Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
The southernmost part of the Ryukyu subduction, where the Philippine Sea Plate is subducting under the Eurasian Plate, is known to be a very seismically active region of transition from a north-dipping subduction along the Ryukyu subduction to an ~ SE-NW collision along the Taiwanese orogenic wedge. In this paper, we will focus on the Ryukyu forearc area close to Taiwan where the deformation is paroxysmal. In order to decipher the nature of the seismic deformation in this region, a three month passive experiment, combining 22 Ocean Bottom Seismometers and 51 onland stations, has been led. Starting from an a-priori heterogeneous model, we have obtained 801 well-located earthquake hypocenters, a precise P-wave tomography model and 14 focal mechanisms. The seismicity along the Ryukyu forearc is mainly located not only in the vicinity of the Interplate Seismogenic Zone (ISZ) but also within both the subducting PSP and the overriding plate. Seismicity within the upper-plate is essentially localized east of Nanao basin where NW-SE extension occurs, and northwest of the Hoping basin where strike-slip dominates. As revealed by both the P-wave velocity structure and the newly derived seismicity, we argue that a sub-vertical step offsetting the subducting PSP around 10 km may support the presence of a trench-parallel tear. The PSP also undergoes extension in its upper part that is probably caused by buckling and slab pull. The P-wave velocity structure reveals three other major features: (1) a continuity between the Central Range and the Ryukyu Arc with a shallower Moho (~ 30 km depth) between ~ 122.3°N and ~ 122.5°N along the Ryukyu Arc, (2) high P-wave velocities along the eastern side of the Central Range and, (3) two bodies with similar high crustal velocities (6.5-7.0 km/s) at 12-18 km depths, embedded within the Ryukyu arc basement, just north of Hoping Basin and north of the Nanao Basin.
ISSN: 0040-1951

hal-00795521
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00795521
DOI : 10.1016/j.tecto.2012.04.011

Éditeur(s) : Gauthier-Villars
Résumé : Pegasus current measurements carried out along a section located off French Guiana are presented; the section was repeated five times from September 1989 to June 1991 during the NOE (region Nord-Ouest equatoriale)/STACS (Sub Tropical Atlantic Climate Studies) cruises on board the NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) research vessels. The data (vertical and horizontal distributions) show, as suggested by earliest observations, the presence of different currents. At the surface, and in winter, the North Brazil Current (NBC) flows northwestward (positive), is strong (120 cm/s), confined in the first 250 m, coastally trapped (within 250 km) and fed by offshore waters; in summer the NBC strengthens (the velocity increases to 150 cm/s), vertically extends (down to 800 m) and veers offshore; the mean NBC mass flux computed from all the sections available is 34 +/- 9 Sv with absolute maximum and minimum respectively in September 1989 (81 +/- 4 Sv) and February 1990 (13 +/- 1 Sv). Subsurface, a southeastward (negative) undercurrent (herein after named Western Boundary UnderCurrent) is present in winter-spring and located in the layer 250-800 m with similar velocities in February 1990 (- 33 cm/s) and June 1991 (- 29 cm/s) but with largest vertical and horizontal extensions in the latter case; in summer (September 1989 and September 1990) this undercurrent is absent; the mean mTBUC mass flux is - 9 +/- 3 Sv; the maximum is observed in June 1991 (- 19 +/- 2 Sv) and the minimum in February 1990 (- 3 +/- 0.4 Sv) and January 1991 (- 5 +/- I Sv). Deeper, the equatorward Deep Western Boundary Current is trapped against the continental shelf (within 100 km of the shelf break), extends downward from 1 200 to 3 000 m depth with the velocity core centred in the 1 700-2 000 m layer, is maximum (- 50 cm/s) in spring-summer and minimum (- 23 cm/s) in winter; the absolute velocity (- 92 cm/s) has been recorded at 2 000 m depth in September 1989 suggesting a strong variability at this level; the mean equatorward DWBC mass flux is - 30 +/- 14 Sv with absolute maximum and minimum respectively in September 1989 (- 59 +/- 6 Sv) and September 1990 (- 7 +/- 1 Sv). The Integrated Mass, Temperature and Salt Fluxes (IMF, ITF and ISF) with the cumulated errors, computed across the whole section and down to 3 000 m depth for the September 1990, January 1991 and June 1991 cruises, are all positive in September 1990 (respectively 1.9 +/- 19 Sv, 3.1 +/- 30.1 PW and 74 +/- 1 845 Tt/s) but all negative both in January 1991 (- 13.3 +/- 17.0 Sv, - 15.6 +/- 26.5 PW and - 478 +/- 1594 Tt/s) and June 1991 (- 3.8 +/- 10.1 Sv, - 4.0 +/- 16.3 PW, - 130 +/- 989 Tt/s) showing a strong variability between the summer and winter periods. The mean IMF, ITF and ISF values (respectively - 5.1 +/- 46.4 Sv, - 5.2 +/- 73 PW and - 178 +/- 4428 Tt/s) are high and negative, indicating the large influence of the DWBC and the associated North Atlantic Deep Water (upper part) off French Guiana at 5 degrees N.
Oceanologica Acta (0399-1784) (Gauthier-Villars), 1994 , Vol. 17 , N. 2 , P. 143-157

