Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD AGU and the Geochemical Society
Résumé : International audience
Peridotite xenoliths brought up to the surface by the volcanism of the Kerguelen Islands represent a mantle that has been affected by a high degree of partial melting followed by intense melt percolation above the Kerguelen plume. These xenoliths are therefore particularly suitable to investigate effects of melt-rock interaction on crystallographic fabrics (lattice-preferred orientation (LPO)) of peridotite minerals and on the LPO-induced seismic properties of peridotites above a mantle plume. We have studied a suite of 16 ultramafic samples representative of different degrees of partial melting and magma-rock interaction among which the protogranular harzburgites are the least metasomatised xenoliths and dunites are the ultimate stage of metasomatism. Olivine LPO is characterized by high concentration of [010] axes perpendicular to the foliation and [100] axes close to the lineation or distributed in the foliation plane in harzburgites, whereas the high concentration of [100] axes is parallel to the lineation and [010] axes is perpendicular to the assumed foliation in dunites. Olivine LPO in harzburgites is interpreted as being due to a deformation regime in axial compression or transpression. The fabric strength of olivine decreases progressively from protogranular to poikilitic harzburgites and finally to dunites, for which it remains nevertheless significant (J index 3.8). Seismic properties calculated from LPO of minerals indicate that metasomatism at higher melt/rock ratio lowers the P wave velocities. The most significant difference between harzburgites and dunites corresponds to the distribution of S wave anisotropy. Harzburgites display the maximum of anisotropy within the foliation plane and the minimum of anisotropy perpendicular to the foliation plane, whereas the lowest anisotropy is parallel to the lineation for dunites. These modifications of seismic properties as a result of metasomatic processes may induce seismic heterogeneities in the mantle above the Kerguelen plume. In addition, assuming a lithospheric mantle primarily harzburgitic and structured with a horizontal foliation, the seismic properties calculated for the Kerguelen xenoliths reconcile the rather high anisotropy evidenced by the horizontally propagating surface waves with the apparent isotropy revealed by the absence of splitting of vertically propagating teleseismic SKS waves recorded by the GEOSCOPE Kerguelen station.
ISSN: 1525-2027

hal-00366222
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00366222
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00366222/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00366222/file/bascou_Kerguelen_2007GC001879_hal.pdf
DOI : 10.1029/2007GC001879

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Geophysical Union
Résumé : International audience
The Iberian Massif is the best exposed segment of the European Variscan Belt. It includes relatively well preserved terranes that were accreted by transpression along time and resulted in a number of geotectonic units that formed part of the Late Paleozoic assembly of the Pangaea Supercontinent. In SW Iberia, these units are the Central Iberian Zone (CIZ), Ossa Morena Zone (OMZ), and the South Portuguese Zone (SPZ). A 210 km long NE-SW magnetotelluric profile was carried out through the CIZ, from the OMZ-CIZ boundary toward the north, reaching the Tagus (Cenozoic) basin. Data dimensionality analysis resulted in a suitable 2-D electrical resistivity structure, allowing a 2-D inversion of the data set. Complementary available geophysical data (deep seismic, gravity and aeromagnetic) and a comparison with a detailed geological cross section led us to constrain the interpretation of the 2-D electrical resistivity structure of the CIZ crust. The results show, for the upper crust, the existence of diverse conductive/resistive bodies that correlate well with known geological features (sedimentary basins, faults, granitic plutons, mineralized systems). A mild but steady conductive band is located along the middle and lower crust that is interpreted as a mafic granulite basement. The upper section of this band connects with several elongated shallow conductors, providing further evidence for the existence, in the Central Iberian Zone, of a complex decollement system where the major faults are rooted. Such a crustal architecture is viewed as the northward continuation of the Variscan large-scale structures previously recognized in the southern sectors (OMZ and SPZ).
ISSN: 0148-0227

hal-00671036
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00671036
DOI : 10.1029/2010JB007538

