into or out of the sample at constant pore pressure. Mechanical and microstructural observations at experimental constant strain rate of 10−5 s−1 indicated that the basalt was brittle and dilatant up to 800°C. At higher temperature, the deformation mode became macroscopically ductile and samples compacted. These observations have important implications on heat transfer and fluid migration in oceanic crust.
ISSN: 0094-8276

hal-01172352
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01172352
DOI : 10.1002/2015GL063437

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : Monitoring crustal deformation during the interseismic phase when searching for earth transients requires precise instruments able to operate for very long periods. The ANR-LINES project aimed to develop three new instruments: a single-axis seismometer, a hydrostatic long base tiltmeter and a borehole pendulum tiltmeter. These three instruments benefit of an extrinsic Fabry-Pérot interferometer (EFFPI) with long optic fibers for displacement detections. Their mechanical architectures and their disposal of long fibers help these newly manufactured geophysical instruments complete their goals. The first objective of this study is to propose appropriate methods for estimating the phase of the optical path in the Fabry-Pérot cavities. A modulation of the laser diode current, followed by a homodyne demodulation of the interference signal and a Kalman filter, allow determining the phase in real time. The results are convincingwhile taking short periods measurements but require additional solutions for protection against environmental phenomena variations. The EFFPI sensor integrated in the LINES borehole tiltmeter gives it the opportunity to establish a differential measurement of the bob's oscillation thanks to three Fabry-Perot cavities. The LINES seismometer also uses the EFFPI displacement sensor to measure its coil's displacement. A description of the two instruments' mechanical structures and an analysis of the detected phenomena (slow movements, tides, earthquakes, microseisms . . . ) are part of this thesis.
Le suivi de la déformation de la croûte terrestre durant la phase intersismique pour la recherche des transitoires nécessite des instruments précis capables d'opérer pour de très longues durées. Le projet ANR-LINES a visé le développement de trois nouveaux instruments : un sismomètre mono-axial, un inclinomètre hydrostatique à longue base et un inclinomètre de forage pendulaire. Ces trois instruments profitent d'un capteur interférométrique de déplacement à longues fibres optiques du type Fabry-Pérot Extrinsèque (EFFPI). Leurs architectures mécaniques et l'utilisation de longues fibres permettent à ces instruments géophysiques nouvellement fabriqués d'atteindre les objectifs fixés. Le premier objectif de cette étude est de proposer des méthodes adaptées à l'estimation de la phase du chemin optique dans les cavités Fabry-Pérot. Une modulation du courant de la diode laser, suivie par une démodulation homodyne du signal d'interférence et un filtre de Kalman permettent de déterminer la phase en temps réel. Les résultats sont convaincants pour des mesures de courtes durées mais exigent des solutions complémentaires pour se prémunir des effets de la variation des phénomènes environnementaux. Le capteur EFFPI intégré dans l'inclinomètre de forage LINES lui offre l'opportunité d'établir une mesure différentielle de l'oscillation de la masselotte pendulée grâce à trois cavités Fabry-Pérot. Le sismomètre LINES utilise lui aussi le capteur de déplacement EFFPI pour la mesure du déplacement de sa bobine. Une description de l'architecture mécanique de ces instruments et une analyse des phénomènes détectés (mouvements lents, marées, séismes, microséismes . . . ) font partie de cette thèse.
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00779335

