Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
The Parentis and Arzacq-Mauleon basins located in front of the V-shaped oceanic propagator in the Bay of Biscay present evidence for extreme crustal thinning. In this paper we investigate the 3D structure of these rift basins, based on field observations and the interpretation of seismic data. We compare these results with those obtained from two different and independent inversion methods: first a 3D gravity inversion and second the standard Euler deconvolution.;For the Mauleon Basin our results show that the positive gravimetric anomaly identified above its southern margin is the consequence of two shallower high density bodies that are separated by the Pamplona fault and a deeper high density body. The high density bodies can be explained by the presence of mid-crustal and mantle rocks that were exhumed or uplifted at shallower depth during Early Cretaceous rifting before they were reworked and integrated to the Pyrenean chain during compression phase. Also, during this reactivation phase, some slices of the exhumed mid-crustal and mantle rocks were sheared off and were integrated in the present-day thrust belt in the Mauleon basin. For the Parentis Basin we can demonstrate, based on seismic data and gravimetric inversion methods, a decrease in extension from west to east, which is compatible with the V-shape geometry of the overall basin. Along strike, a change in the fault geometry from downward concave top-basement detachment faults to upward concave high-angle faults can be observed eastwards, i.e. towards the termination of the basin. A key structure, controlling the evolution of the Parentis Basin, is the east-west trending Ibis fault. We interpret this fault to have initially formed as a strike slip fault before it was reactivated during later crustal thinning. At present, it forms the limit between an upper plate sag basin to the north and a lower plate sag basin, floored at least locally by a top-basement detachment faults to the south. The strong asymmetry of the basin is supported by the shape of the basin and the results of standard Euler deconvolution.
ISSN: 0040-1951

hal-00523444
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00523444
DOI : 10.1016/j.tecto.2010.04.023

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Oxford University Press (OUP)
Résumé : International audience
Anisotropy of low-field magnetic susceptibility (AMS) of basaltic lava flows can give some clues about post-emplacement tilting occurring in volcanic sequences. Such a study has been carried out on a sequence of 19 successive lava flows from Kerguelen Archipelago. Surprisingly, two different patterns were observed. The first one - herein called normal fabric - is consistent with the lava-flow direction inferred from geological observations, whereas the second one observed for about 70 per cent of the analysed samples - herein called abnormal fabric - appears to be unrelated to the shear history of the lava flows during their emplacements. These abnormal fabrics are not strictly inverse fabric but seem to have a more complex origin. The unusual nature of these abnormal fabrics has been confirmed by lattice preferred orientation of plagioclases obtained from high-resolution electron backscattered diffraction measurements. The aim of this study is to propose a physical interpretation of these fabrics. A first step in our understanding was to clearly identify the nature and the magnetic properties of the Fe-Ti oxides assemblage. Thus, we present a comprehensive rock magnetic analysis relying on low- and high-temperature thermomagnetic curves (K-T), crossover diagrams, first-order reversal curves, ore-microscopy, Mössbauer measurements and electron backscattered images. We found that in the present case the abnormal fabrics are probably linked to a mixture of prevailing single domain (SD) strongly interacting grains population and a subsidiary multidomain grains population. SD grains are identified as small magnetite crystallized within the interstitial glass in globular aggregates along the silicate framework. Then a question arises: to what extent such SD interacting grains in globular aggregates can affect the magnetic susceptibility and its anisotropy? To answer this question, we developed a physical model in which the total energy density of an SD grain with an uniaxial anisotropy is minimized. In this model, the distribution function of the direction of the magnetic interaction field is comprised between two boundary states. It is either isotropic, which formally corresponds to the thermal demagnetized state, or it is ordered, which formally corresponds to the Alternative Field demagnetized state. We show that in both cases the degree of anisotropy decreases as the interaction field increases. Thus, we conclude that the abnormal fabric encountered in this study can be simply explained by strong magnetostatic interactions that would explain the large scattering of AMS often observed in basaltic lava flows.
ISSN: 0956-540X

hal-00716449
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00716449
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00716449/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00716449/file/gji-S-12-HAL.pdf
DOI : 10.1111/J.1365-246X.2012.05421.X

