Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Geological Society of America
Résumé : orogenic wedges
Interaction between surface and tectonic processes plays a key role in the structural evolution, kinematics, and exhumation of rocks in orogenic wedges. The deformation patterns observed in analog models show that strain partitioning has a strong impact on the vertical component of displacement of tectonic units, which in return favors erosion in domains of important uplift. Partitioning is controlled by tectonic processes and by climate-dependent surface processes, including erosion and sedimentation. The effects of partitioning include localization of deformed domains, exhumation above areas of deep underplating, and steady-state maintenance of wedges for long time periods. Simple models illustrate well how the morphostructural evolution of mountain belts is determined by these complex interactions.
ISSN: 1052-5173

hal-00558931
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00558931
DOI : 10.1130/GSATG48A.1

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Geological Society of America
Résumé : If the net flux to the island arc crust is primitive arc basalt, the evolved composition of most arc magmas entails the formation of complementary thick ultramafic keels at the root of the island arc crust. Dunite, wehrlite, and Cr-rich pyroxenite from the Jijal complex, constituting the Moho transition zone of the Kohistan paleo–island arc (northern Pakistan), are often mentioned as an example of high-pressure cumulates formed by intracrustal fractionation of mantle-derived melts, which were later extracted to form the overlying mafic crust. Here we show that calculated liquids for Jijal pyroxenites-wehrlites are strongly rare earth element (REE) depleted and display flat or convex-upward REE patterns. These patterns are typical of boninites and are therefore unlike those of the overlying mafic crust that have higher REE concentrations and are derived from light rare earth element (LREE)–enriched melts similar to island arc basalt. This observation, along with the lower 208Pb/204Pb and 206Pb/204Pb ratios of Jijal pyroxenites-wehrlites relative to gabbros, rejects the hypothesis that gabbros and ultramafic rocks derive from a common melt via crystal fractionation. In the 208Pb/204Pb versus 206Pb/204Pb diagram, ultramafic rocks and gabbros lie on the same positive correlation, suggesting that their sources share a common enriched mantle 2 (EM2) signature but with a major depleted component contribution for the ultramafic rocks. These data are consistent with a scenario whereby the Jijal ultramafic section represents a Moho transition zone formed via melt-rock reaction between subarc mantle and incoming melt isotopically akin to Jijal gabbroic rocks. The lack in the Kohistan arc of cogenetic ultramafic cumulates complementary to the evolved mafic plutonic rocks implies either (1) that a substantial volume of such ultramafic cumulates was delaminated or torn out by subcrustal mantle flow from the base of the arc crust in extraordinarily short time scales (0.10–0.35 cm/yr), or (2) that the net flux to the Kohistan arc crust was more evolved than primitive arc basalt.
ISSN: 0091-7613

hal-00406688
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00406688
DOI : 10.1130/G23675A.1

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Geological Society of London
Résumé : International audience
In Eastern China, the North China Block (NCB) has experienced a complex tectonic evolution during Late Palaeozoic to Mesozoic times. The unconformable sedimentary cover, which ranges in age from Neoproterozoic to Permian, underwent two tectonic episodes in Early Triassic and Cretaceous times. An early north–south compressional phase, D1, characterized by north-verging recumbent folds with east–west-trending axes and top-to-the-north ductile shear zones can be observed in a gabbroic pluton and the Neoproterozoic sedimentary host rocks. The available radiometric ages allow us to interpret this event as an Early Triassic back-thrusting related to the final stage of the collision between the North China and South China Blocks. During the LateMesozoic, an extensional event characterized by (1) half-grabens filled by continental terrigeneous red beds and lava flows, (2) low-angle detachment faults, (3) synkinematic granitic plutons, and (4) metamorphic core complexes is widespread in the Eastern Liaoning Peninsula. This extensional D2 event can be subdivided into a ductile deformation and a brittle deformation, corresponding to different expressions of crustal deformation. In every area studied in the Eastern Liaoning Peninsula, the ductile D2 deformation is characterized by a NW–SE-trending stretching lineation with a top-to-the-NWsense of shear.Mica and amphibole fromthe metamorphic country rocks, granodioritic or monzogranitic plutons and their mylonitized margins yield 40Ar/39Ar ages ranging from 130 to 120 Ma. These dates support fast cooling and exhumation rates coeval with the extensional tectonics. The brittle D2 deformation is responsible for the formation of high-angle normal faults marked by low-temperature cataclasites bounding half-grabens. During the Mesozoic, the tectonic regime of Eastern China experienced a significant inversion from compression to extension. The Eastern Liaoning Peninsula massif provides an example of this geodynamic transition.
ISSN: 2041-4927