tel-00779335
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00779335
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00779335/document
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00779335/file/Manuscript_Chawah.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Fault affecting silicoclastic sediments are commonly enriched in clay minerals. Clays are sensitive to fluid–rock interactions and deformation mechanisms; in this paper, they are used as proxy for fault activity and behavior. The present study focuses on clay mineral assemblages from the Point Vert normal fault zone located in the Annot sandstones, a Priabonian-Rupelian turbidite succession of the Alpine foredeep in SE France. In this area, the Annot sandstones were buried around 6–8 km below the front of Alpine nappes soon after their deposition and exhumed during the middle-late Miocene. The fault affects arkosic sandstone beds alternating with pelitic layers, and displays throw of about thirty meters. The fault core zone comprises intensely foliated sandstones bounding a corridor of gouge about 20 cm thick. The foliated sandstones display clay concentration along S–C structures characterized by dissolution of K-feldspar and their replacement by mica, associated with quartz pressure solution, intense microfracturation and quartz vein precipitation. The gouge is formed by a clayey matrix containing fragments of foliated sandstones and pelites. However, a detailed petrographical investigation suggests complex polyphase deformation processes. Optical and SEM observations show that the clay minerals fraction of all studied rocks (pelites and sandstones from the damage and core zones of the fault) is dominated by white micas and chlorite. These minerals have two different origins: detrital and newly-formed. Detrital micas are identified by their larger shape and their chemical composition with a lower Fe–Mg content than the newly-formed white micas. In the foliated sandstones, newly-formed white micas are concentrated along S–C structures or replace K-feldspar. Both types of newly formed micas display the same chemical composition confirmed microstructural observations suggesting that they formed in the same conditions. They have the following structural formulas: Na0.05 K0.86 (Al 1.77 Fe0.08 Mg0.15) (Si3.22 Al0.78) O10 (OH)2. They are enriched in Fe and Mg compared to the detrital micas. Newly-formed chlorites are associated with micas along the shear planes. According to microprobe analyses, they present the following structural formula: (Al1,48 Fe2,50 Mg1,84) (Si2,82 Al1,18) O10 (OH)8. All these data suggest that these clay minerals are synkinematic and registered the fault activity. In the gouge samples, illite and chlorite are the major clay minerals; smectite is locally present in some samples.In the foliated sandstones, Kubler Index (KI) ((001) XRD peak width at half height) data and thermodynamic calculations from synkinematic chlorite chemistry suggest that the main fault deformation occurred under temperatures around 220 °C (diagenesis to anchizone boundary). KI measured on pelites and sandstones from the hanging and footwall, display similar values coherent with the maximal burial temperature of the Annot sandstones in this area. The gouge samples have a higher KI index, which could be explained by a reactivation of the fault at lower temperatures during the exhumation of the Annot sandstones formation
ISSN: 0191-8141

hal-01172423
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01172423
DOI : 10.1016/j.jsg.2015.03.012

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
The identification of the structures and deformation patterns in magma-poor continental rifted margins is essential to characterize the processes of continental lithosphere necking. Brittle faults, often termed mantle detachments, are believed to play an essential role in the rifting processes that lead to mantle exhumation. However, ductile shear zones in the deep crust and mantle are rarely identified and their mechanical role remains to be established. The western Betics (Southern Spain) provides an exceptional exposure of a strongly thinned continental lithosphere, formed in a supra-subduction setting during Oligocene-Lower Miocene. A full section of the entire crust and the upper part of the mantle is investigated. Variations in crustal thickness are used to quantify crustal stretching that may reach values larger than 2000% where the ductile crust almost disappear, defining a stage of hyper-stretching. Opposite senses of shear top-to-W and top-to-E are observed in two extensional shear zones located close to the crust-mantle boundary and along the brittle-ductile transition in the crust, respectively. At locations where the ductile crust almost disappears, concordant top-to-E-NE senses of shear are observed in both upper crust and serpentinized mantle. Late high-angle normal faults with ages of ca. 21 Ma or older (40Ar/39Ar on white mica) crosscut the previously hyper-stretched domain, involving both crust and mantle in tilted blocks. The western Betics exemplifies, probably better than any previous field example, the changes in deformation processes that accommodate the progressive necking of a continental lithosphere. Three successive steps can be identified: i/a mid-crustal shear zone and a crust-mantle shear zone, acting synchronously but with opposite senses of shear, accommodate ductile crust thinning and ascent of subcontinental mantle; ii/hyper-stretching localizes in the neck, leading to an almost disappearance of the ductile crust and bringing the upper crust in contact with the subcontinental mantle, each of them with their already acquired opposite senses of shear; and iii/high-angle normal faulting, cutting through the Moho, with related block tilting, ends the full exhumation of the mantle in the zone of localized stretching. The presence of a high strength sub-Moho mantle is responsible for the change in sense of shear with depth. Whereas mantle exhumation in the western Betics occurred in a backarc setting, this deformation pattern controlled by a high-strength layer at the top of the lithosphere mantle makes it directly comparable to most passive margins whose formation lead to mantle exhumation. This unique field analogue has therefore a strong potential for the seismic interpretation of the so-called “hyper-extended margins”.
ISSN: 0264-8172