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Geophysical Union
Résumé : International audience
The Yakutat-St. Elias collision in SE Alaska and adjacent Canada represents a prime example of present-day tectonics associated with an indentor corner. Its eastern syntaxis is marked by high exhumation, a sharp structural bend, and strain concentration at the transition from shortening to oblique transpression. Here we present GPS velocity and strain rate fields that cover the syntaxis, including 11 new stations in the core of the St. Elias Mountains. These data are corrected for transient deformation (glacial isostatic adjustment and postseismic and interseismic loading) to produce residual velocities and strain rates representative of long-term tectonics. The main features of these velocity and strain rate fields are a peak in strain rates (strain knot) in the syntaxis at the junction between the main fault systems and a rapid rotation from convergence-parallel to convergence-normal orientations of the velocities and shortening axes around the syntaxis, leading to shortening across the southern Denali Fault. These features are consistent with the strain and tectonic patterns expected near an indentor corner at the transition from shortening to transpression, with a combination of diffuse and localized deformation. The GPS velocities and strain rates show diffuse deformation around the syntaxis, from pure convergence-parallel shortening in the orogenic wedge to oblique extension that accommodates the strain rotation at the front of the syntaxis. This indentor-corner model also results in a near-zero strike-slip rate on the southern Denali Fault and shows no clear evidence for a throughgoing fault hypothesized to link the Fairweather and Totschunda Faults.
ISSN: 0148-0227

hal-01243510
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01243510
DOI : 10.1002/2014JB011842

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
The East Sayan ranges are a key area to understand the interactions between the transpressive deformation linked to the far-field effects of the India-Asia collision and the extension linked to the opening of the Baikal Rift System. The active deformation that affects this range is very recent (around 5 Ma) but occurs in a very complex morphotectonic setting and the understanding of the Tertiary deformation relies entirely on a detailed knowledge of the pre-deformation situation. Using apatite fission track thermochronology, cosmogenic 10Be and morphological study on Tertiary lava flows we demonstrate that prior to the Oligocene the morphology of the East Sayan area was characterized by a wide, constantly rejuvenated erosion surface. Apatite fission track thermal modelling indicates that this surface started to form at least in Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous (140-120 Ma). The long-term exhumation rates (several tens of million years) derived from apatite fission track data (17.5 m/Ma) and the short-term erosion rates (over a few hundred thousand years) derived from cosmogenic 10Be data (12-20 m/Ma) are coherent implying a near constant mean erosion rate since Late Jurassic. This constant, slow erosion prevented the formation of a lateritic-kaolinic weathering crust on the planation surface. By Oligocene-early Miocene times a long wavelength uplift that remains to be explained, induced incision that created shallow valleys later filled by basaltic lava flows. Finally, the present short-wavelength topography initiated during the Pliocene.
ISSN: 0743-9547

insu-00805603
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-00805603
DOI : 10.1016/j.jseaes.2011.09.017

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Springer Verlag
Résumé : International audience
Unravelling the detailed pressure–temperature–time-deformation (P–T–t-D) evolution of magmatic and metamorphic rocks provides essential insights into the timing and duration of partial melting and related plutonism during crustal flow and migmatitic dome formation. The Montagne Noire Axial Zone (MNAZ) is a migmatitic dome located within the Variscan orogen in the southern French Massif Central. The timing of the main thermal event that was responsible for intense partial melting is still highly debated. In this study we present new laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) age data on micaschists, migmatites and granites that clarify the P–T–t-D evolution of the MNAZ. Structurally controlled samples were collected in order to constrain the timing of metamorphism, migmatization and plutonism regarding the main structural pattern D1, D2 and D3. D1 and D2 correspond to nappe stacking and dextral transpression, respectively. D3 is related to vertical shortening and coaxial thinning with a preferential NE–SW- to E–W-directed stretching. LA-ICP-MS analyses on the syntectonic Anglès, Soulié and Martys granites yielded U–Th/Pb monazite ages of 305 ± 1.5, 306 ± 1.9 and 314 ± 2 Ma, respectively. Five migmatitic rocks sampled in the eastern and central Espinouse area yielded in situ ages ranging between 312 ± 2 and 301 ± 2 Ma. Along the dome envelope, two garnet–staurolite-bearing micaschists near Saint-Pons-de-Thomières village gave in situ U–Th–Pb ages of 312.1 ± 2.1 and 309.0 ± 3.1 Ma. A fine-grained gneiss with a D3 fabrics in the eastern dome envelope yield a 208Pb/232Th mean age at 305.7 ± 3.9 Ma. All ages obtained in this study for the micaschists, migmatites and granites range between 315 and 301 Ma. We interpret this time span as the record of the high thermal event responsible for intense crustal partial melting within the lower and middle crust. The onset of partial melting occurred at ca. 315 Ma that marked the beginning of transpressional deformation D2. Based on structural and petrological studies, our new U–Th–Pb results suggest that (1) partial melting may have started at ca. 315 Ma and lasted 15–10 Myr and (2) D2 et D3 developed between 315 and 300 Ma and were synchronous. D1 deformation ended at 315 Ma. The onset and duration of D1 related to nappe stacking and crustal thickening is still uncertain.
ISSN: 1437-3254