hal-00134055
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00134055
DOI : 10.1144/SP280.7

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 Geological Society of America
Résumé : International audience
Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 313 continuously cored uppermost Eocene to Miocene sequences on the New Jersey shallow shelf (Sites M27, M28, and M29). Previously, 15 Miocene (ca. 23-13 Ma) seismic sequence boundaries were recognized on several generations of multichannel seismic profi les using criteria of onlap, downlap, erosional truncation, and toplap. We independently recognize sequence boundaries in the cores and logs based on an integrated study of core surfaces, lithostratigraphy and process sedimentology (grain size, mineralogy, facies, and paleoenvironments), facies successions, stacking patterns, benthic foraminiferal water depths, downhole logs, core gamma logs, and chronostratigraphic ages. We use a velocitydepth function to predict the depths of seismic sequence boundaries that were tested by comparison with major core surfaces, downhole and core logs, and synthetic seismograms. Using sonic velocity (core and downhole), core density, and synthetic seismograms, we show that sequence boundaries correspond with acoustic impedance contrasts, although other stratal surfaces (e.g., maximum fl ooding and transgressive surfaces) also produce refl ections. Core data are suffi cient to link seismic sequence boundaries to impedance contrasts in 9 of 12 instances at Site M27, 6 of 11 instances at Site M28, and 8 of 14 instances at Site M29. Oligocene sequences have minimal lithologic and seismic expression due to deep-water locations on clinoform bottomsets. Miocene sequences (ca. 23-13 Ma) were sampled across several unconformity clinothems (prograding units) on topset, foreset, and bottomset locations. Excellent recovery allows core-seismic integration that confi rms the hypothesis that unconformities are a primary source of impedance contrasts. Our core-seismic-log correlations predict that key seismic surfaces observed in other sub surface investigations without core and/or well logs are stratal surfaces with sequence stratigraphic signifi cance.
EISSN: 1553-040X

insu-00946235
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-00946235
DOI : 10.1130/GES00858.1

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Geological Society of America
Résumé : International audience
We present the results of dynamic modeling of the western Mediterranean that accounts for observed global positioning system (GPS) surface deformation of the Alboran Sea and surrounding Rif and Betic Mountains as the result of the combined effects of relative motion of the Eurasian and Nubian plates, low strength in the Alboran Sea region and sub-lithospheric processes occurring beneath the External Rif domain. Assuming that the lithosphere behaves elastically over the short time period of the GPS observations, an elastic plate model is considered in our study, including an area of weak lithosphere (factor of 10) centered on the Alboran Sea and in which lateral boundary conditions consist of the Nubia-Eurasia oblique convergence. Sub-crustal processes are modeled by application of a horizontal traction on a small area (patch) at the base of the elastic plate. Our modeling studies demonstrate the need for sub-crustal or sub-lithospheric, southwestward-directed forcing to account for observed southwestward motion of the Rif and Betic domains. Based on the location, orientation, and small area of the traction patch, we hypothesize that forcing is associated with delamination and rollback of the subducted African continental lithospheric mantle beneath the External Rif zone, due to the pull of the oceanic part of the Western Mediterranean slab, a dynamic process that may be similar to that where the over-riding plate is driven toward the subduction zone during slab rollback.
ISSN: 0091-7613

hal-00524546
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00524546
DOI : 10.1130/G30963.1