Droits : info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00098/20881/18495.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00098/20881/

Éditeur(s) : Copernicus Gesellschaft Mbh
Résumé : Three methods for automatic detection of mesoscale coherent structures are applied to Sea Level Anomaly (SLA) fields in the South Atlantic. The first method is based on the wavelet packet decomposition of the SLA data, the second on the estimation of the Okubo-Weiss parameter and the third on a geometric criterion using the winding-angle approach. The results provide a comprehensive picture of the mesoscale eddies over the South Atlantic Ocean, emphasizing their main characteristics: amplitude, diameter, duration and propagation velocity. Five areas of particular eddy dynamics were selected: the Brazil Current, the Agulhas eddies propagation corridor, the Agulhas Current retroflexion, the Brazil-Malvinas confluence zone and the northern branch of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). For these areas, mean propagation velocities and amplitudes were calculated. Two regions with long duration eddies were observed, corresponding to the propagation of Agulhas and ACC eddies. Through the comparison between the identification methods, their main advantages and shortcomings were detailed. The geometric criterion presents the best performance, mainly in terms of number of detections, duration of the eddies and propagation velocities. The results are particularly good for the Agulhas Rings, which have the longest lifetimes of all South Atlantic eddies.
Ocean Science (1812-0784) (Copernicus Gesellschaft Mbh), 2011 , Vol. 7 , N. 3 , P. 317-334

Droits : Author(s) 2011. This work is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. EGU
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00039/15051/12378.pdf
DOI:10.5194/os-7-317-2011
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00039/15051/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
We investigated the deformation mechanisms and the seismic properties of 10 eclogite samples from different localities (Alps, Norway, Mali and eastern China) through the analysis of their microstructures and lattice-preferred orientations (LPO). These samples are representative of various types and intensity of deformation under eclogitic metamorphic conditions. Omphacite and garnet LPO were determined from electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technique. Garnet appears to be almost randomly oriented whereas omphacite develops strong LPO, characterized by the [001]-axes concentrated sub-parallel to the lineation, and the (010)-poles concentrated sub-perpendicular to the foliation. In order to analyze the deformation mechanisms that produced such omphacite LPO, we compare our observations to LPO simulated by viscoplastic self-consistent numerical models. A good fit to the measured LPO is obtained for models in which the dominant slip systems are 1/2h110i{11 ¯ 0}, [001] {110} and [001] (100). Dominant activation of these slip systems is in agreement with TEM studies of naturally deformed omphacite. Seismic properties of eclogite are calculated by combining the measured LPO and the single crystal elastic constants of omphacite and garnet. Although eclogite seismic anisotropies are very weak (less than 3% for both P-and S-wave), they are generally characterized by a maximum P-wave velocity sub-parallel to the lineation and by a minimum velocity approximately normal to foliation. The mean P-and S-wave velocities are high (respectively, 8.6 and 4.9 km/s). The S-wave anisotropy pattern displays complex relationships with the structural frame but the fast polarization plane generally tends to be parallel to the foliation. Calculated reflection coefficients show that an eclogite/crust interface is generally a good reflector (Rc > 0.1), whereas an eclogite body embedded in the upper mantle would be hardly detectable.
ISSN: 0040-1951

hal-01389715
http://hal.univ-reunion.fr/hal-01389715
http://hal.univ-reunion.fr/hal-01389715/document
http://hal.univ-reunion.fr/hal-01389715/file/Bascou_eclo-sismo_tphy2001_hal.pdf
DOI : 10.1016/S0040-1951(01)00156-1

