Éditeur(s) : Amer Geophysical Union
Résumé : The Algerian margin has originated from the opening of the Algerian basin about 25-30 Ma ago. The central margin provides evidence for large-scale normal faults of Oligo-Miocene age, whereas transcurrent tectonics characterizes the western margin. A set of NW-SE oriented dextral transform faults was active during basin opening and divided the 600 km long central margin into segments of similar to 120-150 km. The upper Miocene, Plio-Quaternary, and present-day tectonic setting is, however, compressional and supports the occurrence of a margin inversion, a process still poorly documented worldwide. We show that the central Algerian margin represents a rare example of inverted margin, where the process of subduction inception is particularly well expressed and helps understand how extensional and transtensive structures are involved in margin shortening. Using multibeam bathymetry and multichannel seismic reflection sections from the MAR-ADJA 2003 and 2005 cruises, we evidence Pliocene-Pleistocene shortening with contrasting styles along the margin between west (Khayr Al Din bank) and east (Boumerdes-Dellys margin) of Algiers. Pre-Miocene structures such as basement highs and transform faults appear to control changes of the deformation pattern along this part of the margin, resulting in different widths, geometries, and relative positions of folds and faults. Plio-Quaternary and active blind thrust faults do not reuse Oligo-Miocene normal and transform faults during inversion, but instead grow within the continental margin (as testified for instance by the 21 May 2003 M-w 6.8 Boumerdes-Zemmouri earthquake), at the foot of the continental slope and at the northern sides of basement highs interpreted as stretched continental blocks of the rifted margin. The inherited structures of the margin appear, therefore, to determine this deformation pattern and ultimately the earthquake and tsunami sizes offshore. The complex geometry of the fault system along the Algerian margin suggests a process of initiation of subduction in its central and eastern parts.
Tectonics (0278-7407) (Amer Geophysical Union), 2010-03 , Vol. 29 , N. TC2008 , P. 1-22

Droits : 2010 American Geophysical Union
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00008/11883/9286.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00008/11883/9287.pdf
DOI:10.1029/2009TC002547
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00008/11883/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
The Mosha and North Tehran faults correspond to the nearest seismic sources for the northern part of the Tehran megacity. The present-day structural relationships and the kinematics of these two faults, especially at their junction in Lavasanat region, is still a matter of debate. In this paper, we present the results of a morphotectonic analysis (aerial photos and field investigations) within the central part of the Mosha and eastern part of the North Tehran faults between the Mosha valley and Tehran City. Our investigations show that, generally, the traces of activity do not follow the older traces corresponding to previous long-term dip-slip thrusting movements. The recent faulting mainly occurs on new traces trending E-W to ENE-WSW affecting Quaternary features (streams, ridges, risers, and young glacial markers) and cutting straight through the topography. Often defining en-echelon patterns (right- and left-stepping), these new traces correspond to steep faults with either north- or south-dipping directions, along which clear evidences for left-lateral strike-slip motion are found. At their junction zone, the two sinistral faults display a left-stepping en-echelon pattern defining a positive flower structure system clearly visible near Ira village. Further west, the left-lateral strike-slip motion is transferred along the ENE-WSW trending Niavaran fault and other faults. The cumulative offsets associated with this left-lateral deformation is small compared with the topography associated with the previous Late Tertiary thrusting motion, showing that it corresponds to a recent change of kinematics.
ISSN: 0040-1951

hal-00617778
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00617778
DOI : 10.1016/j.tecto.2010.09.013

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Résumé : International audience
Subduction of a narrow slab of oceanic lithosphere beneath a tightly curved orogenic arc requires the presence of at least one lithospheric scale tear fault. While the Calabrian subduction beneath southern Italy is considered to be the type example of this geodynamic setting, the geometry, kinematics and surface expression of the associated lateral, slab tear fault offshore eastern Sicily remain controversial. Results from a new marine geophysical survey conducted in the Ionian Sea, using high-resolution bathymetry and seismic profiling reveal active faulting at the seafloor within a 140 km long, two-branched fault system near Alfeo Seamount. The previously unidentified 60 km long NW trending North Alfeo Fault system shows primarily strike-slip kinematics as indicated by the morphology and steep-dipping transpressional and transtensional faults. Available earthquake focal mechanisms indicate dextral strike-slip motion along this fault segment. The 80 km long SSE trending South Alfeo fault system is expressed by one or two steeply dipping normal faults, bounding the western side of a 500+ m thick, 5 km wide, elongate, syntectonic Plio-Quaternary sedimentary basin. Both branches of the fault system are mechanically capable of generating magnitude 6–7 earthquakes like those that struck eastern Sicily in 1169, 1542, and 1693.
ISSN: 0278-7407

insu-01256887
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01256887
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01256887/document
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01256887/file/GutscherEtal_2015_Tectonics.pdf
DOI : 10.1002/2015TC003898