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Society of Economic Geologists
Résumé : International audience
The ~8-Moz Sadiola Hill gold deposit is located in the Kédougou-Kénieba inlier, a window of deformed ca. 2200 to 2050 Ma rocks that crop out in eastern Senegal and western Mali. The geology of the inlier differs from other Paleoproterozoic granite-greenstone belts and sedimentary basins by the abundance of carbonate rocks. The Sadiola Hill gold deposit occurs within 3 km of the Senegal-Mali shear zone, and country rocks in the region have undergone polycyclic deformation. The lithostratigraphy of the open pit consists of impure limestones overlain by younger sequences of detrital sedimentary rocks, which include arenite, wacke, and siltstone. The sedimentary rocks have been subjected to regional greenschist-facies metamorphism and have been intruded by multiple generations of synkinematic, calc-alkaline stocks and dikes. The bulk of the ore is hosted within a N-S- to NNW-trending, 10- to 50-m-wide, brittle-ductile dilational shear zone defined as the Sadiola shear zone. Gold lodes also occur along an array of steep NNE-trending shear zones. Geometric and kinematic analyses indicate that the ore-hosting structures were undergoing sinistral displacement at the time of mineralization, locally defined as the D3s NNW-SSE-shortening event. Hydrothermal alteration is polyphase and includes an early high-temperature calc-silicate phase (i.e., porphyroblastic growth of actinolite-tremolite) followed by a potassic phase (i.e., biotite-calcite-quartz ± K-feldspar-tourmaline-actinolite) that was synchronous with ore mineral deposition. Paragenetic studies reveal a multistage ore development that includes an As-rich sulfide stage, followed by an Au-Sb stage. The ore is associated with a metal enrichment suite of Au-As-Sb ± Cu-Fe-W-Mo-Ag-Bi-Zn-Pb-Te. The Sadiola Hill deposit shares a similar relative timing and structural setting to that of other world-class orogenic gold systems in the West African craton (e.g., Ashanti, Loulo), with gold deposition occurring during a period of transcurrent tectonics, after the cessation of region-wide compressional deformation. The high-temperature paragenesis at Sadiola Hill is atypical of gold mineralization in the craton and indicates that the late Eburnean tectono-magmatic activity between ca. 2080 and 2060 Ma played an important role in the dynamics of hydrothermal fluid circulation along the Senegal-Mali shear zone.
ISSN: 0361-0128

hal-01583358
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01583358
DOI : 10.2113/econgeo.112.1.23

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Geological Society of America
Résumé : International audience
Lakes are major depositional systems for which the related depositional processes have long been considered relatively simple. Breaking this statement, this study presents a detailed analysis of deposits in Lake Saint-Jean, the third largest natural lake in Québec. In addition to postglacial deltaic and coastal depositional systems fringing the lake, current-controlled features such as a large subaqueous prograding wedge and three sediment drifts have been identifi ed in its central portion based on two-dimensional (2-D) acoustic high-resolution subbottom profiles. The large subaqueous prograding wedge is a 4-km-long and up to 15-m-thick heterolithic shelf-like construction in the southeastern part of the lake. The three sediment drifts are 0.1–0.5-km-long and 2–5-mthick mud mounds distributed on the lake floor in the central portion of the lake. Diatom analyses and radiocarbon dating show that the development of these current-controlled features occurred during the lacustrine phase, after the disconnection with the postglacial marine Laflamme Gulf at 8.5 cal. k.y. B.P. Depositional facies show evidence of recurrent bottom-current activity. Related deposits alternate with pelagic sedimentation stages characterized by the settling of mud and biogenic accumulations. We investigated the origin of bottom currents using a numerical simulation (SYMPHONIE, an oceanographic model), with the aim of modeling wind-induced lake-scale water circulation. Simulations suggest that the subaqueous prograding wedge and the three sediment drifts result from wind-induced bottom currents generated by storm events having wind speed greater than 10 m s–1. Such strong winds are able to significantly affect sedimentation in the central portion of Lake Saint-Jean. Theresulting wind-induced sedimentary features were integrated into a refi ned lacustrine depositional model that summarizes the evolution of a group of water bodies referred to as “wind-driven water bodies.” This study applies a new tool for lake strata characterization and highlights the potential diffi cultyin differentiating them from marine deposits in the geological record.
ISSN: 0016-7606