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
The interplay between fault zone cataclasis and cementation is important since both processes can drastically reduce the permeability of faults in porous sandstones. Yet the prediction of fault cementation in high-porosity sandstone reservoirs remains elusive. Nevertheless, this process has rarely been investigated in shallowly buried faults (<2 km; T°<80 °C) where its sealing capacity could be acquired early in the geological history of a reservoir. In this paper, the macro- and microscopic analysis of a fault zone in the porous Cenomanian quartz arenite sands of Provence (France) shows that silica diagenesis occurs in the most intensely-deformed cataclastic parts of the fault zone. This fault zone shows 19–48% of its total thickness occupied by low-porosity quartz-cemented cataclastic shear bands whose porosities range from 0 – ca. 5%. The analysis of the weathering profile around the fault zone reveals the presence of groundwater silcretes in the form of tabular, tightly silicified concretions cross-cut by the fault. Detailed transmitted light, cold-cathodoluminescence and scanning electron microscopy analyses of the silica cements (from the fault and the silcrete) reveal that all the silica cements originate from groundwater diagenetic processes. This study therefore shows that silica cementation can occur specifically in fault zones and as groundwater silcrete in the shallow context of a groundwater system, generated at the vicinity of an erosional unconformity.
ISSN: 0191-8141

hal-01278286
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01278286
DOI : 10.1016/j.jsg.2015.10.001

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Displacement-length data from dilatant fractures (joints, veins, igneous dikes) and several varieties of deformation bands were analyzed statistically to investigate the applicability of mechanical models proposed for their formation. All 17 datasets are generally consistent with equilibrium or long-term power-law slopes on the displacement-length diagram of either 1.0 or 0.5. Similar to many faults, disaggregation deformation bands are consistent with a power-law scaling relation having a slope of approximately c = 1, implying a linear dependence of maximum displacement and discontinuity length (Dmax = γL). In contrast, dilatant fractures, cataclastic deformation bands, and shear-enhanced compaction bands are consistent with a power-law scaling relation with a slope of approximately c = 0.5, implying a dependence of maximum displacement on the square root of length (Dmax = αL1/2). The scaling relations represent an average, or long-term equilibrium outcome of deformation for conditions such as length-scale, time-scale, temperature, chemistry, and an effectively homogeneous far-field stress field, allowing for variations such as rapid and/or localized behaviors. The displacement-length scaling of these geologic structures follows systematic relationships that provide information on host-rock properties and the physics of fracture and deformation-band propagation.
ISSN: 0191-8141

hal-00818130
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00818130
DOI : 10.1016/j.jsg.2012.12.005

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD European Geosciences Union
Résumé : International audience
We develop and implement a new method to take into account the impact of waves into the 3-D circulation model SYMPHONIE (Marsaleix et al., 2008, 2009a), following the simplified equations of Bennis et al. (2011) which use glm2z-RANS theory (Ardhuin et al., 2008b). These adiabatic equations are completed by additional parameterizations of wave breaking, bottom friction and wave-enhanced vertical mixing, making the forcing valid from the surf zone through to the open ocean. The wave forcing is performed by wave generation and propagation models WAVEWATCH III® (Tolman, 2008, 2009; Ardhuin et al., 2010) and SWAN (Booij et al., 1999). The model is tested and compared with other models for a plane beach test case, previously tested by Haas and Warner (2009) and Uchiyama et al. (2010). A comparison is also made with the laboratory measurements of Haller et al. (2002) of a barred beach with channels. Results fit with previous simulations performed by other models and with available observational data. Finally, a realistic case of energetic waves travelling over a coast of the Gulf of Lion (in the northwest of the Mediterranean Sea) for which currents are available at different depths as well as an accurate bathymetric database of the 0-10 m depth range, is then simulated. A grid nesting approach is used to account for the different forcings acting at different spatial scales. The simulation coupling the effects of waves and currents is successful to reproduce the powerful northward littoral drift in the 0-15 m depth zone. More precisely, two distinct cases are identified: when waves have a normal angle of incidence with the coast, they are responsible for complex circulation cells and rip currents in the surf zone, and when they travel obliquely, they generate a northward littoral drift. These features are more complicated than in the test cases, due to the complex bathymetry and the consideration of wind and non-stationary processes. Wave impacts in the inner shelf are less visible since wind and regional circulation seem to be the predominant forcings. Besides, a discrepancy between model and observations is noted at that scale, possibly linked to an underestimation of the wind stress. Lastly, this three-dimensional method allows a good representation of vertical current profiles and permits to calculate the shear stress associated with wave and current. Future work will focus on the combination with a sediment transport model.
ISSN: 1812-0806

hal-00766548
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00766548
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00766548/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00766548/file/os-8-657-2012.pdf
DOI : 10.5194/osd-8-2417-2011

