Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
We present evidence that GPS velocity estimates of plate motions and fault slip rates agree to within uncertainties with geologic estimates during the most recent phase of the geologic evolution of the E Mediterranean region (post-Late Miocene). On this basis, we use the GPS differential velocities to estimate the timing of initiation of the principal structures in NW Turkey, the N Aegean Sea, and central Greece, including, the Marmara Sea, the Gulfs of Evia (GoE) and Corinth (GoC). and the Kephalonia Transform fault (KTF). We interpret these ages to indicate that the North Anatolian fault propagated across the N Aegean, opening the GoE and GoC and initiating the KTF, during the past 1-4 Ma. We further suggest that Aegean extension that was earlier more distributed across the Aegean Basin became focused on this new fault system allowing the southern Aegean and Peloponnisos to translate SW with little internal deformation, as observed today with GPS. This change in tectonic configuration may account for the clear geologic evidence for crustal thinning throughout the S Aegean in apparent contradiction with low present-day strain rates. We further show that the low present-day strain rate along the southern edge of the Aegean micro-plate requires substantial aseismic slip along the plate interface below Crete, consistent with the low level of historic, subduction-type earthquakes along this segment of the subduction zone.
ISSN: 0040-1951

hal-00512634
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00512634
DOI : 10.1016/j.tecto.2009.05.027

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : This thesis aims to analyze the active tectonics and the seismic hazard for three main cities of NW Iran (Tehran, Tabriz and Zandjan) using morphotectonics and paleoseismology. Within the Tehran capital, we focused our analysis on the Mosha-North Tehran (M-NT) active fault system. Our investigations show that this fault system is mainly dominated by left-lateral faulting. Along the eastern part of the M-NT fault system, we found evidences of at least seven strong (M>7) paleoearthquakes during the past 10 ka (recurrence interval : 1100-1400 yrs). Our study along the central portion of the fault system (in Abali region) suggests that it corresponds probably to the source of the 1830 AD historical earthquake (M=7.1, Io= IX). Within Tabriz region, we studied the SE segment of the North Tabriz fault. We found evidences of at least three strong events, which occurred during the past 33.5 ka. The North Tabriz dextral fault corresponds to the central portion of a fault system (TFS), and contains two fault segments (NW and SE). Our paleoseismological analysis shows a variation of the slip rate, which decreases from NW to SE along the strike-slip fault. The western (Mishu) and eastern (Bozghush) terminations of the fault system correspond to oblique-compression zones. TFS belongs to the eastern portion of a regional fault system (GSKT), linking the active extension within the central part of the collision and the active compression to the East. Finally, we focus on the Zandjan area, where no important historical seismicitiy is recorded. There, based on morphotectonics analysis we discovered a large active fault network, whose southeastern part affects the Zandjan city. To conclude this work, we replace our observations within the general geodynamic framework of the Arabia- Eurasia collision. One of the striking pictures is the occurrence of opposite kinematics along the M-NT (and other range parallel faults within the south Central Alborz) and the North Tabriz fault systems that have the same trend. This shows the rapid variation of the regional stress field in the Northern Iran.
L'objectif de ce mémoire de thèse est l'étude de la tectonique récente et l'évaluation de l'aléa sismique pour trois villes importante, Téhéran, Tabriz et Zandjan, situées dans le nord-ouest de l'Iran. Dans la capitale de l'Iran, Téhéran, nous nous sommes concentrés sur le système de faille active de Mosha-Nord Téhéran. Nos travaux démontrent que ce système est essentiellement décrochant sénestre. Nos analyses paléosismologiques sur la portion est de ce système (dans la vallée de Tar) montrent au minimum les évidences de sept grands événements sismiques (M>7) pendant les derniers 10000 ans (l'intervalle de récurrence est de 1100 à 1400 ans). Les études que nous avons mené dans la partie centrale de ce système (région d'Abali) révèlent qu'il pourrait être la source du dernier événement sismique ayant affecté la ville de Téhéran en 1830 AD. Dans la région de Tabriz, nous nous sommes intéressés au segment SE de la faille décrochante dextre de Nord Tabriz où nous avons trouvé les évidences de trois grands séismes pendant les derniers 33500 ans. Nos études montrent que la faille Nord Tabriz qui est la portion centrale d'un système de faille (TFS) est constituée par deux segments NW et SE dextres. Notre étude paléosismologique suggère une variation de la vitesse qui diminue du NW vers SE le long de ces segments. Les extrémités ouest (Mishu) et est (Bozghush) de ce système correspondent à des zones compressives qui absorbent les déplacements horizontaux sur les segments NW et SE. D'un point de vue général la TFS est une partie d'un système de failles régionales (GSKT) qui relie une zone d'extension active dans la partie centrale de la collision Arabie-Eurasie et une zone de compression active à l'Est. Enfin, à Zandjan qui est une ville située dans une région de lacune sismique, nous avons découvert un important réseau de failles actives. Le tracé sud-est de ce réseau de failles passe par la ville de Zandjan. En conclusion, les localisations et les cinématiques des systèmes de faille étudiés sont discutées dans le cadre géodynamique général de la collision Arabie-Eurasie. On remarquera que la faille majeure de Nord Tabriz qui correspond essentiellement à un décrochement dextre a la même direction NW-SE que les décrochements sénestres présents dans la chaîne de l'Alborz (les failles de : Mosha, Talaghan et Manjil). Cette observation nécessite une variation de la direction de compression entre ces deux régions.
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00539739