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : International audience
The Corinth Rift is the most seismically active zone in Europe. Since the year 2000, the Corinth Rift Laboratory (CRL, http://crlab.eu) consisting in a multidisciplinary natural observatory, aims at understanding the mechanics of faulting and earthquake nucleation in the Rift. Recent studies have improved our view about fault geometry and mechanics within CRL but there is still a critical need for a better knowledge of the structure at depth.In this project, we aim to analyze the complete seismological database (13 years of recordings) of CRL by using recently developed methodologies of structural imaging in order to determine, with high resolution, the local 3D structure and the earthquake locations. We perform an iterative joint determination of 3D velocity model and earthquake coordinates. P and S velocity models are estimated through a first arrival traveltime tomography by using the adjoint state method proposed by Taillandier et al. (2009). It consists in the minimization of the cost function between observed and theoretical arrival times,which is achieved by estimating the gradient of the cost function. Earthquake locations are also estimated with a linearized inversion approach by computing the gradient of the misfit function. Iterations are repeated until the cost function no longer decreases. We present preliminary results consisting in: (1) the adjustment of a 1D velocity model that is used as initial model of the 3D tomography and (2) a first attempt of the joint determination of 3D velocity model and earthquake locations.We also perform a preliminary receiver function analysis of teleseismic data recorded by the broadband stations of the CRL network. The multiscale approach (Gesret et. al., 2010) analysis of teleseismic P to S converted waves allows to analyze the signal toward the higher frequencies and thus to characterize the structure at depth with a high resolution. Our multiscale approach should give us reliable depth of interfaces beneath seismometers in the CRL area. In this first attempt, we adjust the 1D velocity model that produces a synthetic RF as similar as possible to the stack of observed RF for a subset of data. The identified interfaces could then be compared with heterogeneities imaged by the tomography.
AGU Fall Meeting
San Fransico, United States

hal-01417184
https://hal-mines-paristech.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01417184

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Geological Society of London
Résumé : International audience
Low-velocity zones ('bright spots') imaged by the INDEPTH seismic experiment in southern Tibet are extensively interpreted as widespread partial melt within the crust, which has given a strong support for the channel flow model. These suggest that a continuous seismic low-velocity zone underlies Tibet on the large scale. Here we take advantage of the Hi-CLIMB seismic experiment which includes a dense south-north profile and a lateral 2D seismic network to assess the vertical and the horizontal extension of low-velocity zones in southern Tibet. Several approaches including migration, amplitude analysis and waveform inversion of receiver functions are performed to detect crustal low-velocity zones using this new seismological dataset. Our results reveal localized and discontinuous low-velocity zones in Tibet. They indicate that the vertical extension of the low-velocity zones is about 10 km, and their maximum horizontal length appears to be c. 50 km. Our study suggests a partial correlation between the location of these low-velocity zones and the spatial distribution of Tibetan grabens. These results, especially the non-continuity of low-velocity zones, together with the observed regular value of mean crustal VP/VS ratio, question the existence of widespread partial melt of the southern Tibetan crust and, therefore, the viability of the channel flow model.
Growth and Collapse of the Tibetan Plateau

hal-00853971
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00853971
DOI : 10.1144/SP353.6

Éditeur(s) : Elsevier
Résumé : High P-wave velocities (7.1-7.8 km/s) lower crustal bodies (LCBs) imaged along volcanic margins are commonly interpreted as plume and break-up-related thick mafic underplating. This interpretation is partly challenged in this paper based on new seismic observations and modelling of the outer Voring Basin (Norway). An exceptional strong amplitude reflection, the T Reflection, is particularly well defined below the North Gjallar Ridge (NGR) between 7 and 8 s TWT. The T Reflection is located near the volcanic lava flows emplaced during the NE Atlantic breakup (similar to 55-54 Ma ago) and coincides with the top of the LCB, forming a mid-crustal dome. Based on structural and temporal relationships, we show that the dome clearly influences the structural development of the NGR and predates the continental breakup at least by 10-15 Ma. Using a thermo-kinematical model, we tried also to investigate and quantify the relationships between the extension, LCB and the magmatic production. Modelling suggests that significant Paleocene-Early Eocene magmatism can be produced without any temperature anomaly in the mantle if differential stretching occurs during the break-up initiation. The conclusion of 2D thermo-kinematical parametric analysis is that the magmatic model predicts, either little extension (beta < 2) with no melting or high extension (beta > 5) with significant melting along the outer Voring Basin. We suggest that the continental part of the LCB could not necessarily be breakup-related and so magmatic, as has often been stated previously. It is concluded here that the continental part of the LCB observed beneath the outer Voring Basin may be partly (or fully) attributed to inherited, high-pressure granulite/eclogite lower crustal rocks. The real amount of mafic material emplaced along the outer Voring Basin could be 20-40% less than thought.
Tectonophysics (0040-1951) (Elsevier), 2006 , Vol. 412 , N. 3-4 , P. 255-278