Éditeur(s) : Amer Geophysical Union
Résumé : A tectonic model of the evolution of the northern half of the South Fiji Basin, including the Minerva Triple Junction and Cook Fracture Zone, is developed from regional gravity, multibeam bathymetry, and a new interpretation of magnetic anomalies pinned to radiometric dates of oceanic crust in the basin. The geometry and age of a portion of the Minerva Triple Junction and the Cook-Minerva spreading center (the connection from the triple junction to the Cook Fracture Zone, which accommodated coeval opening of the Norfolk Basin), are resolved with multibeam bathymetry and magnetics. The South Fiji Basin opened from about 34 to 15 Ma in an anticlockwise sweep about an Euler pole located at the northern end of the present Lau Ridge. This rotation and a rigidly straight southeastward motion of the Three Kings Ridge were accommodated by the configuration of the triple junction changing from ridge-fault-fault to ridge-ridge-fault to ridge-ridge-ridge. During this evolution the southeastern arm of the system, the Julia Fracture Zone, underwent several transformations and the Cook-Minerva spreading center experienced repeated ridge jumps. The kinematics of the northern South Fiji Basin dictate, to a large extent, the evolution of the southern South Fiji Basin and the Norfolk Basin. This in turn leads to the interpretation of a complex trench-trench-double transform fault framework at the northern New Zealand margin, which explains most aspects of the geology, structure, and arc volcanic history of the margin and provides a radical new setting for the origin of the Northland Allochthon.
Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems (1525-2027) (Amer Geophysical Union), 2011-02 , Vol. 12 , N. Q02004 , P. 1-20

Droits : 2011 American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00030/14112/11362.pdf
DOI:10.1029/2010GC003291
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00030/14112/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : The aim of this thesis is to analyze the variations in slip rates along strike-slip faults, in intracontinental domain, producing large earthquakes (M > 7.5). To illustrate these variations, this work has focused in two area located in the most tectonically active continental domains in the world: in the western part of Mongolia (Bogd and Bulnay faults) and in the northern part of Iran (Astaneh and Tabriz faults). Using morphotectonic and paleoseismological analyses, the kinematics, the slip rates and the recurrence times have been estimated and allow us to describe the characteristics of seismic cycle along these faults. In Mongolia, the slip rates are estimated at ~ 1,2 and ~ 2,6 mm/yr along the Bogd and the Bulnay faults, respectively, with no variations of geological slip rates over the late Pleistocene-Holocene period. These two faults present characteristic slips and similar recurrence times between large earthquakes. The paleoseismological investigations suggest that a cluster occurred 3000 years ago, similar to the seismic cluster recorded in Mongolia during the XX century. In Iran, the slip rate was estimated to 2 mm/yr along the Astaneh fault and the recurrence times are ranging from 1600 to 2200 years, associated with offsets comprised between 3 and 4,5 m. We have also estimated a slip rate of ~ 7 mm/yr along the Tabriz fault, in agreement with the present day rate estimated by GPS, suggesting no variations in the slip rate over the past 45 ka.
Ce travail de thèse a pour but d'analyser les variations de vitesses sur des grandes failles décrochantes en contexte intracontinental, capables de produire des séismes de très fortes magnitudes (M > 7.5). Afin d'illustrer ces variations d'activités, cette analyse a été effectuée sur deux zones d'études situées en domaine continental et sismiquement actives: la région ouest de la Mongolie (failles de Bogd et Bolnay) et le nord de l'Iran (failles d'Astaneh et de Tabriz). À partir d'une approche morphotectonique et paléosismologique, les cinématiques, les vitesses de failles et les intervalles de récurrence entre les séismes majeurs ont été estimés, permettant d'analyser les caractéristiques du cycle sismique sur chacune des failles. En Mongolie, les failles de Bogd et Bolnay présentent respectivement des vitesses de ~ 1,2 et 2,6 mm/an, qui semblent être constantes sur la période Pleistocène supérieur-Holocène. Ces deux failles présentent également des glissements caractéristiques et des intervalles de temps similaires entre les séismes majeurs. Les analyses paléosismologiques suggèrent qu'un essaim sismique comparable à celui enregistré au XXème siècle a eu lieu il y a environ 3000 ans. En Iran, une vitesse géologique de 2 mm/an a été estimée sur la faille d'Astaneh et les données paléosismologiques suggèrent des intervalles de récurrence de 1800 ans, associés à des déplacements en surface compris entre 3 et 4,5 m. Nous avons également estimé une vitesse de 7 mm/an sur la faille de Tabriz, en accord avec les données GPS, suggérant que la vitesse sur cette faille est constante depuis 45 ka.
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00591794