tel-00539739
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00539739
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00539739/document
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00539739/file/thesesoleymani.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
In this study, we report new U-Pb zircon ages and amphibole and biotite 40Ar-39Ar cooling ages for igneous and metaigneous rocks from the eastern portion of the Borborema Province (NE Brazil). We combine these results with preliminary thermobarometric estimates and existing data to place constraints on the timing and duration of the Brasiliano-Pan-African Orogeny in northeastern Brazil and on the subsequent late- to post-orogenic history. The Alcantil orthogneiss contains a complex zircon population, but the youngest concordant analyses yielded an age of 632 ± 17 Ma (2σ). These grains have low Th/U ratios (<0.1), and the age of 632 Ma is therefore interpreted as dating the metamorphic event responsible for the acquisition of the gneissic fabric. In the Caruaru biotite amphibole orthogneiss, concordant analyses provided an age of 618 ± 4 Ma (2σ), which we relate to emplacement of the protolith of the Caruaru orthogneiss. Together with available U-Pb data from the literature, the 632-600 Ma age range is regarded as dating development of a regional flat-lying foliation coeval with high-grade metamorphism (upper amphibolite facies conditions). The 586 ± 3 Ma age (2σ) of the Panelas pluton is similar to those of other granitic plutons associated with a voluminous plutonism of high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic nature that occurred at 590-580 Ma. This plutonism slightly predated or was synchronous with development of large strike-slip shear zones. Amphibole grains yielded 40Ar-39Ar ages ranging from 584 ± 4 Ma to about 530 Ma, suggesting that regional temperatures remained near the closing temperature of this mineral (≈500 °C) for a long time. Most 40Ar-39Ar biotite ages range from 552 to 533 Ma, but two samples yielded plateau ages of 519 ± 5 Ma and 509 ± 5 Ma. The inferred rather slow cooling of the studied region possibly reflects low rates of unroofing, allowing persistence of a protracted thermal anomaly caused by the massive injection of magmas at the end of the Neoproterozoic.
ISSN: 0895-9811

hal-00745698
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00745698
DOI : 10.1016/j.jsames.2012.06.003