Droits : 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2006/publication-1042.pdf
DOI:10.1016/j.tecto.2005.10.038
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/1042/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
To quantify the relationships between anisotropy. S-wave splitting and tectonics, we determined the seismic properties of lower-crustal and upper-mantle rocks outcropping in the lvrea Zone (Northem Italy). We obtained P-and S-wave seismic velocities by laboratory direct velocity measurements and/or by calculations based on the modal compositions of the rocks, the lattice preferred orientations (LPOs), and the single crystal stiffness coefficients. Measured P-and S-wave velocities (6.0-7 .5 km s-1 and 3.6-4.2 km s-1) are typical of the lower crust. The P-wave anisotropy is in the range 0-l 0%. Shear-wave birefringence is in the range 0.0-0.6 km s-1 , with typical values between 0.0 and 0.2 km s-1 • In many cases, the birefringence is clearly related to fabric elements (foliation, lineation). Mafic rocks such as anorthosite or pyroxene-bearing gabbros exhibit low P-wave anisotropies (< 5%) and low shear-wave birefringences (less than 0.1 km s-1). In contrast, the seismic properties of felsic rocks such as biotite-bearing gneisses and mafic rocks such as amphibolites display high V P anisotropy (10%) and strong birefringence (0.3 km s-1). Biotite and amphibole preferred orientations clearly control seismic anisotropy and particularly shear-wave splitting. In these rocks, maximum splitting is observed in directions parallel to the foliation with the fast split shear wave polarized parallel to the foliation plane. To have an overview of the seismic properties of this lower-crustal section at a broader scale, we calculated from our data the anisotropie seismic properties of several hypothetical samples that are perhaps more representative of the regional anisotropy than each sample individually. For instance, the average lower-crustal sample displays an anisotropy of 5.5% for P waves and a birefringence around 0.14 km s I for S waves propagating parallel to the foliation. We observe little splitting for waves propagating at high angle to the foliation.
ISSN: 0031-9201

hal-01389712
http://hal.univ-reunion.fr/hal-01389712
http://hal.univ-reunion.fr/hal-01389712/document
http://hal.univ-reunion.fr/hal-01389712/file/Barruol_Kern-PEPI96_hal.pdf
DOI : 10.1016/0031-9201(95)03124-3

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Upon subduction, the oceanic crust transforms to blueschists and eclogites, with seismic properties that gradually become similar to those of the surrounding mantle. In order to evaluate the anisotropy of blueschists and glaucophane-bearing eclogites, the elastic constants of glaucophane single-crystal plates from the Sesia-Lanzo Zone (Aosta Valley, Western Alps) were measured using Brillouin spectroscopy at ambient conditions. The mean P- and S-wave velocities are 7.8 and 4.6 km s−1 respectively, and the anisotropy is high (38.1% (AVP) and 27.3% (AVS)). Glaucophane develops strong LPO, characterized by the [001]-axes concentrated sub-parallel to the lineation, and the {110} poles concentrated sub-perpendicular to the foliation in both blueschist and eclogite rocks. The measured LPO is in good agreement with viscoplastic selfconsistent numerical models. Seismic properties of glaucophane-bearing blueschist and eclogite are calculated by combining measured LPO and the single-crystal elastic moduli of glaucophane with the other main mineral constituents of the rock: mostly epidote for blueschist, and omphacite and garnet for eclogite. Blueschists present stronger anisotropies (AVP=16.1% and AVS=10.3%) than eclogites (AVP=2.9% and AVS=1.7%). The shear-wave splitting and resulting delay times for a 7-km thick layer of eclogite or blueschist are low for the eclogite (b0.03 s), but signi!cant for blueschist (0.16 s). Application to the subducted oceanic crust yields a decrease of velocity contrast with the surrounding mantle and of anisotropy at depth depending on the temperature of the slab. The details of the velocity variations in subducted oceanic crust are dif!cult to reconcile with the blueschist-eclogite transition as probed by exhumed metamorphic rocks and may require additional phases such as lawsonite or chemical variations such as oxidation state.
ISSN: 0040-1951

hal-00564518
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00564518
DOI : 10.1016/j.tecto.2010.09.011

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Crystal growth driven by a flowing solution is modeled for a flow with low Reynolds number using a computational dynamic software. Considering equivalent crystallographic faces, the chemical flux is calculated along upstream and downstream faces. Upstream flux is higher compared to downstream and leads to a symmetry breakdown of the crystal shape and develops mirror symmetry parallel to the flow velocity. Moreover the ratio of these two fluxes (upstream / downstream) gives a quantitative relation between the relative crystal growth rate and the flow velocity. Thus, using an inverse method, the flow direction and velocity can be deduced by the study of the variation of the growth band thicknesses of equivalent crystallographic faces. This new method was applied to the formation of metasomatic tourmalinite associated with a leucogranite sill. The approach is complemented by a study of the chemistry of the tourmaline. In the studied case, the application of the new method gives the high fluid velocities in pores (10-3 - 10-4 m/s) during metasomatism. Equivalent Darcy velocities are estimated and discussed accounting for the major role played by the regional deformation. Finally, a two-stage tectono-hydrodynamic model is proposed for the metsomatism. The first stage is genetically linked to the sill injection, and the second is characterized by a wider event with hydrothermal flow passing along the leucogranite sills.
ISSN: 0012-821X