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : Eight drill cores cutting through the Mn-carbonate bearing black shales from the Bangombé Plateau were studied. Mn-carbonates (up to 80 m thick) are underlain by laminated pyrite rich shales with organic carbon contents of about 4 wt. % and MnO contents of about 6 wt. %. Mn and Fe, S poor shales are intercalated. Mn-carbonate rich shales (20-29 wt. % MnO) have low contents of phyllosilicates, but are rich in organic carbon (about 7 wt. %) with moderate S contents (about 2 wt. %). All shale facies were deposited in a closed basin through suspension settling and precipitations under anoxic conditions. The Mn-carbonates, towards the top, were formed most likely under suboxic conditions. Pyrite and Mn-carbonates are characterized by bacteriomorphous structures. The latter are composed of micrometric carbonates finely intergrown with clays, quartz and organic matter. They formed around and corroded the dolomite and/or organic matter. Mn-carbonates and pyrite both form also several tenths of micrometer large agglomerates and sub-automorphous grains. The agglomerates can be attributed to evolving diagenesis. Carbonate chemistry varies mainly from rhodochrosite to dolomite. The present results point to primary microbial Mn-carbonate formation. No signs for a Mn-oxide precursor were detected. Slumping and shearing structures, distortion and disruption of thin pyrite beds indicate synsedimentary deformations.
13th Biennial SGA Meeting
Nancy, France

hal-01356155
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01356155

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : International audience
In the frame of the Africa-Europe convergence, the Mediterranean tectonic system presents a complex interaction between subduction rollback and upper-plate deformation during the Tertiary. The western Mediterranean is characterized by the exhumation of the largest subcontinental mantle massif worldwide (the Ronda Peridotite) and a narrow arcuate geometryacross the Gibraltar arc within the Betic-Rif belt (the internal part being called the Alboran domain), where the relationship between slab dynamics and surface tectonics is not well understood. New structural and geochronological data are used to argue for 1/ hyperstrechting of the continental lithosphere allowing extensional mantle exhumation to shallow depths, followed by 2/ lower miocene thrusting. Two Lower Miocene E-W-trending strike-slip corridors played a major role in the deformation pattern of the Alboran Domain, in which E-W dextral strike-slip faults, N60°-trending thrusts and N140°-trending normal faults developed simultaneously during dextral strike-slip simple shear. The inferred continuous westward translation of the Alboran Domain is accommodated by a major E-W-trending lateral ramp (strike-slip) and a N60°-trending frontal thrust. At lithosphere-scale, we interpret the observed deformation pattern as the upper-plate expression of a lateral slab tear and of its westward propagation since Lower Miocene. The crustal emplacement of the Ronda Peridotites occurred at the onset of this westward motion.The Miocene tectonics of the western Alboran is therefore marked by the inversion of a continental rift, triggered by shortening of the upper continental plate and accommodated by E-W dextral strike-slip corridors. During thrusting and westward displacement of the Alboran domain with respect to Iberia, the hot upper plate, which involved the previously exhumed sub-continental mantle, underwent fast cooling.
AGU Fall Meeting 2015
San Francisco, United States

insu-01242043
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01242043

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : The depth of the oceanic lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary (LAB), as inferred from shear wave velocities, increases with lithospheric age, in agreement with models of cooling oceanic lithosphere. On the other hand, the distribution of radial anisotropy under oceanic plates is almost age-independent. In particular, radial anisotropy shows a maximum positive gradient at a depth of ∼70 km, which, if used as a proxy, indicates an age-independent LAB depth. These contrasting observations have fueled a controversy on the seismological signature of the LAB. To better understand the discrepancy between these observations, we model the development of lattice preferred orientation (LPO) in upper mantle crystal aggregates and predict the seismic anisotropy produced by plate-driven mid-ocean ridge flows. The model accounts for the progressive cooling of the lithosphere with age and can incorporate both diffusion and dislocation creep deformation mechanisms. We find that an age-independent distribution of radial anisotropy is the natural consequence of these simple flows. The depth and strength of anisotropy is further controlled by the deformation regime – dislocation or diffusion creep – experienced by crystals during their ascent towards, and subsequent motion away from, the ridge axis. Comparison to surface wave tomography models yield constraints on rheological parameters such as the activation volume. Although not excluded, additional mechanisms proposed to explain some geophysical signatures of the LAB, such as the presence of partial melt or changes in water content, are not required to explain the radial anisotropy proxy. Our prediction, that the age-independent radial anisotropy proxy marks the transition to flow-induced asthenospheric anisotropy, provides a way to reconcile thermal, mechanical and seismological views of the LAB.
ISSN: 0012-821X

hal-01553243
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01553243
DOI : 10.1016/j.epsl.2016.12.004