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
The Tapajós Domain in the Amazonian Craton comprises hundreds of gold occurrences mainly hosted by Paleoproterozoic granitic rocks, whose geotectonic evolution and deformation style are poorly understood. The Tocantinzinho granite hosts a large amount of gold, forming the largest gold deposit known in the Tapajós Domain. The Tocantinzinho area is formed by plutonic rocks cut by subvolcanic rocks shallowly emplaced and constrained by NW-SE strike-slip faults, probably in a transtensive site. The magmatism started with the emplacement of huge granodiorite that presently formed the basement country rocks (2007–1997Ma), it was followed by the Tocantinzinho granite magmatism (1989–1979 Ma), and the coeval to late andesite emplacement. Petrological and textural evidence suggest the complex and synchronous occurrence of tectonics and few magmatic events expressed by the emplacement of successive granite, aplite, pegmatite, andesite, and dacite. The magmatic event finished with the cooling of this set of rocks below c. 320 °C, at c. 1950 Ma. The cooling rates vary from c. 3.6–14.7°C/Ma, with an average of 7.5°C/Ma, indicating no important vertical exhumations. The elongated geometry of the Tocantinzinho granite and related rocks, features of solid-state deformation within granites and syntectonic deformation of some andesite dikes imply the existence of wrench type tectonic control. The I-type signature of these rocks, their high-K calc-alkaline and metaluminous to peraluminous affinities combined with the tectonic style indicate a post-collisional tectonic setting. Based on geochemical and structural constrains, the rocks from the Tocantinzinho area are interpreted as a part of the Creporizão Suite and probably represent the first expressions of this syn-to late-tectonic magmatism in the region. A continuous and progressive process of magmatic emplacement controlled by tectonics will be proposed and discussed in conclusion.
ISSN: 0895-9811

hal-01526936
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01526936
DOI : 10.1016/j.jsames.2017.02.003

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Geological Society of America
Résumé : International audience
The activity of subhorizontal decollements mapped by geologists in extensional provinces is not explained by rock mechanics principles, which predict that only steep faults can slip. These exposed decollements are therefore suspected to be inactive; they may correspond to rotated, formerly active, high-angle faults. However, growing seismological evidence of earthquakes with low-angle fault-plane mechanisms has forced us to revisit this viewpoint. Using the example of the Gulf of Corinth in Greece, we propose a mechanical model that explains how a weak, high-angle fault may form a low-angle decollement at depth. This decollement is uplifted in a second stage of extension, which allows the exhumation of a metamorphic core complex such as the northern Snake Range, Nevada.
ISSN: 0091-7613

hal-01419920
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01419920
DOI : 10.1130/0091-7613(2001)029<0439:CCMFTG>2.0

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
In order to estimate the seismic anisotropy of subducted crust, polycrystalline samples of KA1Si(3)O(8) K-lingunite (25% of the total subducted transformed sediments), have been synthesized and deformed under the temperature and pressure conditions of the subducted slabs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterizations of the recovered samples reveal that the microstructures are clearly dominated by [001] glide involving screw dislocations. For this reason, only {100} could be identified as glide planes, the question of [001] slip on {110} remains open. Few 1/2 < 111 > dislocations were observed gliding on {110} planes, which implies that 1/2 < 111 > {110} is a harder slip system than those involving [001] slip. The occurrence of sub-grain boundaries suggests that diffusion and climb might be active under these conditions.;To assess the texture of polycrystalline K-lingunite, the crystal preferred orientations (CP05) were calculated using visco-plastic self-consistent (VPSC) polycrystalline plasticity model in simple shear using the slip systems identified by TEM. Finally, the seismic properties of K-lingunite aggregates were calculated from the CPO and single crystal elasticity tensor. K-lingunite is predicted to have a high seismic anisotropy, which could combine constructively with one of the stishovite (same proportion as K-lingunite at the transition zone depth ranges).
ISSN: 0031-9201

hal-00534050
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00534050
DOI : 10.1016/j.pepi.2010.06.013