insu-01184724
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01184724
DOI : 10.1130/B31145.1

Éditeur(s) : Geological Society of America
Résumé : A seismic-refraction study of the sedimentary structure of the South West African continental shelf was carried out between lat 17°S and 24°S using expendable sonobuoys. Striking differences exist both in the topography and sedimentary structure between the shelf north and south of the Walvis Ridge. South of the ridge, as far as lat 23°S, the shelf consists of a prograded series, whereas north of the ridge, at least as far as lat 17°S, east-trending canyons cut the shelf sedimentary cover. The steep northem scarp of Walvis Ridge can be traced eastward under the sediment of the continental margin. The southern flank of the ridge is buried under a thicker sedimentary cover and could only be traced eastward to long. 10°E on seismic-reflection records. This flank probably parallels the northern scarp under the continental margin. Two-dimensional structural models, built with the help of seismic-retlection and seismic-refraction results and based on the hypothesis of local isostatic equilibrium, account for the obsewed gravity profiles. A compensating root consists of light material (density 2.95 g/cm3) and reaches a depth of about 25 km. Gravity results also suggest that the Walvis Ridge does not constitute a superimposed load on the lithosphere; rather, the ridge and its underlying compensating mass were created at approximately the same time as the adjacent ocean basins. The creation of the two aseismic ridges of the South Atlantic - the Rio Grande Rise and Walvis Ridge - by a mantle hot spot and plume is accepted; this theory seems to explain most of the peculiar features of the Walvis Ridge. However, it is probable that the surface expression of the mantle hot spot was controlled by the presence of weak zones in the lithosphere such as transform faults. [NOT CONTROLLED OCR]
Geological Society of America Bulletin (Geological Society of America), 1975 , Vol. 86 , P. 1713-1724

Droits : Geological Society of America
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/1975/publication-4978.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/4978/

Éditeur(s) : The Geological Society of London
Résumé : Conservational models, like simple shear, pure shear or polyphase models that exclude exchanges between the lower continental crust and upper mantle, are usually proposed to explain the lithospheric stretching and consequent crustal thinning of passive continental margins. These models need large amounts of horizontal movement, and have, therefore, important implications for plate kinematic reconstructions and intraplate deformation. In this paper we propose to show these implications in the Central Segment of the South Atlantic Ocean. In the Angola–Brazilian system, these models imply about 240 km of horizontal movement. This movement can be compensated by two end-member mechanisms: (1) an intraplate deformation located in Africa; and (2) an intraplate deformation located in South America. We detail for each solution the strong geological and geodynamical implications, and discuss the consequences for the genesis of passive continental margins.
Geological Society, special publication (0375-6440) (The Geological Society of London), 2012-02 , Vol. 369 , P. 75-90

Droits : The Geological Society of London 2012
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00087/19839/17757.pdf
DOI:10.1144/SP369.5
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00087/19839/