insu-01310895
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01310895
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01310895/document
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01310895/file/Frasca-MarPetGeol-2016.pdf
DOI : 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2016.04.020

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
The initiation and subsequent evolution of intra-plate orogens, resulting from continental plate interior deformation due to transmission of stresses over large distances from the active plate boundaries, is controlled by lateral and vertical strength contrasts in the lithosphere. We present lithospheric-scale analogue models combining 1) lateral strength variations in the continental lithosphere, and 2) different vertical rheological stratifications. The experimental continental lithosphere has a four-layer brittle–ductile rheological stratification. Lateral heterogeneity is implemented in all models by increased crustal strength in a central narrow block. The main investigated parameters are strain rate and strength of the lithospheric mantle, both playing an important role in crust–mantle coupling. The experiments show that the presence of a strong crustal domain is effective in localizing deformation along its boundaries. After deformation is localized, the evolution of the orogenic system is governed by the mechanical properties of the lithosphere such that the final geometry of the intra-plate mountain depends on the interplay between crust–mantle coupling and folding versus fracturing of the lithospheric mantle. Underthrusting is the main deformation mode in case of high convergence velocity and/or thick brittle mantle with a final asymmetric architecture of the deep lithosphere. In contrast, lithospheric folding is dominant in case of low convergence velocity and low strength brittle mantle, leading to the development of a symmetric lithospheric root. The presented analogue modelling results provide novel insights for 1) strain localization and 2) the development of the asymmetric architecture of the Pyrenees.
ISSN: 0012-821X

hal-01243577
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01243577
DOI : 10.1016/j.epsl.2015.05.022

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Large sand intrusions often exhibit conical morphologies analogous to magmatic intrusions such as saucer-shaped or cup-shaped sills. Whereas some physical processes may be similar, we show with scaled experiments that the formation of conical sand intrusions may be favoured by the pore-pressure gradients prevailing in the host rock before sand injection. Our experiments involve injecting air into a permeable and cohesive analogue material to produce hydraulic fractures while controlling the pore pressure field. We control the state of overpressure in the overburden by applying homogeneous basal pore pressure, and then adding a second local pore pressure field by injecting air via a central injector to initiate hydraulic fractures near the injection point. In experiments involving small vertical effective stresses (small overburden, or high pore fluid overpressure), the fracturing pressure (lambda(fract)) is supralithostatic and two dipping fractures are initiated at the injection point forming a conical structure. From theoretical considerations, we predict that high values of lambda(fract), are due to strong cohesion or high pore fluid overpressure distributed in the overburden. Such conditions are favoured by the pore pressure/stress coupling induced by both pore pressure fields. The dips of cones can be accounted for elastic-stress rotation occurring around the source. Contrary to magmatic chamber models, the aqueous fluid overpressure developed in a parent sandbody (and prevailing before the formation of injectites) may diffuse into the surrounding overburden, thus favouring stress rotation and the formation of inclined sheets far from the parent source. For experiments involving higher vertical effective stresses (thick overburden or low pore fluid overpressure), the fracturing pressure is lower than the lithostatic stress, and a single fracture is opened in mode I which then grows vertically. At a critical depth, the fracture separates into two dilatant branches forming a flat cone. We make use of a P.I.V. (Particle Imaging Velocimetiy) technique to analyse plastic deformation, showing that these inclined fractures are opened in mixed modes. Close to the surface, they change into steep shear bands where fluids can infiltrate. The final morphology of the fracture network is very similar to the common tripartite architecture of various injection complexes, indicating that different mechanisms may be involved in the formation of dykes. Feeder dykes under the sill zones may open as tensile fractures, while overlying dykes may be guided by the deformation induced by the growth of sills. These deformation conditions may also favour the formation of fluid escape structures and pockmarks. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
ISSN: 0012-821X