tel-00591794
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00591794
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00591794/document
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00591794/file/these_rizza.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Lithospheric-scale faults related to oblique subduction are responsible for some of the most hazardous earthquakes reported worldwide. The mega-thrust in the Sunda sector of the Sumatran oblique subduction has been intensively studied, especially after the infamous 2004 Mw 9.1 earthquake, but its onshore kinematic complement within the Sumatran subduction, the transform Sumatran Fault System, has received considerably less attention. In this paper, we apply a combination of analysis of Digital Elevation Models (ASTER GDEM) and field evidence to resolve the kinematics of the leading edge of deformation of the northern sector of the Sumatran Fault System. To this end, we mapped the northernmost tip of Sumatra, including the islands to the northwest, between 4.5°N and 6°N. Here, major topographic highs are related to different faults. Using field evidence and our GDEM structural mapping, we can show that in the area where the fault bifurcates into two fault strands, two independent kinematic regimes evolve, both consistent with the large-scale framework of the Sumatran Fault System. Whereas the eastern branch is a classic Riedel system, the western branch features a fold-and-thrust belt. The latter contractional feature accommodated significant amounts (c. 20%) of shortening of the system in the study area. Our field observations of the tip of the NSFS match a strain pattern with a western contractional domain (Pulau Weh thrust splay) and an eastern extensional domain (Pulau Aceh Riedel system), which are together characteristic of the tip of a propagating strike-slip fault, from a mechanical viewpoint. For the first time, we describe the strain partitioning resulting from the propagation of the NSFS in Sumatra mainland. Our study helps understanding complex kinematics of an evolving strike-slip system, and stresses the importance of field studies in addition to remote sensing and geophysical studies.
ISSN: 0040-1951

hal-01467196
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01467196
DOI : 10.1016/j.tecto.2016.04.050

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
This study analyzes the active tectonics within the northwestern and southeastern extensions of the Pambak-Sevan-Syunik fault (PSSF), a major right-lateral strike-slip fault cutting through Armenia. Quantifying the deformations in terms of geometry, kinematics, slip rates and earthquake activity, using cosmogenic 3He, OSL/IRSL and radiocarbon dating techniques, reveal different behaviors between the two regions. Within the northwestern extension, in the region of Amasia, the PSSF bends to the west and splits into two main WNW–ESE trending reverse faults defining a compressional pop-up structure. We estimate an uplift rate and a shortening rate of 0.5 ± 0.1 mm/y and 1.4 ± 0.6 mm/y, respectively. This suggests that most of the ∼2 mm/y right lateral movement of the PSSF seems to be absorbed within the Amasia pop-structure. Within the southeastern extension, the PSSF shows signs of dying out within the Tsghuk Volcano region at the southernmost tip of the Syunik graben. There, the tectonic activity is characterized by a very slow NS trending normal faulting associated with a slight right-lateral movement. Slip rates analyses (i.e. vertical slip rate, EW stretching rate at 90° to the fault, and right-lateral slip rate of ∼0.2 mm/y, ∼0.1 mm/y and ∼0.05 mm/y, respectively) lead to the conclusion that the right lateral movement observed further north along the PSSF is mainly transferred within other active faults further west within the Karabagh (Hagari fault or other structures further northwestwards). Comparing our slip rates with those estimated from GPS data suggests that most of the deformation is localized and seismic, at least within the Tsghuk region. The geometrical and kinematic pattern observed within the two terminations of the PSSF suggests that the fault and its surrounding crustal blocks are presently rotating anticlockwise, as also observed within the GPS velocity field. This is consistent with the recent kinematic models proposed for the Caucasus-Kura-South Caspian region and brings a new insight into the present geodynamics of Armenia.
ISSN: 1040-6182

hal-01307342
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01307342
DOI : 10.1016/j.quaint.2015.05.021

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD MAIK Nauka/Interperiodica
Résumé : International audience
The paper is concerned with the kinematics of the major faults, their pattern, and the time of occurrence of compression and extension deformations in the southeast of the Eastern Sayan. The geometry of the mountain ranges and the kinematics of the major faults exhibit northeast-oriented compression responsible for the current processes of relief formation, which corresponds to the direction of the vector of deformations associated with the Indo-Asian collision. The results obtained thus far may be indicative of the remote influence of collision on the orogenic activity and transpressional deformations in the Eastern Sayan since the end of the Miocene. Morphotectonic analysis has shown that the areas of Quaternary extension- related deformations in the Eastern Sayan are not a response to active rifting in the Baikal Rift Zone. The position and geometry of the subsided blocks and magma ruptures point to the fact that they form locally as extension structural elements near the strike-slip faults. The strike-slip and thrust faults are widespread and play the leading role in the development of the southeastern part of the Eastern Sayan.
ISSN: 0016-8521

insu-00667345
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-00667345
DOI : 10.1134/S001685211101002X