hal-01526942
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01526942
DOI : 10.1007/s00531-016-1417-x

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
We have analyzed the microstructures and crystal preferred orientations (CPO), and calculated the seismic properties of 53 mantle xenoliths from four localities within the North Tanzanian Divergence of the East African rift: two within the rift axis and two in the transverse volcanic belt. Olivine OH concentrations were measured in 15 xenoliths.Most samples have harzburgitic to dunitic compositions and high olivine Mg#. Microstructures and olivine CPO patterns vary strongly depending on the location. In-axis peridotites display mylonitic to porphyroclastic microstructures, which record recent deformation by dislocation creep. Highly stretched orthopyroxenes in mylonites indicate that the deformation was initiated under high stress and probably low temperature. Orthopyroxene replacement by olivine in mylonitic and porphyroclastic peridotites suggest syn-kinematic melt–rock reactions and further deformation under near-solidus conditions. Exsolutions in orthopyroxene imply significant cooling between melt-assisted deformation and xenolith extraction. Late metasomatism is evidenced by the occurrence of veins crosscutting the microstructure and interstitial clinopyroxene and phlogopite. Axial-[100] olivine CPOs predominate, suggesting activation of the high temperature, low pressure [100] {0kl} slip systems and, probably, transtensional deformation. In the volcanic belt, Lashaine peridotites display very coarse-granular textures, indicating deformation by dislocation creep under low deviatoric stress conditions followed by annealing. Axial-[010] olivine CPOs are consistent with transpressional deformation or simultaneous activation of the [100](010) and [001](010) slip systems. Intermediate microstructures and CPOs in Olmani suggests heterogeneous deformation within the volcanic belt. Olivine OH concentrations range between 2 and 12 ppm wt. H2O. No systematic variations are observed between in- and off-axis samples. Maximum P wave azimuthal anisotropy (AVp) ranges between 3.3 and 18.4%, and the maximum S wave polarization anisotropy (AVs) between 2.3 and 13.2%. Comparison between seismic properties of in-axis peridotites and SKS splitting data suggests transtensional deformation in the lithospheric mantle beneath the rift.
ISSN: 0040-1951

hal-01121552
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01121552
DOI : 10.1016/j.tecto.2014.11.011

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
We have inferred the deformation mechanisms of antigorite by high-resolution EBSD mapping of samples from Cerro del Almirez ultramafic massif (Betic Cordillera, SE Spain). Textural relations and phase diagram calculations constrain the foliation development conditions to the subduction prograde path at up to 600-630 °C and 1.6-1.9 GPa. Deformation was followed by static annealing of antigorite at ca. 680 °C. The Crystal Preferred Orientation (CPO) of antigorite is characterised by a strong alignment of (001) poles normal to the foliation plane and a weaker, but clear, parallelism between [100] axes and the macroscopic lineation defined by the elongation of magnetite aggregates. Analysis of misorientations across subgrains shows predominance of [010] rotation axis, consistent with activation of the [100](001) slip system. However, tilt subgrain boundaries subparallel to (100), probably formed by edge dislocations of this system, are subsidiary. Most subgrain boundaries are subparallel to (001) planes. They are interpreted as (001) twins wherein continuing viscoplastic deformation resulted in a slight increase of the misorientation between the twins. Modelling of the evolution of the antigorite CPO using a lower bound approach and considering different deformation regimes and sets of basal and non-basal slip systems has shown that intensities of [100] and [010] maxima reflect the relative strength of the antigorite [100](001) and [010](001) systems. Activation of other basal or non-basal slip systems does not change significantly the CPO patterns, but results in less concentrated CPO. 3D transpression models better reproduce the CPO of natural antigorite serpentinites. We propose that the widespread occurrence of strong CPO in high-pressure antigorite serpentinite is consistent with deformation by dislocation creep with dominant glide on [hk0](001), together with the activation of twinning, implying that a power law rheology would better account for the mechanical behaviour of antigorite serpentinite deep in the subduction channel and mantle wedge.
ISSN: 0012-821X