hal-00745640
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00745640
DOI : 10.1016/j.epsl.2011.10.029

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Geological Society of London
Résumé : The Zagros Simply Folded Belt (ZSFB) is an active fold-and-thrust belt resulting from the still continuing continental collision between the Arabian plate and the Iranian plate, which probably started in the Oligocene. The present-day shortening (N25°) is well documented by focal mechanisms of earthquakes and global positioning system (GPS) surveys. We propose in this study a comparison of published palaeostress markers, including magnetic fabric, brittle deformation and calcite twinning data. In addition, we describe the magnetic fabric from Palaeocene carbonates (10 sites) and Mio-Pliocene clastic deposits (15 sites). The magnetic fabrics are intermediate, with magnetic foliation parallel to the bedding, and a magnetic lineation mostly at right angles to the shortening direction. This suggests that the magnetic fabric retains the record of an early layer-parallel shortening (LPS) that occurred prior to folding. The record of LPS allows the identification of originally oblique folds such as the Mand Fold, which have developed in front of the Kazerun Fault. The shape parameter of the magnetic fabric indicates a weak strain compatible with the development of detachment folds in the ZSFB. The palaeostress datasets, covering the Palaeocene to Pleistocene time interval, support several folding episodes accompanied by a counter-clockwise rotation of the stress field direction. The Palaeocene carbonates in the ZSFB record a N47 LPS during early to middle Miocene detachment folding in the High Zagros Belt (HZB). The Mio-Pliocene clastic deposits recorded a N38 LPS prior to and during detachment folding within the ZSFB at the end of the Miocene-Pliocene. Similarly, fault slip and calcite twin data from the ZSFB also support a counter-clockwise rotation from NE to N20 between the pre-folding stage and the late rejuvenation of folds. This counter-clockwise trend of palaeostress data agrees with fault slip data from the HZB. During the late stage of folding in the ZSFB, the Plio-Quaternary palaeostress trends are consistently parallel to the present-day shortening direction.
Tectonic and stratigraphic evolution of Zagros and Makran during the Mesozoic-Cenozoic

hal-00545036
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00545036
DOI : 10.1144/SP330.6

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : The Tyrrhenian Sea is usually interpreted to be a Neogene back-arc basin that opened by continental rifting and oceanic spreading caused by the eastward migration of the Apennine subduction system from Tortonian to Pliocene times. Rifting of the Tyrrhenian Sea started first along the Eastern Sardinian margin during the Tortonian-Messinian times. The " METYSS " project aims at better constraining the relations between crustal tectonics, salt tectonics and sedimentation from Messinian times to present-day. The " METYSS 1 " cruise (2009, R/V "Téthys II"-INSU) allowed us to obtain about 1200 km of high-resolution seismic reflection profiles along the SE Corsican margin, and along the upper and middle parts of the Eastern Sardinian margin, Western Tyrrhenian. This new dataset clearly illustrates that this area has been highly dissected during the rifting stage by N-S trending normal faults delineating ridges and basins, as previously described. The Messinian seismic markers (UU and MU) locally display fan-shaped stratal geometries, but the mechanism responsible for such geometries, i.e., salt tectonics or rifting, has yet to be carefully deciphered. We also mapped the spatial distribution of the mobile salt (MU). The highly variable thickness of the confined salt basins may be related to the initial pre-Messinian basin geometry or to the fact that sediment deposition was syn-rift. Southeastward, salt tectonics appears highly vigorous. More surprisingly, our data demonstrate that some of the major faults have been significantly reactivated during the post-rift period, up to late Quaternary time. Such recent fault activity has been recorded by bathymetric scarps and associated footwall debris flows. Moreover, some of this post-rift deformation can be evidenced within the Plio-Quaternary sequence by a regional unconformity. The post-Miocene deformation style varies greatly between different areas of the margin, and can also be strongly influenced by the presence or absence of mobile Messinian evaporites (MU).
13ème Congrès Français de Sédimentologie
Dijon, France