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
Résumé : In Taiwan , the subduction of the Chinese continental margin under the Luzon arc results in the progressive growth of an active orogenic wedge. It is one of the best places to study the complex relationships that occurs between the tectonic processes controlling deformation (plate rheology and kinematics, metamorphism and magmatism) and surface processes (erosion and sedimentation). In order to study the kinematics of the present day convergence of Philippine Sea plate to the Asian continent around Taiwan, we perform 2D and 3D sandbox modeling and we analyzed the models with PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) software. In 2D experiments, a model Coulomb wedge is submitted to erosion and sedimentation under topography and flux steady state conditions. The 3D experiments are mainly used to study the escape tectonics occurring in the middle west and southwest Taiwan. A wedge shaped indenter and a basement relief were used to simulate the mechanical plate boundary between Philippine Sea plate and Eurasia plate and the basement topography to the west of Taiwan respectively. We examine the exhumation patterns, the mode of fault propagation and displacement patterns by strain partitioning of vertical vs. horizontal displacement and convergent parallel vs. orogen parallel components. The preliminary conclusions are: 1. The interactions between tectonics, erosion and sedimentation control geometry and kinematics of the doubly vergent transpressional orogen. 2. Exhumation processes are controlled by the balance between erosion, frontal accretion and underplating in different structural domains of the wedge. 3. Retrowedge erosion favorites backfolding and backthrusting, induces flower structures and fan shaped cleavage distribution. 4. Sedimentation promotes underplating and out-of sequences thrusting. 5. Continental subduction or subduction of topographic highs will enhance underthrusting/underplating, thick-skin tectonics and inversion of sedimentary basin.
Bolletino di Geofisica teorica ed applicata

hal-00411133
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00411133

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Located in central Europe at the junction of the Southern Alps and the Dinarides, the ≈ 100 km long Idrija fault, striking N310 and dipping ≈ 80°NE is often considered as the potential source of the historical 1511 earthquake (estimated macroseismic magnitude: Mm 6.8). Using 1/25,000 to 1/5000 topographical maps, satellite images (SPOT5), 12.5 m illuminated DEM and airborne LiDAR data-derived 1-m-DEM, we examined in detail the Idrija fault trace along a 20-km-long swath in the central portion of the fault. Combining topographic and remote sensing data allows characterizing the recent activity along the Idrija fault and estimating its cumulative displacement along strike.Between Tolmin and Godovič, the fault trace is mostly linear but appears divided into three disconnected segments of 11–20-km-long. Morphological evidences such as offset streams and ridges and major drainage abandonments suggest ongoing movement. At three sites, field observations and LiDAR-DEM analysis allow measuring cumulative dextral offsets comprised between 35 and 65 m. We found two larger offsets of ≈ 140 m and ≈ 360 m at the southeasternmost site. The vertical component is significant and revealed by a rake ranging from 0 to 33°. The derived N303–N310 striking slip-vector is in agreement with the motion along this fault as suggested by the geodesy. Assuming that the smallest measured offsets have been recorded after the last glacial maximum (LGM, about 20 ka ago), the minimum slip-rate for the Idrija fault is about 1.5 mm/yr over this period of time.
ISSN: 0040-1951

hal-01115724
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01115724
DOI : 10.1016/j.tecto.2014.04.043