Droits : info:eu-repo/semantics/OpenAccess
insu-00352307
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-00352307
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-00352307/document
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-00352307/file/Sizaret_et_al_final.pdf
DOI : 10.1016/j.epsl.2009.01.013

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Three-dimensional P-wave velocity structure of the mantle beneath the South Pacific Superswell is determined through passive broadband seismic experiments on the ocean floor and islands between 2003 and 2005. We collected approximately 1500 relative times of long-period teleseismic P-waves by using a waveform cross-correlation. We analyzed this data set with relative time tomography to depths of 2000 km. The resultant structure shows lateral heterogeneity of approximately +/- 2%, in which a distinct low velocity region is found beneath the center of the Superswell at a depth of 1600 km. At 1200km depth, an elongated low velocity region is found beneath the Society to Pitcairn hotspots. At 800 km depth, two linear low velocity regions are located beneath Tuamotu and Austral islands. Isolated low velocity regions are identified beneath the Society, Marquesas, and Macdonald hotspots at 400 km depth. Our new tomographic images reveal that the large low velocity region rooted in the deep lower mantle is split into two sheets at 1200 km depth and these terminate at approximately 800 km depth. This feature appears to be consistent with the characteristics of a thermo-chemical pile or dome.
ISSN: 0031-9201

hal-00413036
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00413036
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00413036/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00413036/file/Tanaka_tomo_PLUME_PEPI2009_hal.pdf
DOI : 10.1016/j.pepi.2008.10.016

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
This study compared the conventional parameters of anaerobic cycling power in physically active non-cyclists using the Pro-Race® system and a traditional chainring. The force--velocity test was chosen for this purpose because it is the shortest validated cycling laboratory test in which each parameter of maximal anaerobic power can be estimated. The power output (Wmax) and the force at whichWmax is produced (Fopt) were significantly improved with the eccentric chainring (1100±227W versus 1006±197W and 1.39±0.15 N/kg body mass versus 1.13±0.16 N/kg body mass with the eccentric and round designs, respectively; P < 0.006 and P < 0.0004, respectively). The power gained (delta power) was significantly correlated with the eccentric chainring Fopt (r = 0.649; P < 0.05), the mid-thigh circumference (r = 0.685; P < 0.05), the estimated lean thigh volume (r = 0.765; P < 0.01) and the estimated lean lower limb volume (r = 0.665; P < 0.05). We concluded that the eccentric chainring significantly improved the estimated anaerobic power output during a force--velocity test by increasing the force component, Fopt. Cautious interpretation of our results suggests that the subjects with physical attributes that contribute to developing high forces may have a significant advantage in performing with the eccentric chainring.
ISSN: 1440-2440

hal-00703458
https://hal.univ-antilles.fr/hal-00703458
DOI : 10.1016/j.jsams.2007.06.004