hal-00795511
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00795511
DOI : 10.1016/j.epsl.2012.06.049

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Geophysical Union
Résumé : International audience
In order to constrain the vertical and lateral extent of deformation and the interactions between lithosphere and asthenosphere in a context of a transpressional plate boundary, we performed teleseismic shear wave splitting measurements for 65 permanent and temporary broadband stations in central California. We present evidence for the presence of two anisotropic domains: (1) one with clear E–W trending fast directions and delay times in the range 1.5 to 2.0 s and (2) the other closely associated with the San Andreas Fault system with large azimuthal variations of the splitting parameters that can be modeled by two anisotropic layers. The upper of the two layers provides fast directions close to the strike of the main Californian faults and averaged delay times of 0.7 s; the lower layers show E–W directions and delay times in the range 1.5 to 2.5 s and thus can be compared to what is observed in stations that require a single layer. We propose the E–W trending anisotropic layer to be a 150 to 200 km thick asthenospheric layer explained by the shearing associated with the absolute plate motion of the North American lithosphere. The shallower anisotropic layer ought to be related to the dynamics of the San Andreas Fault system and thus characterized by a vertical foliation with lineation parallel to the strike of the faults localized in the lithosphere. We also propose that the anisotropic layer associated with each fault of the San Andreas Fault system is about 40 km wide at the base of the lithosphere.
ISSN: 0148-0227

hal-01236161
http://hal.univ-reunion.fr/hal-01236161
http://hal.univ-reunion.fr/hal-01236161/document
http://hal.univ-reunion.fr/hal-01236161/file/Bonnin_SKS_California_JGR2010.pdf
DOI : 10.1029/2009JB006438

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Paleostress orientations were calculated from fault populations at 24 sites along the SW-NE segment and five sites along the E-W. Yasin segment of the Karakoram-Kohistan Suture Zone in NW Pakistan They demonstrate the importance of combined thrusting and strike-slip faulting. However, several paleostress tensor directions are distinguished, a dominant NW-SE compression and a minor E-W compression are compatible with the recent evolution of this part of the Hindu Kush. From the lack of both systematic overprinting-relationships and spatial trend (the two tensors were obtained at different locations) we conclude that in each location any of these two shortening directions can dominate Heterogeneously distributed extension is found in some places and is likely due to local conditions These paleostress tensors substantiate a transpressional regime due to far-field Himalayan compression and document the long-term background of the seismogenic deformation in this region.
ISSN: 0743-9547

hal-00496459
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00496459
DOI : 10.1016/j.jseaes.2010.01.004

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Oxford University Press (OUP)
Résumé : International audience
The Ronda peridotite massif in Southern Spain shows a well-defined 'recrystallization' front that separates a large-scale partial melting domain formed at the expense of the continental lithospheric mantle from a 'preserved' lithospheric domain. To investigate the processes allowing a transient lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary to propagate in the lithospheric mantle, we performed a joint petrostructural and geochemical study of an similar to 2.5 km(2) zone extending from the melting front to the mylonites that mark the western limit of the massif. This study emphasizes a feedback between heat transfer, melt percolation, and deformation in the lithospheric mantle. Petrographical observations and geochemical data show that heterogeneous reactive percolation of melts produced in the underlying partial melting domain led to refertilization of lithospheric peridotites up to 1.5 km ahead from the melting front, producing metre-scale layering of fertile and refractory mantle rocks. Within 800 m from the front, pre-existing garnet pyroxenite layers were partially molten and the resulting melts probably contributed to the refertilization process. Detailed structural mapping and analysis of the microstructures and crystal preferred orientations highlight the relations between reactive melt transport and deformation, and the control of the temperature gradient on both processes. Parallelism between the recrystallization front, compositional boundaries, and deformation structures, as well as variations in the deformation intensity of pyroxenes and spinels, suggest syn- to late-tectonic melt transport controlled by both the deformation and the thermal gradient. Variations in the strength of olivine crystal preferred orientations as a function of the modal and chemical composition of the spinel tectonites point to a higher contribution of diffusion to deformation in the most fertile rocks, corroborating the hypothesis that deformation occurred in presence of melt. Finally, the systematic dispersion of olivine [100] and orthopyroxene [001] axes in the foliation plane suggests a dominantly transpressive deformation regime.
ISSN: 0022-3530