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Wiley-Blackwell
Résumé : International audience
The Early Palaeozoic Orogen of SE China consists of three litho-tectonic elements, from top to bottom: a sedimentary Upper Unit, a metamorphic Lower Unit and a gneissic basement. The boundaries between these units are flat lying, south directed, ductile decollements. The lower one is coeval with an amphibolite facies metamorphism (M1). The belt is reworked by migmatite-granite domes, high-temperature metamorphism (M2) and granitic plutons related to post-orogenic crustal melting. We date here the syn-M1 ductile shearing at 453 +/- 7 Ma by U-Th/Pb method on monazite. Previous ages and our new
ISSN: 0954-4879

hal-00420901
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00420901
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00420901/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00420901/file/Faureetal-TerraNova-2009.pdf
DOI : 10.1111/j.1365-3121.2009.00888.x

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : Integrated field, LA-MC-ICP-MS geochronology and geochemical data from the Novo Oriente Group have been investigated in order to determine their provenance and possible tectonic setting. This group in the southwestern portion of the Ceara Central Domain, is a well-preserved metavolcanosedimentary sequence, in part exhalative, composed of two distinct formations. The proximal coastal Bonsucesso Formation comprises mainly quartzite and minor basic metavolcanic rocks and is in gradational contact with the distal Caranbas Formation which constitutes a metapelitic-volcanic-carbonate sequence, including metabasic rocks with pillow structure and sheared serpentinized ultrabasic rocks. The youngest detrital zircon found in the quartzite of the Bonsucesso Formation yielded an age of ca. 2.1 Ga and well-defined peaks around 2.2.2.3-2.4 and 2.5 Ga. In addition, zircons from a related metabasalt yielded an upper intercept age of 2083 +/- 28 Ma. We interpret the zircons found in this metabasalt as inherited from the host quartzite. This fact is supported by depleted-mantle Nd model ages (T-DM age) from correlated metabasic and metaultrabasic rocks from other places in the Novo Oriente sequence, which have yielded ages between 1.36 and 1.69 Ga, that is younger than the zircon age obtained in the metabasalt extruded over the Bonsucesso quartzite. Geochemical data of the metasedimentary rocks from the Caraubas Formation indicates a provenance composed of a mixture of felsic and intermediate sources typical of old stable cratons and older continental roots of active tectonic settings. The rocks of the Crania (Medio Coreau Domain) and Bacaja Complexes (southeastern Amazonian Craton) exposed to the west of the Novo Oriente Group, and largely covered by the Phanerozoic Parnaiba intracratonic basin, are the most likely source rocks. Since the precise age of the Novo Oriente Group is not yet well constrained, two distinct settings may be proposed: (1) it may represent a more evolved basin developed from extensional processes during the Mesoproterozoic (ca. 1.5-1.3 Ga); and (2) it could constitute part of the passive margin systems developed during the break-up of the Rodinia crown copyright supercontinent (ca. 0.95-0.8 Ga), associated with a pre-Brasiliano/Pan-African ocean (e.g. Pharusian Ocean). Crown.
ISSN: 1342-937X

hal-00512825
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00512825
DOI : 10.1016/j.gr.2010.02.001

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
We developed a new granular material (MatIV) to study experimentally landscape evolution in active mountain belt piedmonts. Its composition and related physical properties have been determined using empirical criteria derived from the scaling of deformation, erosion-transport and sedimentation natural processes. MatIV is a water-saturated composite material made up with 4 granular components (silica powder, glass microbeads, plastic powder and graphite) whose physical, mechanical and erosion-related properties were measured with different laboratory tests. Mechanical measurements were made on a modified Hubbert-type direct shear apparatus. Erosion-related properties were determined using an experimental set-up that allows quantifying the erosion/sedimentation budget from tilted relaxation topographies. For MatIV, we also investigated the evolution of mean erosion rates and stream power erosion law exponents in 1D as a function of slope.;Our results indicate that MatIV satisfies most of the defined criteria. It deforms brittlely according to the linear Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion and localizes deformation along discrete faults. Its erosion pattern is characterized by realistic hillslope and channelized processes (slope diffusion, mass wasting, channel incision). During transport, eroded particles are sorted depending on their density and shape, which results in stratified alluvial deposits displaying lateral fades variations. To evaluate the degree of similitude between model and nature, we used a new experimental device that combines accretionary wedge deformation mechanisms and surface runoff erosion processes. Results indicate that MatIV succeeded in producing detailed morphological and sedi-mentological features (drainage basin, channel network, terrace, syntectonic alluvial fan). Geometric, kinematic and dynamic similarity criteria have been investigated to compare precisely model to nature. Although scaling is incomplete, it yields particularly informative orders of magnitude. With all these characteristics, MatIV appears as a very promising material to investigate experimentally a wide range of scientific questions dealing with relief dynamics and interactions between tectonics, erosion and sedimentation processes.
ISSN: 0040-1951

hal-00669904
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00669904
DOI : 10.1016/j.tecto.2011.09.029