Éditeur(s) : Geological Society of America
Résumé : The landward termination of Walvis Ridge consists of two east-trending basement ridges of probable basaltic composition enclosing a relatively important sedimentary basin. East of long. 10° E., the southern ridge disappears under the sediments of the continental margin. The trends of the basement ridges are in good agreement with the inferred direction of initial opening. Since its formation, the Walvis Ridge has probably dammed sediment coming from the south. The proposed identification of layer A, a very strong horizon over which the reflectors are nearly undisturbed, may indicate that no major tectonic phase has affected this area since the shift of the pole of opening for the south Atlantic in Late Cretaceous-early Tertiary time. [NOT CONTROLLED OCR]
Geological Society of America Bulletin (Geological Society of America), 1974 , Vol. 85 , P. 619-632

Droits : Geological Society of America
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/1974/publication-5147.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/5147/

Éditeur(s) : Society for Sedimentary Geology
Résumé : The Kramis deep-sea fan extends over 45 km at the base of the western Algerian continental slope between 2000 and 2550 m water depth and covers an area of approximately 1200 km2. The Kramis Fan was initiated after Messinian time, evolved during the Plio-Quaternary, and, is still active, as proved by submarine cable breaks during the 1954 Orléansville earthquake. The Kramis Fan is fed by two perpendicular canyons: the Kramis Canyon and the Khadra Canyon, merging in a single E–W-oriented channel confined at the foot of the slope. It is strongly asymmetric with a super-developed levee on the right-hand side of the channel, the Kramis Ridge. Based on recent multibeam, side-scan sonar, and sediment core data (Maradja, 2003 and 2005, Prisma, 2004, and Prisme, 2007 cruises), we describe the morphology and internal structure of the fan and particularly the sediment ridge, showing marked lateral changes in the sediment-wave morphology and their association with a series of large scours in the intermediate part of the ridge aligned in the continuity of the Khadra Canyon direction. Overall, the Kramis Ridge is formed by turbidity currents overspilling the ridge crest, which is 100 m above the channel floor, with two exceptions. In the distal part of the ridge the subdued ridge-crest height probably causes continuous overspill, testified by sediment waves migrating parallel to the channel. The scours occur in the intermediate part of the ridge where the ridge height is only 50–60 m; scours are interpreted as the result of cyclic steps due to flow stripping of currents provided by the intersection of the Khadra Canyon with the Kramis Canyon and Channel system. The scours probably postdate the main growth of the Kramis Ridge and induce the local erosion of the ridge, which could correspond to a new channel initiation cutting the ridge. The superposition or the interaction of flows with different directions is responsible of the amplification of the size of the sediment waves with erosional downside flanks and their transformation in scours. The Kramis Fan provides a clear example of flow interaction to explain the presence of large sediment waves and scours on modern submarine fans.
SEPM Special Publication (1060-071X) (Society for Sedimentary Geology), 2012 , Vol. 99 , P. 293-308

Droits : 2012 SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geology)
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00129/24021/21978.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00129/24021/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Geological Society of America
Résumé : International audience
Hollingsworth et al. (2008) propose that the westward motion of the South Caspian basin started 10 Ma ago. This is earlier than the ca. 5 Ma proposed by Axen et al. (2001) and Allen et al. (2002), and substantially earlier than the ca. 1.5 Ma proposed by Ritz et al. (2006). This new interpretation is based on the assumption that the present tectonics pattern (geometry of faults, slip vectors, and slip rates) did not vary through time.
ISSN: 0091-7613

hal-00854468
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00854468
DOI : 10.1130/G25627C.1

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Geological Society
Résumé : International audience
Deformation mechanisms, long-term kinematics and evolution of fold and thrust belts subjected to erosion are studied through 2D analogue experiments involving large convergence. First-order parameters tested include (1) décollements and/or plastic layers interbedded at different locations within analogue materials and (2) synconvergence surface erosion. Weak layers, depending on their location in the model, favour deformation partitioning characterized by the simultaneous development of underplating domains in the inner part of the wedge (basal accretion) and frontal accretion where the wedge grows forward. Interaction between tectonics and surface processes influences this behaviour. Development of antiformal thrust stacks controlled by underplating shows small- and large-scale cyclicity. Thin plastic layers induce folding processes, which are studied at wedge scale. Recumbent and overturned folds, with large inverted limbs, develop in a shear-induced asymmetric deformation regime via progressive unrolling of synclinal hinges. Surface erosion and underplating at depth induce further rotation (passive tilting) and horizontalization of fold limbs. Model results give insights to discuss the mechanisms responsible for the large-scale structures (i.e. antiformal nappe stacks, klippen and kilometre-scale recumbent fold-nappes) encountered in several mountain belts such as the Montagne Noire (French Massif Central), the Galicia Variscan belt (Spain) and the northern Apennines (Italy).
ISSN: 0016-7649