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) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : Fault zones are major discontinuities in sedimentary basins. Understanding their role on fluid migrations is an essential issue to (i) characterize the mechanisms and kinematics of deformation and (ii) to determine the parameters which control the distribution of energetic or mineral resources. This work applies to faulting under a temperature range of 200-250°C, corresponding to that of deeply buried reservoirs as well as potentially seismogenic fault zones. The studied faults are normal faults affecting the “Grès d’Annot” Formation, a Priabonian-Rupelian siliclastic turbidite succession of the Alpine foreland basin. They are located in two distinct areas: the Moutière-Restefond area in the eastern part of the basin and the Estrop area in the western part. Vitrinite reflectance outside fault zones indicates maximal temperatures of 240-260°C at Moutière-Restefond and 170-200°C at Estrop, i.e. burial depths around 8 km and 6 km, respectively, assuming a mean geothermal gradient of 30°C/km. Burial was due to underthrusting below the Embrunais-Ubaye Alpine nappes, the difference in burial between the two areas traducing the westward taper of the nappe front.The studied faults affect alternating arkosic sandstone beds and pelite layers with offsets from centimeters to decameters. Two types of core zones are recognized: (1) the foliated core zones of the Moutière-Restefond area, where deformation dominated by pressure solution and synkinematic phyllosilicate neoformation resulted in a foliated fabric, and (2) the core zones of the Estrop area, characterized by dilatant quartz-mineralized veins and breccia. Fault and host rock petrophysical properties were measured on drill plugs, using the water porosity technique and nitrogen permeability technique under 2 Mpa of confining pressure. In the Moutière-Restefond fault zones, plug axes were oriented in three orthogonal directions corresponding to the main deformation axes (X, Y, Z) of the foliated arkose to characterize the effect of structural anisotropy. In the Estrop fault zones, where deformation does not show equivalent anisotropy, the plug axes were oriented according to the main fault plane orientation (i.e., parallel to azimuth, parallel to dip and normal). In each fault zone, the porosity of fault rocks is equivalent to that of host rocks. In the Moutière-Restefond fault zones, the plugs parallel to the X and Z axes of deformation have a permeability similar to that of the host rocks, whereas permeability parallel to the Y axis (i.e. parallel to the foliation and the main fault plane) is one order of magnitude higher. By contrast, the permeability values in the Estrop fault zones are isotropic and equivalent to the host rock values. This study highlights the importance of various types of deformation mechanisms and related fluid-rock interactions in determining different fault rock types within a similar protolith, ultimately controlling distinct petrophysical properties of fault zones.
Les zones de failles constituent des discontinuités majeures dans la croûte supérieure. Ce mémoire s’intéresse aux failles actives à des profondeurs de 5-8 km, i.e. dans des conditions pouvant jouer un rôle important (i) sur le comportement mécanique de de la croûte, en particulier sur son potentiel sismogénique et (ii) sur la compartimentation des réservoirs géologiques profondément enfouis.Les failles étudiées sont des failles normales (rejet jusqu’à 50 mètres) affectant des alternances de bancs de grès arkosiques et de pélites dans les Grès d’Annot, une formation turbiditique d’âge priabonien-rupélien du bassin d’avant-chaine alpin. Les Grès d’Annot ont été enfouis sous les nappes de l’Embrunais-Ubaye peu de temps après leur dépôt et exhumés au Miocène moyen-supérieur. L’étude a été réalisée dans deux secteurs des Alpes de Haute-Provence, (1) le secteur de l’Estrop (chaine des Trois Evéchés, dans la partie occidentale du bassin) et (2) le secteur de Point Vert-Restefond (alentours du col de la Bonette, dans la partie orientale du bassin). La réflectance de la vitrinite dans les Grès d’Annot indique des températures maximales de 160-190°C dans le secteur (1) et de 240-260 °C dans le secteur (2) , soit des profondeurs d’enfouissement de 5-6 km et 8-10 km, respectivement, dans l’hypothèse d’un gradient géothermique moyen de 25-30°C/km. A partir des observations microstructurales, de données d’inclusions de fluides, de modélisations thermodynamiques sur chlorites syncinématiques et des indices de cristallinité de l’illite, on a établi que les failles du secteur (1) ont fonctionné à une température d’environ 200°C pour une pression de 0.6Kbar et celles du secteur (2) dans une gamme de température de 200-220°C et de pression comprise entre 0.6 et 1.1 Kba. L’activité de la faille de Point-Vert a été datée par la méthode 40Ar/39Ar au Miocène inférieur (21 Ma). Ces failles sont interprétées comme associées aux premiers stades du soulèvement résultant de l’activité des chevauchements dans le socle sous-jacent.Deux types principaux de roches de failles caractérisent les failles étudiées. Les brèches dilatantes sont majoritaires dans les zones de failles du secteur (1) alors que les arkoses foliées sont majoritaires dans les zones de failles du secteur (2). Les brèches dilatantes témoignent de mécanismes de déformation dominés par la fracturation transgranulaire et la pression-solution des silicates. Ce dernier mécanisme se manifeste principalement par d’abondantes précipitations cycliques de quartz, les stylolites restant peu développés. Les géométries structurales sont associées à l’activation de plans T de Riedel déterminant l’ouverture de relais extensifs et un régime localement dilatant. Nous associons ce type de roche de faille à une faible pression effective au cours de la déformation.La déformation cisaillante exprimée dans les arkoses foliées témoigne de mécanismes de déformation dominés par (i) la fracturation intragranulaire et transgranulaire, (ii) la pressionsolution/ précipitation des silicates, principalement le quartz, (iii) la néoformation de micas blancs liée à l’altération des feldspaths et (iv) la précipitation de chlorite. Ce travail montre également que les transformations minéralogiques liées aux interactions fluide-roche dans la zone de faille (forte augmentation de la proportion des phyllosilicates au dépend des feldspaths) changent radicalementla composition minéralogique de la roche. Nous associons ce type de roche de faille à une forte pression effective au cours de la déformation.La pétrophysique montre que les brèches de failles (secteur 1) ont une perméabilité isotrope et équivalente à celle du protolithe (10-3mD sous 2 MPa de confinement) tandis que les roches foliées (secteur 2) montrent une augmentation de perméabilité (10-2mD) selon l’axe Y de la déformation, d’un ordre de grandeur supérieure aux perméabilités suivant les axes X et Z et dans la roche hôte (10-3mD). Ce drain préférentiel potentiel est associé à l’orientation des phyllosilicates dans la foliation.
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01310382