hal-00657310
https://hal-brgm.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00657310

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Oxford University Press (OUP)
Résumé : International audience
The interpretation of coseismic surface deformation measurements through inversion techniques is of major importance to understand the mechanical behaviour of a seismic fault. Dense geodetic data sets in the vicinity of the ruptured fault provide unique constraints on detailed fault geometry and slip distribution at depth, making them complementary to seismological data. Bam earthquake (Mw 6.6, 2003 December 26) induced surface deformation has been precisely mapped by Envisat ASAR interferometry and by subpixel correlation techniques applied to Spot-5 and ASAR amplitude images. These oblique and horizontal estimations of deformation have been completed with one levelling profile along the main road crossing the rupture from west to east. We process these data (separately and jointly) in a two-step inversion technique, within the elastic half-space theory framework. Our objective is to determine the dislocation model at depth that satisfies simultaneously all the geodetic constraints. Also, we estimate the relative contribution of each geodetic data set to this inversion process.We first use a stochastic direct approach called neighbourhood algorithm in order to estimate the average characteristics of the rupture, and their relative uncertainty. Constraining in this way the geometry of the ruptured fault, we then linearize the inverse problem and compute the slip distribution on the fault using a standard weighted least-square technique, assuming the solution is smooth to some degree. At each step, we discuss the optimal models, their stability as well as the relative influence of each data set on the derived models parameters. Our preferred model reveals a shallow dislocation on a quasi-vertical fault, slightly dipping towards east. The slip vector has a strike-slip component as high as 2 m, while the dip-slip component seems negligible.However, the estimation of the resolution matrices emphasizes the fact that the details of deep fault slip distribution remain out of the scope of this ill-conditioned inverse problem. Yet, our preferred model suggests a main dislocation limited at depth between 1 and 6 km. By contrast, the aftershocks observed in the months following the earthquake are located just beneath the estimated main shock.
ISSN: 0956-540X

hal-00314173
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00314173
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00314173/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00314173/file/GJI-2007-169-849-briole.pdf
DOI : 10.1111/j.1365-246X.2007.03358.x

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Nature Publishing Group
Résumé : International audience
Reactivation of structures inherited from previous collisional or rifting events, especially lithospheric-scale faults, is a major feature of plate tectonics. Its expression ranges from continental break-up along ancient collisional belts(1,2) to linear arrays of intraplate magmatism and seismicity(3,4). Here we use multiscale numerical models to show that this reactivation can result from an anisotropic mechanical behaviour of the lithospheric mantle due to an inherited preferred orientation of olivine crystals. We explicitly consider an evolving anisotropic viscosity controlled by the orientation of olivine crystals in the mantle. We find that strain is localized in domains where shear stresses on the inherited mantle fabric are high, and that this leads to shearing parallel to the inherited fabric. During rifting, structural reactivation induced by anisotropy results in oblique extension, followed by either normal extension or failure. Our results suggest that anisotropic viscosity in the lithospheric mantle controls the location and orientation of intraplate deformation zones that may evolve into new plate boundaries, and causes long-lived lithospheric-scale wrench faults, contributing to the toroidal component of plate motions on Earth.
ISSN: 1752-0894

hal-00413033
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00413033
DOI : 10.1038/ngeo528