hal-00420904
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00420904
DOI : 10.1093/petrology/egp032

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
The eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau is a key region to understand the formation and tectonic evolution of the plateau. Most studies concentrated on the Longmen Shan range that corresponds to the tectonically very active boundary between the Tibetan Plateau and the Sichuan Basin. This work addresses the deformation and exhumation pattern in the poorly understood metamorphic Danba dome situated at the conjunction between the southern Longmen Shan range and the major strike-slip Xian Shui He fault. The Early Mesozoic and Cenozoic evolution of the dome are then compared to the regional evolution of eastern Tibet. The about 830 Ma zircon U–Pb ages obtained on the Gezong and Gongcai gneiss as well as U–Pb ages on inherited zircons in the Early Mesozoic granites confirm the occurrence of Neo-Proterozoic magmatic episodes in the Danba basement at 800–900 Ma and 650–750 Ma. Following the closure of the Palaeotethys Ocean, granitoids were emplaced in the Danba metamorphic basement and Triassic cover from about 230 Ma to about 170 Ma. The western part of the Lian He Kau granitic massif, emplaced (between 210 and 200 Ma) within the Triassic cover sequence of the dome was only slightly affected by the Early Mesozoic deformation. However, in the eastern, deeper level compartment of the massif, ductile deformation occurred between 200 and 190 Ma, contemporaneous with the onset of the Barrovian-type metamorphism dated at 200–180 Ma. That deformation is compatible with the Early Mesozoic deformation observed in the Longmen Shan range and with the development of the large-scale décollement level in the Songpan Garzê area. Apatite fission track data then indicate that, following the Oligocene–Middle Eocene onset of eastward motion of the Songpan Garzê terrane, the Danba dome developed as a crustal-scale antiform during the Late Miocene–Early Pliocene (10–4 Ma). The exhumation was controlled by the Lian He Kau fault (a major transpressive structure parallel to the Xian Shui He fault) and the associated Manai thrust faults. Regionally, while the Oligocene–Middle Miocene exhumation phase seems to have been of regional extent, the Late Miocene to Present day phase is localised along the Longmen Shan range thrusts as well as along the back-thrusts formed by the Lian He Kau, Manai and associated faults.
ISSN: 0743-9547

insu-01117657
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01117657
DOI : 10.1016/j.jseaes.2015.02.009

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
The Baikal Rift System in southern Siberia is one of the main intracontinental extensional features on Earth. The rift system represents the northwestern boundary of the Amuria plate and in that respect can be considered as an evolving plate boundary. The Baikal Rift System has been widely studied both in terms of geology and geophysics and many models have been proposed for its formation and evolution. However, the age of the initiation of deformation and the mechanism driving this deformation are still largely debated. While major extension has occurred since the Late Miocene-Pliocene, the onset of extension seems older than the India-Asia collision, implying that several driving mechanisms may have acted together or in relay through time. In this work, we review the available data and models for deformation in an area encompassing the Baikal Rift System, the Sayan ranges to the west and the Transbaikal to the east. Using a synthesis of this data and our own field and mapping observations, we show that the Baikal Rift System, along with transpressional deformation in the Sayan ranges and transtension in the Transbaikal area, can be explained through major left-lateral strike-slip systems. The deformation is strongly controlled by inherited crustal and lithospheric structures, and is distributed over a wide area within the western Amuria plate that consequently cannot be considered as a rigid block. Such distributed deformation is likely to have a strong effect on the structure of the future continental margin if extension evolves towards the formation of oceanic crust.
ISSN: 1342-937X

hal-00903612
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00903612
DOI : 10.1016/j.gr.2012.07.017