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
In pre-drift reconstructions, the central and southern parts of the Borborema Province, northeastern Brazil, belong to a large Brasiliano-Pan-African orogenic realm situated to the north of the São Francisco-Congo Craton. In order to better understand the timing and geodynamic setting under which this orogenic system developed, a structural, geochemical and geochronological study was conducted across the east Pernambuco shear zone (EPSZ) system, which separates the Pernambuco-Alagoas Domain (PEAL) from the Central Domain. A sample of the Pinhões orthogneiss (GE-1), in the Central Domain, one sample of a syenitic orthogneiss (CA-34) wrapped by the EPSZ, and one sample of orthogneiss named Altinho (CA-40), in the northern portion of the PEAL, were dated by LA-ICP-MS. The Pinhões orthogneiss yielded an age of 869 ± 9 Ma, interpreted as the emplacement age of the protolith during a late Tonian magmatic episode. Samples CA-40 and CA-34 yielded 206Pb/238U weighted mean ages of 652 ± 6 Ma and 636 ± 3 Ma, respectively, which are interpreted as dating emplacement and crystallization of the magmatic protoliths. However, it is also possible that these rocks were formed during the same magmatic event in view of the identical ages of 646 ± 13 Ma and 646 ± 11 Ma, respectively, given by the less precise upper intercept of the discordia lines. The metaluminous and magnesian nature of the Altinho orthogneiss is akin to the calc-alkalic suite. However, some samples plot in the intraplate field in tectonic discrimination diagrams and the Nd TDM model age of 1.36 Ga is unlike that of juvenile magmas in convergent settings. The Altinho orthogneiss is quite similar in terms of trace elements geochemistry to the syenitic orthogneiss, which has a clearer intraplate affinity, and the dated samples have identical initial Sr isotope ratios (0.7047). Therefore, emplacement in an extensional setting is preferred over a convergent one. Two samples of paragneisses (SB-1 and BB-9) from the PEAL were also dated. The ages of the youngest zircon grains in sample BB-9 (655–642 Ma) overlap the crystallization age of the Altinho orthogneiss, implying that sedimentation is younger than or, at best, synchronous with magmatism. The age of low Th/U grains in samples CA-34 (615 ± 8 Ma) and SB-1 (587 ± 12 Ma) are related to a subsequent metamorphic overprint, which is loosely constrained between 580 and 620 Ma. These observations, combined with evidence provided by previous studies, suggest that the change from an extensional to a contracional setting occurred at ca. 640–630 Ma. In contrast with most collisional orogens, where a long period of oceanic subduction precedes collision, the inferred tectonic evolution suggests that the Brasiliano Orogeny resulted from inversion of continental and/or proto oceanic rifts.
ISSN: 0895-9811

hal-01174182
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01174182
DOI : 10.1016/j.jsames.2014.06.004

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
This study reports petrostructural observations in the pargasite and phlogopite-bearing Finero peridotite massif (Italian Western Alps), which suggest that the pervasive foliation in this massif was formed by deformation concomitant with percolation of hydrous Si-rich melts: (1) diffuse contacts, but systematic parallelism between the pyroxenitic layers and the foliation of the peridotite (2) strong shape and crystal preferred orientations (SPO and CPO), but subhedral or interstitial shapes and weak intracrystalline deformation of the hydrous phases, (3) CPO, but interstitial shapes of the pyroxenes, (4) very coarse olivine grain sizes, which are correlated to the olivine abundance, and (5) elongated shapes, but weak intracrystalline deformation, and extremely weak and highly variable CPO of olivine. The pervasive deformation of the Finero peridotite occurred therefore under conditions that allowed coexistence of H2O–CO2-bearing melts, pargasite, and spinel, that is, temperatures of 980–1080 °C and pressures <2 GPa. The petrostructural observations suggest that the presence of hydrous melts results in accommodation of large amounts of deformation by stress-controlled dissolution–precipitation and advective transport of matter by the melts and in fast grain boundary migration in olivine. By consequence, it produces significant rheological weakening. Water contents in olivine are <4 ppm wt., implying limited contribution of hydration of olivine to weakening. In addition, the analysis of protomylonites composing the external domains of the shear zones that overprint the pervasive foliation indicates that the transition to melt-free conditions results in enhanced contribution of dislocation creep to the deformation. The associated increase of the peridotites' strength leads to onset of strain localization. The latter is not correlated to the local abundance in pargasite or phlogopite, implying that crystallization of amphiboles or phlogopite, even at concentrations of 25 vol.%, does not produce rheological weakening in the upper mantle.
ISSN: 0012-821X

hal-01667879
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01667879
DOI : 10.1016/j.epsl.2017.08.015