tel-01310382
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01310382
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01310382/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01310382/file/Th%C3%A8seCAVAILHES2012.pdf

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
Résumé : The North Tehran Fault is located at the southernmost piedmont of Central Alborz, north of Iran. It stands out as a major active fault menacing directly the city of Tehran, a 12 million people metropolis, and would have been the source of several major historical earthquakes in the past. The fault zone extends up to 110km and corresponds mainly to a reverse fault mostly crossing the northern suburbs of the Tehran metropolis, although NTF in its eastern part is characterized more as a left lateral strike slip active fault. We carried out a paleoseismological study of the fault zone in order to determine whether the fault was activated during the Holocene, and to define the characteristics of its activity in terms of kinematics and magnitude. Here in this paper we present only a part of our paleoseismological investigations trench TE2. Observations fromtwo trenches dug across the North Tehran fault scarp reveal evidence for a maximum of six surface-rupturing events within the late quaternary. According to the empirical relationships among average displacement per event and Moment magnitude [25], we can estimate six events Mw~ 6.5 associated with these ruptures in TE2 trench.
Journal of Seismology and Earthquake Engineering

hal-00758375
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00758375

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Société géologique de France
Résumé : New-Caledonia island consists of an ultramafic nappe thrusted over a continental and arc-derived basement as the result of the closure of a back-arc basin during the upper Eocene. The morphology of New-Caledonia is mostly characterized by its elongated shape and rectilinear coastline. Indeed, the western and eastern edges of the island are delineated by N140 trending normal faults that are well imaged on seismic lines. Major tectonic lineaments onland, including the scarps corresponding to the main boundary of the ultramafic nappe, also trend N140 suggesting a morphotectonic control by faults having similar kinematics (longitudinal flexure-fault of previous authors). We provide detailed observations from some of these scarps demonstrating indeed that these are not erosional features in origin. We explore the possibility that such surfaces do represent major tectonic limits that accommodated extension and significant tectonic thinning of both the peridotite nappe and its basement. Remnants of a complex extensional fault zone, 200 m wide, are still preserved along the western scarp of the Mont Dore mountain, close to Noumea city. The deformed zone is composed of an early shallow dipping detachment fault, some decimeters thick, offset by a group of late high angle normal faults and is bounded by cataclastic breccias that progressively pass into the fractured host peridotite. The late high angle fault zones have been the site of important syn-tectonic fluid circulation and are underlined by cm-thick silica infills bearing vertical striae. Typical morphology of the main scarps with break of slope is related to the combination of high angle normal faults and low angle detachment. Similar shallow dipping detachment surfaces have been observed along the east coast of southern New-Caledonia as well as within the ultramafic nappe itself and its basement. This study confirms that N140 oriented, large fault zones, with pure-normal to transtensional component of displacement, controlled the morphotectonic evolution of New-Caledonia at the regional scale, after the obduction of ophiolite nappe at the end of the Eocene. Such a fact has to be taken into account when attempting to reconstruct the post-obduction evolution of the island and more particularly when considering the development and distribution of the Ni-rich lateritic surfaces.
EISSN: 1777-5817

hal-00411855
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00411855
DOI : 10.2113/gssgfbull.179.3.315