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Seismic anisotropy of the south Iberian upper mantle is investigated using shear-wave splitting of SKS phases. We analyzed teleseismic events recorded by sixteen permanent broadband stations installed on the southern Iberian Peninsula and in northern Africa, and we determined fast polarization directions phi, and delay times delta t between fast and slow components. The area of investigation extends across two important geological structures in the Variscan Iberian Peninsula: the Variscan Iberian Massif in its center, and the Gibraltar arc in the Southeast, that represents the most westerly Alpine belt in the western Mediterranean. Shear-wave splitting measurements from stations in the Betic domain show homogeneous ENE-WSW fast directions nearly parallel to the trend of the mountain belt, and smooth spatial variations. Stations in the North, toward the southern part of the Variscan Iberian Massif show homogeneous fast directions however trending NS to NE-SW, different from those recorded in the Betic. These observations may reflect a post-Hercynian (Variscan) deformation of the Ossa-Morena zone, related to the main stages in the tectonic evolution of this part, namely transpressional stage, transtensional stage and shortening episode, or a deformation related to the posterior Alpine orogeny. Along the Gibraltar arc, we observe a smoothly varying phi trend changing from ENE-WSW in the Eastern Betics to NS in the area of Gibraltar and Ceuta, following more or less the general trend of the mountain belt around the Alboran Sea, and the coastline. Since a similar rotation is also visible in results from Pn anisotropy, this suggests that the anisotropy is vertically coherent starting from just below the Moho. Comparing the anisotropy pattern expected from various geodynamic models with the observed SKS splitting suggests that the anisotropy is best explained by a model of slab rollback, rather than by delamination models.
ISSN: 0012-821X

hal-00412175
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00412175
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00412175/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00412175/file/Buontempo_SKS_gibraltar_EPSL2008_hal.pdf
DOI : 10.1016/j.epsl.2008.06.024

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : International audience
The « METYSS » cruise was carried out in June 2009 onboard the R/V « Téthys II » along the eastern Sardinian and south-eastern Corsican margins, western Tyrrhenian Sea, in order to better constrain the potential links between deformation related to either crustal tectonics or salt tectonics and sediment accumulation, especially during the Messinian and Plio-Quaternary times. We acquired 15 high-resolution seismic reflection profiles (about 1200 km in cumulative length) along the south-eastern Corsican margin, immediately north of the Bonifacio Strait and along the upper and middle parts of the eastern Sardinian margin, from the continental slope to the Cornaglia Terrace. The Tyrrhenian Sea is considered as a Neogene back-arc basin that opened during continental rifting and oceanic spreading related to the eastward migration of the Apennine subduction system from Tortonian to Pliocene times (Jolivet et al., 2006). Rifting of the Tyrrhenian Sea started first along the Eastern Sardinian margin during the Tortonian-Messinian times and therefore the series of that age should be considered as syn-rift sediments (Sartori et al., 2004). The « METYSS » seismic profiles clearly illustrate that this part of the Tyrrhenian was highly segmented during the rifting stage by N-S trending normal faults delineating ridges (e.g., Baronie Ridge) and basins (e.g., Sardinian Basin and Cornaglia Terrace), as previously described for example by Thommeret (1999) and Sartori et al. (2004). The Messinian sedimentary units and especially the « Upper Unit » (UU, Lofi et al., this congress, corresponding to the « Upper Evaporites » in the previous literature) are, without any doubt, of syn-rift age, as they display a fan-shaped stratal geometry. The Mobile Unit (MU, Lofi et al., this congress), i.e. the Messinian halite, is clearly imaged in the study area and its spatial repartition can be outlined. The highly-variable thickness of the confined salt basins could be due to the initial basin geometry (i.e. before the Messinian salinity Crisis) or to the syn-rift character of the deposition. Southeastward of the study area, in the vicinity of the Cornaglia Seamount, salt tectonics appears surprisingly vigorous. More surprisingly, several normal faults seem to have remained active in recent times, if not even at present time. Fault slip has been recorded by bathymetric scarps and associated footwall debris flows interfingered within the Plio-Quaternary sequence, even though the eastern Sardinian margin is usually considered to be passive now. Moreover, some amount of tectonic inversion is visible on some normal faults that show contractional or transpressional components of late slip. In addition, this “post-rift” deformation can be illustrated within the Plio-Quaternary sequence by a regional unconformity. Consequently, numerous mass-transport deposits and channel-levees systems observed in the Plio-Quaternary cover could be partly controlled by tectonic activity. These very preliminary results require further investigations in order to better decipher the role of crustal tectonics and salt tectonics, salt-related structures being very efficient markers to discriminate between the respective contribution of gravity-driven, salt tectonics and deep-seated, crustal tectonics (Gaullier et al., 2010). Finally, we aim to precisely determine the relative vertical movements (tilting, subsidence, magmatism. . . ) and geodynamical history of the different segments of the area since 6 Ma.
Geophysical Research Abstracts
Vienne, Austria