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Résumé : International audience
This paper presents a synthetic view of the geodynamic evolution of the Zagros orogen within the frame of the Arabia-Eurasia collision. The Zagros orogen and the Iranian plateau preserve a record of the long-standing convergence history between Eurasia and Arabia across the Neo-Tethys, from subduction/obduction processes to present-day collision (from ~ 150 to 0 Ma). We herein combine the results obtained on several geodynamic issues, namely the location of the oceanic suture zone, the age of oceanic closure and collision, the magmatic and geochemical evolution of the Eurasian upper plate during convergence (as testified by the successive Sanandaj-Sirjan, Kermanshah and Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic arcs), the P-T-t history of the few Zagros blueschists, the convergence characteristics across the Neo-Tethys (kinematic velocities, tomographic constraints, subduction zones and obduction processes), together with a survey of recent results gathered by others. We provide lithospheric-scale reconstructions of the Zagros orogen from ~ 150 to 0 Ma across two SW-NE transects. The evolution of the Zagros orogen is also compared to those of the nearby Turkish and Himalayan orogens. In our geotectonic scenario for the Zagros convergence, we outline three main periods/regimes: (1) the Mid to Late Cretaceous (115-85 Ma) corresponds to a distinctive period of perturbation of subduction processes and interplate mechanical coupling marked by blueschist exhumation and upper-plate fragmentation, (2) the Paleocene-Eocene (60-40 Ma) witnesses slab break-off, major shifts in arc magmatism and distributed extension within the upper plate, and (3) from the Oligocene onwards (~ 30-0 Ma), collision develops with a progressive SW migration of deformation and topographic build-up (Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone: 20-15 Ma, High Zagros: ~12-8 Ma; Simply Folded Belt: 5-0 Ma) and with partial slab tear at depths (~10 Ma to present). Our reconstructions underline the key role played by subduction throughout the whole convergence history. We finally stress that such a long-lasting subduction system with changing boundary conditions also makes the Zagros orogen an ideal natural laboratory for subduction processes.
ISSN: 0016-7568

insu-00616582
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-00616582
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-00616582/document
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-00616582/file/692.full.pdf
DOI : 10.1017/S001675681100046X

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Synkinematic phyllosilicates in fault zones can be used to deduce the deformation mechanisms and the conditions of fault activity, as their chemical composition, crystal structure and texture can record the different stages of deformation and fluid-rock interactions. The Pic de Port Vieux, a second-order thrust related to the major Gavarnie thrust in the southern central part of the Pyrenees Axial Zone, juxtaposes Triassic pelites of the hanging wall and Cretaceous limestones of the footwall. In order to investigate the mineralogical and geochemical changes and constrain the deformation conditions of thrusting, characterization of phyllosilicates was performed along a transect in the fault hanging wall pelites. The Triassic pelites are mainly composed of quartz, calcite, phyllosilicates (chlorite and K-white mica) and ± hematite. The core fault zone thickness is estimated to be about one meter of intensively foliated green pelites, whereas the damage zone is composed of several meters of red pelites. XRD data demonstrated that the difference in color is related to hematite which is only present in the damage zone. Phyllosilicates of the damage zone are mainly inherited/diagenetic K-white mica and chlorite. In the core zone, newly formed chlorite is abundant and preferentially located in veins. It is enriched in Fe compared to the chlorite of the red pelites. The well-defined foliation in the core zone is overlaid by preferentially oriented muscovite grains which have homogeneous compositions, with less Na and relatively more Fe than mica from the red pelites. Newly formed chlorite and muscovite in the core zone are synkinematic to the fault activity. They are both related to deformation processes and fluid rock interactions. Kübler index measurements and chlorite thermometry show that synkinematic phyllosilicates have registered a temperature of 270°C ± 23°C for the damage zone and 285°C ± 28°C for the core zone which are corresponding to lower-anchizone/epizone grade conditions. Numerical modelling with the geochemical modelling program PhreeqC was performed to determine the favorable conditions for the mineralogical change between red and green pelites. It suggests that the main critical parameter favoring hematite dissolution and chlorite precipitation in the core zone, is the redox conditions. According to the model, the chemical changes in the core zone occurred due to interactions with highly reductive fluids. In addition, the hematite dissolution maybe the source of iron for newly formed phyllosilicates in the core zone that are more iron rich compared to those from the red pelites.
ISSN: 0169-1317