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 Masson
Résumé : Normal faulting mechanisms observed in the northern foothills of the Central–Western Pyrenees are remarkable, since one expects thrust faults at a convergent plate boundary. To understand the mechanisms involved, we used numerical modeling and investigated the impact of the following processes: gravitational potential energy associated with topography and dense crustal blocks; isostatic compensation in response to denudation and/or sedimentation. To decipher the effects of each process, we designed three model geometries and added a pre-existing weak fault where most of the seismicity occurs. To evaluate our model results, we derived the fault slip rate from the focal mechanisms in the region where we have the fault in our model. We found a slip rate of ∼15 m/Ma, which is in agreement with our modelling results. We conclude that flexural rebound induced by surface processes is able to explain the seismicity in Central–Western Pyrenees.
ISSN: 1631-0713

hal-01346028
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01346028
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01346028/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01346028/file/Genti.pdf
DOI : 10.1016/j.crte.2015.08.004

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Oxford University Press (OUP)
Résumé : International audience
The Taleghan fault (TF) is a major active fault of the Central Alborz mountain range in Iran. Located 50 km northwestwards of Tehran, this 80-km-long fault represents one of the major structures threatening 15 million people living in the capital of Iran and the surrounding cities (e.g. Karaj). The TF could be the source of some of the strongest historical earthquakes recorded in the Tehran region, notably the 958 AD event (estimated magnitude M 7.7). To characterize the kinematics and activity of the fault, we carried out a detailed morphological and palaeoseismological study combining aerial photographs, digital elevation models and fieldwork. We show that, unliked described so far, the TF is not a reverse fault but a left-lateral strike-slip fault with a normal component. Its strike, dip and rake within its eastern part are 105, 60 and -20/-40, respectively. Our palaeoseismological analysis shows that a sequence of 2-3 events with magnitudes M-w >= 7 occurred during the past 5300 years. If we consider a three-event scenario, the average recurrence interval is similar to 2000 years, and the most recent event is younger than 80 AD. If we consider a two-event scenario, the time interval between the second and the first events ranges between 3760 and 830 years, and the elapsed time since the last event ranges between 3529 and 1599 years. Combined with morphotectonics data, our palaeoseismological analysis allows estimating a minimum horizontal slip rate of 0.6-1.6 mm yr(-1) and a minimum vertical slip rate of similar to 0.5 mm yr(-1). Taking the similar to 450-m total vertical displacement observed across the fault, we conclude that the kinematical change along the TF (from reverse to left-lateral + normal) occurred similar to 1 Ma.
ISSN: 0956-540X

hal-00420896
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00420896
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00420896v2/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00420896/file/narariGJI2009.pdf
DOI : 10.1111/j.1365-246X.2009.04173.x

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

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

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
In the South Tien Shan range (Kyrgyzstan), the Late Paleozoic geodynamic evolution remains debated especially to the west of the Talas-Fergana fault (TFF) fault where suture-related high-pressure (HP) rocks are scarce. We provide new petrological and geochronological data on garnet amphibolites from the Chatkal range, to the west of the TFF, northwest of the South Tien Shan suture. These rocks are retrogressed eclogites. We used a micro-mapping approach combined with forward modeling and empirical thermobarometry to decipher the P–T path of these amphibolitized eclogites. The metamorphic peak conditions culminated at 490 ± 50 °C and 18.5 ± 2 kbar and were followed by higher temperature retrogression (∼560 °C at 11–7 kbar). In order to constrain the age of the HP stage, we dated allanite crystals texturally coeval to the HP mineral assemblage. Allanite grains dated in situ with a U–Pb LA-ICPMS methodology yield an age of 301 ± 15 Ma. Compared with previously published data for the east of the TFF, these P–T constraints allow improving the understanding of the Late Paleozoic geodynamic evolution of the South Tien Shan. To the east of TFF, the Turkestan Ocean closed around 320 Ma with the collision of the Tarim Craton with the Kazakh microcontinent. To the west of TFF, the Turkestan Ocean closed around 300 Ma, when the Alai block collided with the Kazakh microcontinent. This later collision involved nappe-stacking and intense subvertical folding in the western South Tien Shan. This complex folding explains the S-shape of the suture to the west of the TFF that cannot be observed in the eastern part. These new data allow us to propose a distinct tectonic evolution of the two sides of the TFF, which suggests that this fault was a major transform fault before being a strike-slip intra-continental fault.
ISSN: 0264-3707

hal-01347171
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01347171
DOI : 10.1016/j.jog.2015.06.005