hal-00537828
https://hal-brgm.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00537828
https://hal-brgm.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00537828/document
https://hal-brgm.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00537828/file/EGU2010-15469_ref6821.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : International audience
The Achmmach tin mineralization (NE of theMoroccan Central Massif) is associated with tourmaline-richalteration halos, veins, and faults hosted in sandstones andmetapelites of the Upper Visean-Namurian. These depositsare reported to be late Hercynian in age and related to theemplacement of late-orogenic granite not outcropping in thestudied area. Structural and paragenetic studies of theAchmmach tin deposit were conducted in order to establisha general model of the mineralization. From field constraints,the late Hercynian phase is marked by a transition fromtranspression to extension with deformation conditions evolvingfrom ductile to brittle environments. The transpression(horizontal shortening direction roughly trending E-W) is coevalwith the emplacement of the first tourmaline halos alongseveral conjugated trends (N070, N020, and N120).Thereafter, a tourmaline-rich breccia formed in response tothe fracturing of early tourmaline-altered rocks.Subsequently, during the extensional phase, these structureswere reactivated as normal faults and breccias, allowing theformation of the main tin mineralization (cassiterite) associatedwith a wide variety of sulfides (arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite,sphalerite, galena, pyrrhotite, bismuthinite, pyrite, and stannite). This evolution ends with fluorite and carbonate deposition.The hydrothermal fluid flow velocity, calculated byapplying statistical measures on the tourmaline growth bands,varies with the lithology. Values are lower in metapelites andhigher in breccia. In the general evolution model proposedhere, tourmaline alteration makes the rock more competent,allowing for brittle fracturing and generation of open spacewhere the main Sn mineralization was precipitated.
Mineralium Deposita

insu-01240481
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01240481
DOI : 10.1007/s00126-015-0613-0

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
We carried out detailed petrographic, major and trace element geochemical, microstructural and FTIR analyses on eight characteristic ultramafic xenoliths from Nyos and Barombi Mbo Lakes in the continental sector of the Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL). The studied xenoliths are spinel lherzolites showing lithologies similar to the other xenoliths reported previously along the CVL. They have protogranular and porphyroclastic textures. One of the Barombi xenolith contains amphibole, which had not been previously reported in this locality. Amphibole is common in the Nyos xenoliths suite. Peridotite xenoliths from both localities show some chemical heterogeneity, but Barombi xenoliths generally are less depleted in basaltic elements with respect to Nyos xenoliths. Trace element compositions of Nyos spinel lherzolites show a moderately depleted initial (premetasomatic) composition and variable enrichment in REE. Evidence for both modal and cryptic metasomatism is present in Nyos xenoliths. Rare earth element patterns of clinopyroxene suggest that interaction between mafic melts and the upper mantle occurred beneath the Nyos locality. Barombi Mbo xenoliths, on the other hand, record a small degree of partial melting. The Barombi Mbo xenoliths have weak, dominantly orthorhombic olivine crystal preferred orientations, whereas Nyos ones have strong axial-[010] patterns, which may have formed in response to transpression. Nominally anhydrous mantle minerals (NAMs) of the Barombi Mbo xenoliths show generally higher bulk concentrations of ‘water’ (70–127 ppm) than Nyos xenoliths (32–81 ppm). The Barombi Mbo xenoliths could originate from a juvenile segment of the lithospheric mantle, which had been originally part of the asthenosphere. It became a part of the lithosphere in response to thermal relaxation following the extension, forming a weakly deformed lower lithospheric mantle region along the CVL. The Nyos xenoliths, however, represent a shallow lithospheric mantle bearing imprints of several depletion and enrichment events probably prior or following the extension (at ∼30 Ma).
ISSN: 0899-5362