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : When the upper crust below the mountain ranges shows crustal extension with a direction collinear to the convergence direction, it is generally accepted that it is the result of gravitational collapse. However, recent studies challenge this paradigm by showing that erosion induces uplift and extension in the central part of the low convergent mountain ranges. In this study, we investigate the impact of denudation on the seismotectonic regime of mountain ranges.In order to identify a relationship between seismotectonic regime and erosion, the first part of this work presents a compilation of data in the mountain ranges. Based on these observations, a simple kinematic model is proposed to predict the seismotectonic regime of the study ranges.For low convergence rate and moderate mean elevation ranges, this model predicts an extension regime when the denudation rate is 15% higher than the convergence rate.The second part is devoted to the development of thermomechanical 2D finite element models to study the impact of surface processes on the deformation of the Pyrenees. The results show that the isostatic response to erosion reactivates pre-existing structures. The kinematics of an inherited fault plane can be predicted due to the gradient of the horizontal surface velocity profile. Thus, a plane located in the eroded zone is reactivated in normal fault when near the border of the erosion area, this same plane is reactivated in reverse fault. These results suggest that the current deformation in the North Pyrenean Zone could be the result of surface processes.Given the small number of studies quantifying erosion rates in the Pyrenees, the models developed in the second part suffer from high uncertainty. To remedy this, we study the central Pyrenees through a study that combines two types of data : watershed denudation rates from cosmogenic isotopes concentration, and incision rates from sediments buried in the karst. These results are presented in chapter 3. Denudation profiles obtained are consistent with reactivation of a normal fault plane located in the North Zone of the Central Pyrenees.From our study in the Pyrenees, a good correlation appears between the value of the rate of erosion and the glacier occupation. Given that the glaciers where more developed in the Alps, it raises the question of the impact of the late-würmian deglaciation on the present deformation of this range. A numerical model detailing this relationship is presented in the fourth chapter. Theresults show that deglaciation of the western Alps is controlled by the rheological heterogeneity of the crust. Some of our models predict uplift rates consistent with those highlighted by geodesy.
Lorsque l’extension de la croûte sous les parties hautes des chaînes de montagnes est colinéaire à la direction de convergence, il est traditionnellement admis que le moteur est l’effondrement gravitaire. Pourtant, des études récentes remettent en cause ce paradigme en montrant que l’érosion induit un soulèvement et de l’extension dans la partie centrale des chaînes de montagne à faible taux de convergence. L’objectif de notre étude est d’étudier l’impact de la dénudation de la topographie sur le régime sismo-tectonique des chaînes de montagnes.La première partie de ce travail présente une compilation de données dans les chaînes de montagnes afin de dégager des relations entre régime sismo-tectonique et érosion. Sur la base de ces observations, un modèle cinématique simple permettant de prévoir le régime de la chaîne est proposé. Ainsi, pour les chaînes à faible taux de convergence et d’élévation moyenne, ce modèleprédit de l’extension lorsque le taux de dénudation est 15% plus élevé que le taux de convergence.La deuxième partie est consacrée au développement d’un modèle thermo-mécanique 2D en éléments finis pour étudier l’impact des processus de surface sur la déformation des Pyrénées.Les résultats montrent que la réponse isostatique à l’érosion permet de réactiver des structurespré-existantes. La cinématique d’un plan de faille hérité peut être prédite grâce au gradient du profil des vitesses de surface horizontales. Ainsi, un plan situé dans la zone d’érosion est réactivé en faille normale alors qu’en bordure de cette zone une faille est réactivée en régime inverse. Ces résultats suggèrent que la déformation actuelle des Pyrénées pourrait être la conséquence d’unprocessus d’érosion.Compte tenu du faible nombre d’études quantifiant les taux d’érosion dans les Pyrénées, les modèles développés dans la deuxième partie souffrent d’une forte incertitude. Pour y remédier, nous avons cherché à les quantifier dans les Pyrénées Centrales grâce à une étude qui combine deux types de données : taux de dénudation des bassins versants à partir des isotopes cosmogéniques, et vitesses d’incision à partir des sédiments piégés dans les karsts. Ces résultats sontprésentés dans la troisième partie. Les profils de dénudation obtenus sont compatibles avec unrejeu en faille normale d’un plan situé dans la Zone Nord Pyrénéenne des Pyrénées Centrales.Notre étude dans les Pyrénées, montre une bonne corrélation entre la valeur du taux d’érosion et la cartographie de l’occupation glaciaire. Les glaciers ayant été plus développés dans les Alpes, cela pose la question de l’impact de la déglaciation tardi-Wurmienne sur la déformation actuelle de cette chaîne. Un modèle numérique détaillant cette relation est présenté dans le quatrième chapitre. Les résultats montrent que la déglaciation des Alpes occidentales est contrôléepar l’hétérogénéité rhéologique de la croute. Certains de nos modèles prédisent des vitesses de surrection compatibles avec celles mises en évidence par la géodésie.
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01262333