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Geophysical Union
Résumé : International audience
New high-resolution marine data acquired aboard R/V Le Suroît was used to map active normal faults offshore Montserrat in greater detail. The main faults of the Montserrat-Havers fault zone have cumulative scarps up to 200 m high, and offset sedimentary layers by hundreds of meters. They are arranged in a right-stepping, en echelon, trans-tensional array, which confirms that they accommodate the left-lateral component of motion resulting from slip partitioning of oblique convergence along the volcanic arc. They cut across Montserrat's recent volcanic complex. Faulting and fissuring exerted control on the position of andesitic domes, which are aligned along the N110°E average fault trend. The ≈10 km-long fault segments that cross the island could produce damaging, M ≈ 6 events comparable to the shallow, 16 March 1985, Mw∼6.3 earthquake that ruptured a submarine, N140°E striking, left-lateral fault near Redonda.
ISSN: 0094-8276

insu-01586768
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01586768
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01586768/document
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01586768/file/Feuillet_et_al-2010-Geophysical_Research_Letters.pdf
DOI : 10.1029/2010GL042556

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
The Zandjan province is situated in the NW of Iran, at the junction between the southern termination of the Tabriz right-lateral strike-slip fault and the western end of the Alborz active mountain range. Despite this key location, in terms of active tectonics, there is no destructive earthquake reported in available historical seismicity catalogues. Even if a few low magnitude instrumental earthquakes have been recorded indicating that this area is actively deforming, the Zandjan region can be considered as a seismic gap. Based on detailed field investigations, digital elevation models (DEMs), satellite image and aerial photo interpretations, we have identified a major active fault network affecting this regions. It is mainly constituted by several west and est verging thrust faults, trending NW-SE to N-S, that clearly cut Late Quaternary to Holocene deposits. Evidences in the morphology indicate also that they accommodate some right-lateral slip component. This fault network can be divided into four major fault zones affecting Zandjan city (present day population over 500,000) and part of the Zandjan-Mianeh basin more to the west. Based on fault geometrical characteristics (fault length, segmentation ... ) and kinematics, the Zandjan fault system is certainly capable to produce moderate to large earthquakes (Mw = 6.5-7.0) and serious damages in the Zandjan city and surrounding areas. The study of these faults is, then, of major interest for seismic hazard assessment in Zandjan province where total population exceed 1.5 million but also to better understand present day geodynamic of NW Iran.
ISSN: 0040-1951

hal-00617526
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00617526
DOI : 10.1016/j.tecto.2011.04.012

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Field evidence for syn-deformation migmatization and crystallization along the Karakorum fault contradicts the study of Wang et al. (2012). The ages of such magmatic rocks provide minimum ages for the onset of deformation at similar to 23 Ma in North Ayilari and similar to 19 Ma in Tangtse. The onset of deformation at 12 Ma in the Ayilari range inferred by Wang et al. (2012) from a muscovite Ar/Ar age is a cooling age, thus only a minimum age. The similar to 60 Ma granodiorite bodies, the ophiolitic rocks and the south Kailash thrust that are correlated across the fault to provide a 52 +/- 2 km finite offset do not define reliable piercing points. Such observations as well as our previous work concur to show that the Karakorum fault initiated in the Oligo-Miocene, and has a long-term dextral slip-rate between 7.5 and 13 mm/yr, approximately twice that proposed by Wang et al. (2012).
ISSN: 0012-821X

hal-00829469
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00829469
DOI : 10.1016/j.epsl.2012.12.012