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
The Mediterranean geodynamic system is an exceptional natural laboratory to study the complexities of back-arc extension during subduction rollback. Corsica is a key locality that recorded the Alpine subduction-collision history followed by 30 Ma of the Apennines slab rollback, responsible for the successive opening, from West to East, of the Liguro-Provençal basin and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The overall strain pattern of the Alpine metamorphic units of Alpine Corsica is studied through a synthesis of i) available geological maps, ii) geochronological data and iii) newly acquired structural data relative to successive events of ductile and brittle extension, Three main stages of extension are recorded: 1/ Syn-metamorphic Oligocene extension accommodated by N140° trending ductile shear zones, that correspond to the reactivation of a major Alpine thrust; 2/ Burdigalian ramp-flat extension with N60°-70° trending fault zones that controlled the deposition of onshore piggy-back basins (e.g. St Florent basin), and 3/ Serravalian N-S trending fault zones. From a geodynamical point of view, these successive extensional deformations in Alpine Corsica can be correlated to the history of the Apennines slab rollback. The two first stages are related to a southeastward rollback of the Appennines slab that successively triggered: 1/ Continental rifting in Oligocene leading to the opening of the Liguro-Provençal basin and 2/ Burdigalian extension with N60°-70° trending fault zone, oblique to the Alpine thrust that, after a counterclockwise rotation of the Corso-Sardinian block, became unable to accommodate extension. Finally, the third stage that gave NS-trending fault zones developed in Serravalian, at the onset of Tyrrhenian rifting, related to an eastward rollback of the Apennines slab, as a response of slab tearing in Sicily.
ISSN: 0040-1951

insu-01424859
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01424859
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01424859/document
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01424859/file/gueydan-tectonoph-2017.pdf
DOI : 10.1016/j.tecto.2016.12.028

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD European Geosciences Union
Résumé : This study presents a unique database of 172 plagioclase Crystallographic Preferred Orientations (CPO) of variously deformed gabbroic rocks. The CPO characteristics as a function of the deformation regime (magmatic or crystal-plastic) are outlined and discussed. The studied samples are dominantly from slow- and fast-spread present-day ocean crust, as well as from the Oman ophiolite. Plagioclase is the dominant mineral phase in the studied samples. Plagioclase CPOs are grouped into three main categories: Axial-B, a strong point alignment of (010) with a girdle distribution of [100]; Axial-A, a strong point maximum concentration of [100] with parallel girdle distributions of (010) and (001); and P-type, point maxima of [100], (010), and (001). A majority of CPO patterns are Axial-B and P-type, in samples showing either magmatic or crystal-plastic deformation textures. Axial-A CPOs are less common; they represent 21% of the samples deformed by crystal-plastic flow. Although fabric strength (ODF J index) does not show any consistent variation as a function of the CPO patterns, there is a significant difference in the relationship between the ODF and pole figures J indices; the magmatic type microstructures have high (010) pole figures J indices, which increase linearly with ODF J index, whereas the high [100] pole figures J indices of plastically deformed samples vary in a more scattered manner with ODF J index. The multistage nature of plastic deformation superposed on a magmatic structure compared with magmatic flow, and the large number of possible slip-systems in plagioclase probably account for these differences. Calculated seismic properties (P wave and S wave velocities and anisotropies) of plagioclase aggregates show that anisotropy (up to 12% for P wave and 14% for S wave) tends to increase as a function of ODF J index. In comparison with the olivine 1998 CPO database, the magnitude of P wave anisotropy for a given J index is much less than olivine, whereas it is similar for S wave anisotropy. Despite a large variation of fabric patterns and geodynamic setting, seismic properties of plagioclase-rich rocks have similar magnitudes of anisotropy. There is a small difference in the aggregate elastic symmetry, with magmatic microstructures having higher orthorhombic and hexagonal components, whereas plastic deformation microstructures have a slightly higher monoclinic component, possibly correlated with predominant monoclinic simple shear flow in plastically deformed samples. Overall, plots for CPO strength (ODF J index), pole figure strength, CPO symmetry and seismic anisotropy show significant scattering. This could be related to sampling statistics, although our database is a factor of ten higher than the olivine database of 1998, or it could be related to the low symmetry (triclinic) structure of plagioclase resulting in the addition of degrees of freedom in the processes creating the CPOs.
ISSN: 1869-9510

hal-00963439
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00963439
DOI : 10.5194/se-4-511-2013