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : The dense hydrous magnesium silicate called the D phase is the most likely candidate to recycle hydrogen into the lower mantle in subduction zones. As seismology represents the preferred method to detect this mineral in subduction zones, the single crystal elastic tensor has been calculated using first principle methods. A triple cell (View the MathML source) was used to account for an ordered ideal composition of the D phase to lower mantle pressures. The elastic tensor of the mineral at ambient conditions is predicted to be C11 = 387.7, C33 = 287.7, C44 = 100.4, C12 = 108.0, C13 = 51.1, C14 = − 14.6 in GPa with bulk modulus at zero pressure Ko = 163 GPa and a statistical error of about 4.0 GPa for all constants. The pressure derivatives of the elastic constants have been determined to pressure of 80 GPa. Our tensor correctly predicts the published experimental measurements of linear compressibility along the a- and c-axes, the logarithmic pressure derivative of the c/a axial ratio and bulk modulus at zero pressure. It contradicts the experimentally measured elastic tensor reported by (Liu, L.-G., Okamoto, K., Yang, Y.-J., Chen, C.-C., Lin, C.-C., 2004. Elasticity of single-crystal phase D (a dense hydrous magnesium silicate) by Brillouin spectroscopy. Solid State Commun. 132, 517–520), which fails to reproduce the experimental compressibility data. Using the elastic constants and density predicted to 85 GPa, the seismic anisotropy of P- and S-waves has been calculated as a function of pressure. The single crystal has high P-wave velocities and shear wave splitting in the basal plane below 20 GPa. At high pressures, the maximum P-wave velocities have threefold symmetry normal to a-axes in the basal plane, whereas the maximum shear wave splitting is parallel to a-axes with twofold symmetry. The D phase has high Vp and Vs anisotropy at ambient pressure, 17.6% for Vp and 19.9% for Vs. The Vp anisotropy decreases with increasing pressure to about 30 GPa, while it remains constant at 8% from 30 to 85 GPa. The Vs anisotropy decreases to 17% at 20 GPa and then increases to 22% at 85 GPa. The isotropic velocity ratios of S to P (Rs/p), bulk sound to S (Rphi/s) and density to S (Rρ/s) are calculated as a function of pressure. The Rs/p shows very little variation with pressure with low value of 0.6, whereas both Rphi/s and Rρ/s increase with pressure to peak values of 2.8 and 2.0 respectively at about 60 GPa. The presence of the D phase in subducted horizontal ‘stagnant' plates in the circum Pacific could contribute to a number of seismic observations, such as the observed velocity heterogeneity at depths between 500 and 1000 km and the fast S-waves travelling horizontally with horizontal polarization in this depth range. Further the lower density of the D phase compared with anhydrous minerals could influence buoyancy of the hydrated ‘stagnant' slabs. The transformation of the D phase to perovskite plus ferripericlase during thermal annealing may be responsible for horizontal slab seismogenesis.
ISSN: 0012-821X

hal-00406379
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00406379
DOI : 10.1016/j.epsl.2007.04.053

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
To better understand the microstructural evolution of a "serpentinized" mantle rock and the influence of various hydrous phases on the seismic properties of the mantle wedge, we have conducted the detailed microstructural analyses of a sample of tremolite-chlorite-antigorite schist collected from the Moses Rock dike (central part of the Colorado Plateau). We performed differential effective media (DEM) modelling to study the effect of three hydrous phases forming two-phase aggregates with olivine, considering the crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) of each phase and the shape ratio of the hydrous phases. We have demonstrated that in a partially serpentinized peridotite, the olivine CPO characteristic of [100](010) dislocation glide is still preserved, and the high-temperature asthenospheric flow is preserved with a foliation normal to that of antigorite schist. The transformation of olivine into antigorite occurs predominantly (~ 75%) by the relationship (100)ol || (001)atg with [001]ol || [010]atg, with the (010)ol || (001)atg and [001]ol || [010]atg relationship observed in areas of weak antigorite CPO. Chlorite results from the phase transformation of olivine in a relatively static environment, as shown by the correlation between the olivine-chlorite CPOs with (100)ol || (100)ch, (010)ol || (001)ch and (001)ol || (010)ch. The fluid percolation that caused the localized metasomatism and partial hydration of the mantle occurred possibly along trans-lithospheric shear zones. The presence of chlorite induces the most important drop on the P-wave velocities and may help to explain some local low velocities in the fore-arc mantle wedges, but is unlikely to be of global importance due to its very high Vp/Vs ratio ~ 1.9. On the other hand, antigorite is the only phase that causes important modification on the propagation directions of P and S-waves, and the only phase to explain the polarization of the fastest shear waves parallel to the subduction trench.
ISSN: 0040-1951

hal-00858061
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00858061
DOI : 10.1016/j.tecto.2013.03.022

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Springer Verlag
Résumé : International audience
The upward oil migration in a transparent and rough fracture containing a liquid of higher density is studied experimentally using a light transmission technique. The aperture heterogeneity is also measured by light transmission. The injection of oil in a fracture containing a heavier fluid produces a gravitational fingering instability. Depending on the injection velocity (capillary number, Ca) and the density difference between the two fluids (Bond number, Bo), different patterns are observed during the oil displacements. The width of the finger and its velocity are measured as a function of Bo and Ca. A stability analysis of the interface, based on a generalised Darcy equation in a two-dimensional fracture, allows an accurate description of the experimental results. The order of magnitude of the finger width and its velocity are in good agreement with the calculations, with small disparities due to various unknown fluid flow parameters: capillary pressure, finger thickness in the gap of the fracture, finger tortuosity and oil velocity field into the finger. The theoretical approach allows constructing a (Ca, Bo) phase diagram of stability of the interface.
ISSN: 0169-3913

hal-00429329
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00429329
DOI : 10.1007/s11242-009-9340-2