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Fault friction is a parameter that is difficult to assess along fault zones since its determination depends on the knowledge of any factor controlling the state of stress around faults. In brittle homogeneous rocks, a limited number of these factors, such as the shape of the fault surface, the vicinity of fault tips or the remote stress ratio, are crucial to constrain for this determination. In this paper, we propose to analyse a field example in which all these properties are met and where the nature of the slipped structure suggest differences in static friction. We compare the orientations of branching fractures at strike-slip relay zones between en echelon stylolites and en echelon joints both reactivated in shear. The field data are compared with both photoelastic and 3-D numerical models that consider the remote stress conditions and the role of the geometry of the strike-slip segments. Based on field observations, these analyses quantitatively demonstrate the significant role of fault friction on the local stress field orientation and subsequent fracture formation. This work points out that estimations of fault friction based on analyses of fracture patterns or in situ stresses must be accompanied with a thorough investigation of the 3-D fault shape, its segmentation and the remote stress state.
ISSN: 0191-8141

hal-00560999
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00560999
DOI : 10.1016/j.jsg.2010.01.008

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Homogenization models are widely used to predict the evolution of texture (crystal preferred orientations) and resulting anisotropy of physical properties in metals, rocks, and ice. They fail, however, in predicting two main features of texture evolution in simple shear (the dominant deformation regime on Earth) for highly anisotropic crystals, like olivine: (1) the fast rotation of the CPO towards a stable position characterized by parallelism of the dominant slip system and the macroscopic shear and (2) the asymptotical evolution towards a constant intensity. To better predict CPO-induced anisotropy in the mantle, but limiting computational costs and use of poorly-constrained physical parameters, we modified a viscoplastic self-consistent code to simulate the effects of subgrain rotation recrystallization. To each crystal is associated a finite number of fragments (possible subgrains). Formation of a subgrain corresponds to introduction of a disorientation (relative to the parent) and resetting of the fragment strain and internal energy. The probability of formation of a subgrain is controlled by comparison between the local internal energy and the average value in the polycrystal. A two-level mechanical interaction scheme is applied for simulating the intracrystalline strain heterogeneity allowed by the formation of low-angle grain boundaries. Within a crystal, interactions between subgrains follow a constant stress scheme. The interactions between grains are simulated by a tangent viscoplastic self-consistent approach. This two-level approach better reproduces the evolution of olivine CPO in simple shear in experiments and nature. It also predicts a marked weakening at low shear strains, consistently with experimental data.
ISSN: 0012-821X

hal-01243503
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01243503
DOI : 10.1016/j.epsl.2015.08.018

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Taylor & Francis: STM, Behavioural Science and Public Health Titles
Résumé : International audience
The dislocation microstructures in a single crystal of olivine deformed experimentally in uniaxial compression at 1090 °C and under a confining pressure of 300 MPa, have been investigated by transmission electron tomography in order to better understand deformation mechanisms at the microscale relevant for lithospheric mantle deformations. Investigation by electron tomography reveals microstructures, which are more complex than previously described, composed of and dislocations commonly exhibiting 3D configurations. Numerous mechanisms such as climb, cross-slip, double cross-slip as well as interactions like junction formations and collinear annihilations are the source of this complexity. The diversity observed advocates for microscale deformation of olivine significantly less simple than classic dislocation creep reported in metals or ice close to melting temperature. Deciphering mechanism of hardening in olivine at temperatures where ionic diffusion is slow and is then expected to play very little role is crucial to better understand and thus model deformation at larger scale and at temperatures (900–1100 °C) highly relevant for the lithospheric mantle.
ISSN: 1478-6443

hal-01667146
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01667146
DOI : 10.1080/14786435.2017.1367858