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
We conducted triaxial compression experiments to investigate the effects of pressure, temperature and strain rate on the rheology of talc rocks. The tests were carried out at T from 25 to 860 degrees C, P from 0.1 to 300 MPa, and <(epsilon) over dot> from 0.3 to 30 x 10-5 s(-1). In addition to being very weak, there are other important differences between the mechanical behavior of talc and that of most other silicates. Deformation at all temperatures up to dehydration was accommodated by a combination of crystal plasticity, frictional sliding, and cataclasis. A transition from localized to distributed deformation occurred at P = 300 MPa and T = 400 degrees C, but this transition is ill-defined as both distributed and localized deformation were observed at P = 300 MPa and T = 600 degrees C. Unlike most silicates, both the coefficient of internal friction and the coefficient of (sliding) friction are very low and nearly equal to each other. Temperature enhances plastic deformation (kinking), and inter- and intra-granular microcracks are observed parallel to the (001) planes at all conditions. Voids are created by delamination along (001) planes at kink-band boundaries. Full crystal plasticity was not achieved under any of the conditions tested, i.e., the von Mises criterion was never satisfied. However, the strength of the aggregates remained much less than the confining pressure. These unusual properties are likely a manifestation of the pronounced mechanical anisotropy of talc at the grain scale. At T >= 750 degrees C dehydration is observed, but only along shear zones. These results suggest that feedbacks between deformation and reaction kinetics could control fluid flow in fault zones. The presence of talc can promote significant weakening and strain localization in the oceanic lithosphere, the subducting plate and the overlying mantle wedge. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
ISSN: 0012-821X

hal-00492706
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00492706
DOI : 10.1016/j.epsl.2008.02.004

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
We report preliminary results of a seismological experiment, SEISMOTANZ'07, which consisted in the deployment of a local network (35 stations) in the East African Rift System (EARS), North Tanzania, during 6 months in 2007. We compare two earthquake sequences (Gelai and Manyara) occurring respectively in the southern end of the Kenya rift and in the North Tanzanian Divergence (NTD). Only distant of 150 km, their triggering mechanisms are different. None of the sequences depicts typical swarm or mainshock-aftershock patterns. They highlight the change in the magmatic/tectonic nature of the rift where the eastern branch of the EARS enters the Tanzanian craton. The similar shape and long-axis of the elongate sequences emphasize the preferred locus of active strain release along NE-SW discontinuities which probably root at depth into steep Proterozoic shear zones. At Gelai, the deformation is dominated by aseismic process involving slow slip on normal fault and dyke intrusion within the upper crust Calais_et_al_2008. The spatial and temporal earthquake distribution indicates a possible correlation between the Gelai crisis and the eruption of the nearby Oldoinyo Lengai volcano. At Manyara, the sequence is more uncommon, revealing a long-lasting seismic activity deepely rooted (20-35 km depth) possibly related to stress loading transmitted laterally. The yield stress envelope modelled from the depth frequency distribution of earthquakes in the NTD is consistent with the presence of a mafic lower crust and further supports the strength increase of the rifted crust from south Kenya to the NTD.
ISSN: 0899-5362

hal-00420599
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00420599
DOI : 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2009.09.005

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
In pre-drift reconstructions, the central and southern parts of the Borborema Province, northeastern Brazil, belong to a large Brasiliano-Pan-African orogenic realm situated to the north of the São Francisco-Congo Craton. In order to better understand the timing and geodynamic setting under which this orogenic system developed, a structural, geochemical and geochronological study was conducted across the east Pernambuco shear zone (EPSZ) system, which separates the Pernambuco-Alagoas Domain (PEAL) from the Central Domain. A sample of the Pinhões orthogneiss (GE-1), in the Central Domain, one sample of a syenitic orthogneiss (CA-34) wrapped by the EPSZ, and one sample of orthogneiss named Altinho (CA-40), in the northern portion of the PEAL, were dated by LA-ICP-MS. The Pinhões orthogneiss yielded an age of 869 ± 9 Ma, interpreted as the emplacement age of the protolith during a late Tonian magmatic episode. Samples CA-40 and CA-34 yielded 206Pb/238U weighted mean ages of 652 ± 6 Ma and 636 ± 3 Ma, respectively, which are interpreted as dating emplacement and crystallization of the magmatic protoliths. However, it is also possible that these rocks were formed during the same magmatic event in view of the identical ages of 646 ± 13 Ma and 646 ± 11 Ma, respectively, given by the less precise upper intercept of the discordia lines. The metaluminous and magnesian nature of the Altinho orthogneiss is akin to the calc-alkalic suite. However, some samples plot in the intraplate field in tectonic discrimination diagrams and the Nd TDM model age of 1.36 Ga is unlike that of juvenile magmas in convergent settings. The Altinho orthogneiss is quite similar in terms of trace elements geochemistry to the syenitic orthogneiss, which has a clearer intraplate affinity, and the dated samples have identical initial Sr isotope ratios (0.7047). Therefore, emplacement in an extensional setting is preferred over a convergent one. Two samples of paragneisses (SB-1 and BB-9) from the PEAL were also dated. The ages of the youngest zircon grains in sample BB-9 (655–642 Ma) overlap the crystallization age of the Altinho orthogneiss, implying that sedimentation is younger than or, at best, synchronous with magmatism. The age of low Th/U grains in samples CA-34 (615 ± 8 Ma) and SB-1 (587 ± 12 Ma) are related to a subsequent metamorphic overprint, which is loosely constrained between 580 and 620 Ma. These observations, combined with evidence provided by previous studies, suggest that the change from an extensional to a contracional setting occurred at ca. 640–630 Ma. In contrast with most collisional orogens, where a long period of oceanic subduction precedes collision, the inferred tectonic evolution suggests that the Brasiliano Orogeny resulted from inversion of continental and/or proto oceanic rifts.
ISSN: 0895-9811