hal-01536006
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01536006
DOI : 10.1016/j.clay.2017.05.008

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : International audience
The Aegean domain is a key area for understanding the processes of back-arc extension. Observed deformation pattern and present day kinematics result from the interaction between the southward retreat of the Hellenic trench and the westward escape of Anatolia. Using laboratory experiments designed to study lithosphere-scale deformation, we show that the overall pattern of Aegean extension requires not only the combination of trench retreat and Anatolia escape since 15 Ma but also the presence of an inherited lithosphere-scale mechanical discontinuity: the Vardar Suture Zone (VSZ). The reactivation in dextral shear of the eastern branch of the VSZ accommodates both the trench retreat (NS stretching) and the westward escape of Anatolia (EW shortening) in the Cyclades area since 15 Ma. Additionally, our model shows that the North Anatolian Fault (NAF) is a late structure in the evolution of the Aegean, initiated 10 Ma after the onset of Anatolia escape. The model displays displacement sub-domains, which result from strain partitioning instead of being “rigid microplates”, directly comparable to the present-day displacement field (GPS) of the Aegean and western Anatolia. Our modelling provides a simple way to look at the dynamics of Aegean extension in two main stages. From middle Eocene to middle Miocene, extension was only driven by the southward retreat of the Hellenic trench at a rate lower than 1 cm.y-1. Since middle Miocene, the combination of slab rollback with Anatolia westward escape, resulted in a southwest direction of trench retreat, with an accelerating rate of up to 3 cm.y-1.
AGU Fall Meeting 2015
San Francisco, United States

insu-01242045
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01242045

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Nature Publishing Group
Résumé : International audience
Temperature and fluid pressure conditions control rock deformation and mineralization on geological faults, and hence the distribution of earthquakes1. Typical intraplate continental crust has hydrostatic fluid pressure and a near-surface thermal gradient of 31 ± 15 degrees Celsius per kilometre2, 3. At temperatures above 300–450 degrees Celsius, usually found at depths greater than 10–15 kilometres, the intra-crystalline plasticity of quartz and feldspar relieves stress by aseismic creep and earthquakes are infrequent. Hydrothermal conditions control the stability of mineral phases and hence frictional–mechanical processes associated with earthquake rupture cycles, but there are few temperature and fluid pressure data from active plate-bounding faults. Here we report results from a borehole drilled into the upper part of the Alpine Fault, which is late in its cycle of stress accumulation and expected to rupture in a magnitude 8 earthquake in the coming decades4, 5. The borehole (depth 893 metres) revealed a pore fluid pressure gradient exceeding 9 ± 1 per cent above hydrostatic levels and an average geothermal gradient of 125 ± 55 degrees Celsius per kilometre within the hanging wall of the fault. These extreme hydrothermal conditions result from rapid fault movement, which transports rock and heat from depth, and topographically driven fluid movement that concentrates heat into valleys. Shear heating may occur within the fault but is not required to explain our observations. Our data and models show that highly anomalous fluid pressure and temperature gradients in the upper part of the seismogenic zone can be created by positive feedbacks between processes of fault slip, rock fracturing and alteration, and landscape development at plate-bounding faults.
ISSN: 0028-0836

hal-01685757
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01685757
DOI : 10.1038/nature22355