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Geophysical Union
Résumé : International audience
Past earthquake slips on faults are commonly determined by measuring morphological offsets at current ground surface. Because those offsets might not always be well preserved, we examine whether the first 10 m below ground surface contains relevant information to complement them. We focus on the Te Marua site, New Zealand, where 11 alluvial terraces have been dextrally offset by the Wellington fault. We investigated the site using pseudo-3D Ground Penetrating Radar and also produced a high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) of the zone to constrain the surface slip record. The GPR data reveal additional information: (1) they image the 3D stratigraphic architecture of the seven youngest terraces and show that they are strath terraces carved into graywacke bedrock. Each strath surface is overlain by 3-5 m of horizontally bedded gravel sheets, including two pronounced and traceable reflectors; (2) thanks to the multilayer architecture, terrace risers and channels are imaged at three depths and their lateral offsets can be measured three to four times, constraining respective offsets and their uncertainties more reliably; and (3) the offsets are better preserved in the subsurface than at the ground surface, likely due to subsequent erosion-deposition on the latter. From surface and subsurface data, we infer that Te Marua has recorded six cumulative offsets of 2.9, 7.6, 18, 23.2, 26, and 31 m (± 1-2 m). Large earthquakes on southern Wellington fault might produce 3-5 m of slip, slightly less than previously proposed. Pseudo-3D GPR thus provides a novel paleoseismological tool to complement and refine surface investigations
ISSN: 2169-9313

hal-00873350
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00873350
DOI : 10.1002/jgrb.50317

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
TEM Study of Heavitree quartzite deformed at high temperatures and a pressure of 1.5 GPa with three different preparations: water-added, vacuum dried, and sodium doped show a wide range of dislocation microstructure. The vacuum dried sample has a very heterogeneous dislocation distribution varying from almost no dislocations to very high densities. Dislocation nucleation occurs by cross-slip mechanisms, such as Frank-Read sources and Orowan loops around hard inclusions. Shear bands develop in the basal plane composed of two closely spaced shear planes. Dislocations have straight segments and they are aligned along directions of dense packing, suggesting strong Peierls stress control due to the crystal structure. No voids, bubbles or dislocation walls where observed in the vacuum dried sample. The sodium-doped sample had a homogeneous high dislocation density. The water-added sample has a significantly lower, relatively uniform dislocation density. Bubbles associated with dislocations are seen in every grain. Dislocations were either present in loops around bubbles or as straight dislocations with small bubbles spaced along the dislocation line. Some of the long straight dislocations are aligned parallel to the c-axis. Sub-grains where very frequent, sometimes form cells of about 2 p,m in diameter with straight edges. Analysis of dislocations show 1/3 < a > and [c] dislocations in sub-grain walls and free 1/3 < a > dislocations on prism planes. There is clear evidence for dislocation climb with sub-grain walls, dislocation cells, dislocation junctions and dislocation debris of small loops. The major difference between vacuum dried and water-added samples are the homogeneity of the microstructure and evidence for climb in the water-added sample. Glide is clearly difficult, with a high Peierls stress in the vacuum dried sample as shown by areas of very low and very high dislocation density and the crystallographic control of dislocation line direction. The sodium-doped sample indicates that nucleation was easy by the high homogenous dislocation density, but no climb recovery has taken place. The density is high and the dislocations are strongly interacting causing tangles; no evidence for crystallographic control can be observed at these levels of strain. The activation energy for creep in Heavitree quartzite decreases with inferred water content of the specimens form 185 kJ mol(-1) for vacuum dried to 151 for 0.4 wt% water-added samples. Analysis of diffusion data for oxygen under hydrothermal conditions and inferred diffusion data for the hydrogarnet defect and dislocation velocity suggests activation energies for these processes are similar to the activation energy for the dislocation creep of Heavitree quartzite and other quartz aggregates. For data from the previously published experiments with the highest stress resolution there is a correlation between the A pre-factor in the power law creep equation and the activation energy for creep. It is speculated that the correlation may be due to variable hydrogarnet defect concentrations.
ISSN: 0031-9201

hal-00413112
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00413112
DOI : 10.1016/j.pepi.2008.07.009

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
without abstract
ISSN: 0012-821X

hal-00413027
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00413027
DOI : 10.1016/j.epsl.2008.07.061