hal-01174177
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01174177
DOI : 10.1016/j.jsames.2014.09.007

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Unusual high-pressure inner thermal aureoles are described from the Minador and Angico Torto epidote-bearing tonalitic plutons that emplaced into green schist-facies metasedimentary rocks of the Neoproterozoic Cachoeirinha-Salgueiro belt, northeastern Brazil. The foliated pelitic hornfelses display the mineral assemblage garnet, kyanite, staurolite, muscovite, biotite, plagioclase +/- quartz. Rare fibrolite is only found very close to the contacts. Hornfelses display steep mineral lineations and steeply-dipping foliations concordant with magmatic contacts. Leucocratic veinlets containing quartz, oligoclase, garnet, kyanite, staurolite, rutile and ilmenite suggest that limited melting conditions were reached very close to magmatic contacts (T >= 650 degrees C, P around 8 kbar). These high-pressure hornfelses form a few meters thick, rigid envelopes around the two plutons. Contrary to known examples of kyanite-bearing hornfelses that recorded high-temperature decompression, the nearly isobaric cooling down to ca. 450 degrees C is constrained by 3.20-3.30 Si contents of retrogressive phengites from both inner hornfelses and ductilely-deformed tonalite at the pluton margins. Isograds and bathograds are, therefore, apparently telescoped due to HP/LT shearing, possibly caused by subsequent differential vertical movements affecting these two solidified plutons. The unusual depth of emplacement of these syn-kinematic calc-alkaline plutons is explained by a tentative geodynamic model involving a pre-620 Ma-subduction setting.
ISSN: 0895-9811

hal-00424503
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00424503
DOI : 10.1016/j.jsames.2008.09.005

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Tsavorite, the vanadian variety of green grossular, is a high value economic gemstone. It is hosted exclusively in the metasedimentary formations from the Neoproterozoic Metamorphic Mozambique Belt. The deposits are mined in Kenya, Tanzania and Madagascar and other occurrences are located in Pakistan and East Antarctica. They are located within metasomatized graphitic rocks such as graphitic gneiss and calc-silicates, intercalated with meta-evaporites. Tsavorite is found as primary deposits either in nodule (type I) or in quartz vein (type II), and in placers (type III). The primary mineralizations (types I and II) are controlled by lithostratigraphy and/or structure. For the African occurrences, the protoliths of the host-rocks were deposited at the beginning of the Neoproterozoic within a marine coastal sabkha environment, located at the margin of the Congo-Kalahari cratons in the Mozambique Ocean. During the East African-Antarctican Orogeny, the rocks underwent high amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphism and the formation of tsavorite deposits occurred between 650 and 550 Ma. The nodules of tsavorite were formed during prograde metamorphism, calcium coming from sulphates and carbonates, whereas alumina, silicates, vanadium and chromium probably came from clays and chlorite. The veins were formed during the deformation of the metasedimentary platform units which experienced shearing, leading to the formation of fault-filled veins. Metasomatism developed during retrograde metamorphism. The metasedimentary sequences are characterized by the presence of evaporitic minerals such as gypsum and anhydrite, and scapolite. Evaporites are essential as they provide calcium and permit the mobilization of all the chemical elements for tsavorite formation. The H2S-S8 metamorphic fluids characterized in primary fluid inclusions of tsavorites and the δ11B values of coeval dravite confirm the evaporitic origin of the fluids. The V2O3 and Cr2O3 contents of tsavorite range respectively from 0.05 to 7.5 wt.%, while their δ18O values are in the range of 9.5-21.1‰. The genetic model proposed for tsavorite is metamorphic, based on chemical reactions developed between an initial assemblage composed of gypsum and anhydrite, carbonates and organic matter deposited in a sabkha-like sedimentary basin.
ISSN: 0169-1368

hal-00853279
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00853279
DOI : 10.1016/j.oregeorev.2013.01.016