Éditeur(s) : Amer Meteorological Soc
Résumé : A method to estimate mass and heat transports across hydrographic sections using hydrography together with altimetry data in a geostrophic box inverse model is presented. Absolute surface velocities computed from AVISO altimetry products made up of a combination of sea surface height measurements and geoid estimate are first compared to Ship Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (S-ADCP) measurements of the Ovide project along hydrographic sections repeated every 2 years in summer from Portugal to Greenland. The rms difference between S-ADCP and altimetry velocities averaged on distances of about a hundred km accounts to 3.3 cm s−1. Considering that the uncertainty of S-ADCP velocities is found at 1.5 cm s−1, altimetry errors are estimated at 3 cm s−1. Transports across Ovide sections previously obtained using S-ADCP data to constrain the geostrophic inverse box model are used as reference. The new method is found useful to estimate absolute transports across the sections, as well as part of their variability. Despite associated uncertainties about 50% larger than when S-ADCP is used, our results for the North Atlantic Current and heat transports, with uncertainties of 10 to 15%, reproduce the variability already observed. The largest uncertainties are found in the estimates of the East Greenland Irminger Current (EGIC) transport (30%), induced by larger uncertainties associated with altimetry data at the western boundary.
Journal Of Atmospheric And Oceanic Technology (0739-0572) (Amer Meteorological Soc), 2011-10 , Vol. 28 , N. 10 , P. 1324-1337

Droits : 2011 American Meteorological Society
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00038/14921/13751.pdf
DOI:10.1175/2011JTECHO818.1
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00038/14921/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
We use velocities from 65 continuous stations and 31 survey-mode GPS sites as well as kinematic modeling to investigate present day deformation along the Africa-Iberia plate boundary zone in the western Mediterranean region. The GPS velocity field shows southwestward motion of the central part of the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco with respect to Africa varying between 3.5 and 4.0 mm/yr, consistent with prior published results. Stations in the southwestern part of the Betic Mountains of southern Spain move west-southwest with respect to Eurasia (similar to 2-3 mm/yr). The western component of Betics motion is consistent with partial transfer of Nubia-Eurasia plate motion into the southern Betics. The southward component of Betics motion with respect to Iberia is kinematically consistent with south to southwest motion of the Rif Mountains with respect to Africa. We use block modeling, constrained by mapped surface faults and seismicity to estimate the geometry and rates of strain accumulation on plate boundary structures. Our preferred plate boundary geometry includes one block between Iberia and Africa including the SW Betics, Alboran Sea, and central Rif. This geometry provides a good fit to the observed motions, suggesting a wide transpressive boundary in the westernmost Mediterranean, with deformation mainly accommodated by the Gloria-Azores fault system to the West and the Rif-Tell lineament to the East. Block boundaries encompass aspects of earlier interpretations suggesting three main deformation styles: (i) extension along the NE-SW trending Trans-Alboran shear zone, (ii) dextral strike-slip in the Betics corresponding to a well defined E-W seismic lineament, and (iii) right lateral strike-slip motion extending West to the Azores and right-lateral motion with compression extending East along the Algerian Tell. We interpret differential motion in the Rif-Alboran-Betic system to be driven both by surface processes related the Africa-Eurasia oblique convergence and sub-crustal dynamic processes associated with the long history of subduction of the Neotethys ocean lithosphere. The dextral slip identified in the Betic Mountains in Southern Spain may be related to the offshore fault that produced the Great 1755 Lisbon Earthquake, and as such may represent a significant seismic hazard for the West Mediterranean region.
ISSN: 0012-821X

hal-00618337
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00618337
DOI : 10.1016/j.epsl.2011.05.048

Éditeur(s) : Amer Geophysical Union
Résumé : The objective of the paper is to analyze the degree of realism of the Parallel Ocean Program ( POP) model of the Los Alamos Laboratory using the combined TOPEX/Poseidon and ERS-1/2 (TPERS) sea level anomaly (SLA) data sets and to present a detailed study of mesoscale characteristics in the North Atlantic. This description spans 8 years of data from 1993 to 2000. At first, we focus on the analysis of the mean eddy kinetic energy ( EKE) and show that the major characteristics of mesoscale variability are realistically simulated despite an overestimation of the EKE model in the Gulf Stream region. We then describe the SLA space and timescales and propagation velocities at a resolution never achieved before. There is a high level of agreement between the model and altimeter values regarding spatial scales and propagation velocities. POP timescales are, however, significantly longer in the subtropical regions. The westward zonal propagation velocity of both the model and the observations are higher than the speed computed from standard Rossby wave theory. The effect of mean current advection on POP and TPERS propagation velocities is also clearly seen in the Labrador Current and in the Gulf Stream and its recirculations. Finally, a study of the seasonal and interannual variability of the high-frequency (HF) EKE is carried out. The model reproduces accurately most of the HF-EKE seasonal variations in the Caribbean Sea and at high latitudes despite a phase advance. A clear HF-EKE interannual variability is then evidenced. Our hypothesis is that a contraction of the subpolar and subtropical gyres due to the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) could explain a reduction of the eddy activity in the North Atlantic Current, in the Newfoundland basin, and in the Azores Current. In the Caribbean Sea, the interannual variability of the EKE for both POP and TPERS seems to be caused by an interannual variability of the wind stress.
Journal Of Geophysical Research-oceans (0148-0227) (Amer Geophysical Union), 2004-12 , Vol. 109 , N. C1205 , P. 16 PP.