hal-01236039
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01236039
DOI : 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2015.07.006

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Springer Verlag
Résumé : International audience
In the Tifnoute Valley, three plutonic units have been defined: the Askaoun intrusion, the Imourkhssen intrusion and the Ougougane group of small intrusions. They are made of quartz diorite, granodiorite and granite and all contain abundant mafic microgranular enclaves (MME). The Askaoun granodiorite and the Imourkhssen granite have been dated by LA-ICP-MS on zircon at 558 ± 2 Ma and 561 ± 3 Ma, respectively. These granitic intrusions are subcontemporaneous to the widespread volcanic and volcano-detrital rocks from the Ouarzazate Group (580-545 Ma), marking the post-collisional transtensional period in the Anti-Atlas and which evolved towards alkaline and tholeiitic lavas in minor volume at the beginning of the Cambrian anorogenic intraplate extensional period. Geochemically, the Tifnoute Valley granitoids belong to an alkali-calcic series (high-K calc-alkaline) with typical Nb-Ta negative anomalies and no alkaline affinities. Granitoids and enclaves display positive εNd-560Ma (+0.8 to +3.5) with young Nd-TDM between 800 and 1200 Ma and relatively low 87Sr/86Sr initial ratios (Sri: 0.7034 and 0.7065). These values indicate a mainly juvenile source corresponding to a Pan-African metasomatized lithospheric mantle partly mixed with an old crustal component from the underlying West African Craton (WAC). Preservation in the Anti-Atlas of pre-Pan-African lithologies (c. 2.03 Ga basement, c. 800 Ma passive margin greenschist-facies sediments, allochthonous 750-700 Ma ophiolitic sequences) indicates that the Anti-Atlas lithosphere has not been thickened and was never an active margin during the Neoproterozoic. After a transpressive period, the late Ediacaran period (580-545 Ma) is marked by movement on near vertical transtensional faults, synchronous with the emplacement of the huge Ouarzazate Group and the Tifnoute Valley granitoids. We propose here a geodynamical model where the Tifnoute Valley granitoids as well as the Ouarzazate Group were generated during the post-collisional metacratonic evolution of the northern boundary of the West African craton. The convergence with the peri-Gondwanan active margin produced brittle fracturing of the cratonic boundary without thickening, allowing rising of magmas. The Tifnoute Valley granitoids display a metasomatized lithospheric mantle source mixed with a minor ancient (2 Ga) continental crust component from the underlying WAC.
ISSN: 0930-0708

halsde-00782152
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/halsde-00782152
DOI : 10.1007/s00710-012-0245-3

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Wiley-Blackwell
Résumé : International audience
P>Most fault-related pseudotachylytes in the Val Sesia area, Ivrea zone, NW Italian Alps, occur in two areas: near the Canavese Line in the Kinzigite Formation paragneisses and in an elongate belt in the Mafic Complex gabbros away from the Canavese Line. Ar-40/Ar-39 dating indicates that pseudotachylytes from the Kinzigite Formation were formed in the late Eocene, likely during the early stages of the collision between the NW corner of the Adriatic indenter and the European margin. Pseudotachylytes from the Mafic Complex were formed under a transpressive strain regime, as suggested by kinematic indicators, and yield Early Cretaceous (Albian) Ar-40/Ar-39 ages. Their formation is possibly related to shortening during the inception of the tectonic inversion of the Adriatic passive margin.
ISSN: 0954-4879

hal-00617518
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00617518
DOI : 10.1111/j.1365-3121.2011.00994.x