tel-01262333
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01262333
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01262333/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01262333/file/these-Genti-2015-postjury.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Résumé : International audience
The Ama Drime range located at the transition between the high Himalayan range and south Tibet is a N-S active horst that offsets the South Tibetan Detachment System (STDS). Within the horst, a paragneissic unit, possibly attributed to the upper Himalayan crystalline series, overly the lower Himalayan crystalline series Ama Drime orthogneissic unit containing large metabasite layers and pods that have experienced pressure >= 1.4 GPa. Combining structural analysis with new and published pressure-temperature (P-T) estimates as well as U-Th/Pb, Ar-39/Ar-40 and (U-Th)/He ages, the P-T-deformation-time (P-T-D-t) paths of the main units within and on both sides of the horst are reconstructed. They imply that N-S normal faults initiated prior to 11 Ma and have accounted for a total exhumation <= 0.6 GPa (22 km) that probably occurred in two phases: the first one until similar to 9 Ma and the second one since 6 to 4 Ma at a rate of similar to 1 mm/yr. In the Ama Drime unit, 1 to 1.3 GPa (37 to 48 km) of exhumation occurred after partial melting since similar to 30 Ma until similar to 13 Ma, above the Main Central Trust (MCT) and below the STDS when these two fault systems were active together. The switch from E-W (STDS) to N-S (Ama Drime horst) normal faulting between 13 and 12 Ma occurs at the time of propagation of thrusting from the MCT to the Main Boundary Thrust. These data are in favor of a wedge extrusion or thrust system rather than a crustal flow model for the building of the Himalaya. We propose that the kinematics of south Tibet Cenozoic extension phases is fundamentally driven by the direction and rate of India underthrusting.
ISSN: 0278-7407

hal-00486405
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00486405
DOI : 10.1029/2009TC002551

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Oxford University Press (OUP)
Résumé : International audience
A network of 54 survey GPS sites, 28 continuous GPS stations and three absolute gravity (AG) observation sites have been set up in the Alborz mountain range to quantify the present-day kinematics of the range. Our results allow us to accurately estimate the motion of the South Caspian block (SCB) for the first time, and indicate rotation of the SCB relative to Eurasia, accounting for the left lateral motion in the Alborz range. In light of these new results, it clearly appears that deformation rates vary along the range, the eastern part accommodating mainly left lateral strike slip (2 mm yr(-1) south of the range and 5 mm yr(-1) north of the range) with a very low range normal shortening rate on the Khazar thrust fault (similar to 2 mm yr(-1)), and the western part accommodating range normal shortening (similar to 6 mm yr-1) on the Khazar thrust fault with a left lateral component of similar to 2 mm yr(-1) north of the range and 1 mm yr(-1) south of the range. These present-day kinematics agree with geomorphologic estimated slip rates, but not the long-term deformation, corroborating the idea that the kinematics of the range have changed recently due to the change of SCB motion.;Modelling of the interseismic deformation suggests a deep locking depth on the central-western segment of the Khazar fault (similar to 30 km) in agreement with the Baladeh earthquake rupture and aftershock ranging between 10 and 30 km. Given this unusual deep locking depth and the 34 degrees dip of the thrust, a large part of the Alborz range is located above the seismically coupled part of the fault. Based on our AG measurements this part of the range seems to uplift at a rate of 1-5 mm yr(-1), in agreement with terrace uplift.
ISSN: 0956-540X

hal-00617146
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00617146
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00617146v2/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00617146/file/djamour2010.pdf
DOI : 10.1111/j.1365-246X.2010.04811.x

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Geophysical Union
Résumé : International audience
The North Tehran Fault (NTF) is located at the southernmost piedmont of Central Alborz and crosses the northern suburbs of the Tehran metropolis and adjacent cities, where ∼15 million people live. Extending over a length of about 110 km, the NTF stands out as a major active fault and represents an important seismic hazard for the Iranian capital after historical seismicity. In order to characterize the activity of the NTF in terms of kinematics, magnitude and recurrence intervals of earthquakes, we carried out a first paleoseismological study of the fault within its central part between Tehran and Karaj cities. We opened a trench across a 3 m-high fault scarp affecting Quaternary deposits. Our study shows that the scarp is the result of repeated events along a main N115°E trending shallow dipping thrust fault, associated with secondary ruptures. From the trench analysis and Infrared Stimulated Luminescence (IRSL) dating of fault-related sediments, we interpreted between 6 and 7 surface-rupturing events that occurred during the past 30 kyrs. Their magnitudes (estimated from the displacements along the faults) are comprised between 6.1 and 7.2. The two last events - the largest - occurred during the past 7.9 ± 1.2 ka, which yields a Holocene slip rate of ∼0.3 mm/yr. The 7 earthquakes scenario suggests a regular periodicity with a mean recurrence interval of ∼3.8 kyrs. However, the two most recent events could correspond to the two largest historical earthquakes recorded in the area (in 312-280 B.C. and 1177 A.D.), and therefore suggest that the NTF activity is not regular.
ISSN: 0148-0227

hal-00757568
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00757568
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00757568v2/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00757568/file/ritz2012.pdf
DOI : 10.1029/2012JB009147