Droits : 2004 AGU
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00087/19841/17491.pdf
DOI:10.1029/2004JC002360
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00087/19841/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
We present an integrated study of geochemistry, petrofabrics and seismic properties of strongly sheared eclogites from the Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling (CCSD) project in the Sulu ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic terrane, eastern China. First, geochemical data characterize diverse protoliths of the studied eclogites. The positive Eu- and Sr-anomalies, negative Nb anomaly and flat portion of heavy rare earth elements in coarse-grained rutile eclogites (samples B270 and B295) suggest a cumulate origin in the continental crust, whereas the negative Nb anomaly and enrichment of light rare earth elements in retrograde eclogites (samples B504, B15 and B19) imply an origin of continental basalts or island arc basalts. Second, P-wave velocities (V-p) of three typical eclogite samples were measured under confining pressures up to 500 MPa and temperatures to 700 degrees C. At 500 MPa and room temperature, the mean V-p reaches 8.50-8.53 km/s in samples B270 and B295 but drops to 7.86 km/s in sample B504, and the P-wave anisotropy changes from 1.7-2.7% to 5.5%, respectively. The pressure and temperature derivatives of V-p are larger in the retrograde eclogite than in fresh ones. Third, the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurements of the eclogites reveal random crystal preferred orientation (CPO) of garnet and pronounced CPO of omphacite, which is characterized by a strong concentration of [001]-axes sub-parallel to the lineation and of (010)-poles perpendicular to the foliation. The asymmetric CPO of omphacite in sample B270 recorded a top-to-the-south shear event during subduction of the Yangtze plate. The calculated fastest V-p is generally sub-parallel to the lineation, but a different deformation environment during exhumation could form second-order variations in omphacite CPO and affect the V-p distribution in eclogites (e.g., the fastest V-p is at similar to 35 degrees from the foliation in sample 13295). Comparison between measured and calculated seismic properties indicates that the CPO of omphacite controls the seismic anisotropy of eclogites at high pressure, and compositional layering and retrograde minerals will increase the anisotropy. Calculated P-wave velocities agree well with velocities measured at 500 MPa and room temperature for fresh eclogites, but much higher than those of retrograde eclogite. As a case study, the laboratory-derived V-p-P and V-p-T relationships were used to estimate P-wave velocities of eclogites and peridotites beneath the Western Superior Province, Canada. The results indicate that besides the fabric-induced anisotropy, the direction dependence of pressure and temperature derivatives of V-p can significantly increase seismic anisotropy of eclogites with depth, which results in eclogites being an important candidate for the seismic anisotropy in the upper mantle. Due to their very high density and velocity, garnet-rich eclogites within peridotite could be detected in seismic reflections in subduction zones.
ISSN: 0040-1951

hal-00463512
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00463512
DOI : 10.1016/j.tecto.2008.09.027

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Oxford University Press (OUP)
Résumé : Gravity data and P-wave teleseismic traveltime residuals from 29 temporary broad-band stations spread over the northern margin of the Gulf of Aden (Dhofar region, Oman) were used to image lithospheric structure. We apply a linear relationship between density and velocity to provide consistent density and velocity models from mid-crust down to about 250 km depth. The accuracy of the resulting models is investigated through a series of synthetic tests. The analysis of our resulting models shows: (1) crustal heterogeneities that match the main geological features at the surface; (2) the gravity edge effect and disparity in anomaly depth locations for layers at 20 and 50 km; (3) two low-velocity anomalies along the continuation of Socotra-Hadbeen and Alula-Fartak fracture zones between 60 and 200 km depth; and (4) evidence for partial melting (3-6 per cent) within these two negative anomalies. We discuss the presence of partial melting in terms of interaction between the Sheba ridge melts and its along-axis segmentation.
ISSN: 0956-540X

hal-00456048
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00456048
DOI : 10.1111/j.1365-246X.2009.04438.x