hal-00937644
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00937644
DOI : 10.1144/jgs2013-012

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Geological Society of London
Résumé : We have applied transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses coupled with viscoplastic self-consistent (VPSC) numerical modelling to identify the active slip systems and to better understand the crystal preferred orientation (CPO) development of the Torridon quartz mylonite (NW Scotland). TEM analyses showed evidence of activation of 1/3〈a〉{π′}, 1/3〈a〉{z} and possible 〈a〉(c) slip systems, as well as dislocation climb and dynamic recrystallization. All the CPOs generated by VPSC models share common characteristics with the Torridon quartz mylonite, but only Models 2 and 3 reproduce the [c]-axes maxima at low angle (<20°) to the foliation pole along the YZ plane, as observed in the mylonite. In Model 2, this concentration only occurs at γ≥2.6, whereas in Model 3 this maxima occurs at lower shear strains. The models that start with a previous preferred orientation acquire very strong CPOs after small-imposed strains, followed by the rapid rotation of the fabric in relation to the new imposed finite strain axes. The combined activation of 〈a〉{π′}, 〈a〉{z} and possibly 〈a〉(c) slip systems, as demonstrated by TEM analyses, suggests that the VPSC model that best predicts CPO development in the Torridon quartz mylonite is Model 2, where the critical resolved shear stress (CRSS) of 〈a〉{π/π′} is assumed to be slightly stronger than 〈a〉(c).
Deformation Mechanisms, Rheology and Tectonics: Microstructures, Mechanics and Anisotropy

hal-00688840
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00688840

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 Geological Society
Résumé : Gem opals from Wegel Tena, Wollo Province, Ethiopia, occur in Oligocene rhyolitic ignimbrites. They display a unique geochemistry, with some samples yielding the highest Ba concentrations ever recorded. They are generally much richer in chemical impurities than opals from other localities. For example, the sum Al+Fe or the sum Na+Mg+Ca+K+Ba are often higher. These geochemical features make them easy to distinguish from other opals worldwide. We observed strong geochemical variations and some good positive correlations in our samples, such as Al+Fe vs. Na+Mg+Ca+K+Ba, Al vs Ca, or Ba vs Ca. This shows that the crystallography of opal has controlled, at least in part, the incorporation of chemical impurities, although opal is not well-crystallized. In addition, the multimodal distributions of several chemical impurities (e.g. U vs Sr, Al vs Ca, Ba vs Ca, etc.) suggest at least two origins of silica: weathering of feldspars and weathering of volcanic glass. In addition, opals from Wegel Tena contain numerous well-preserved microscopic plant fossils. Moreover, their host rock exhibits features typical of pedogenesis (abundant clays, desiccation cracks, and grain size sorting). We propose that the opals at Wegel Tena formed during the Oligocene period when volcanic emissions stopped for a time long enough to allow weathering of ingimbrites and therefore liberation of silica. This accompanied the formation of soil and development of plant life, and some plants were trapped in opal.
ISSN: 1467-7873

hal-00767555
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00767555
DOI : 10.1144/1467-7873/10-MINDEP-058

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Geological Society of America
Résumé : International audience
In this study, a novel application of a statistical approach is utilized for analysis of downhole logging data from Miocene-aged siliciclastic shelf sediments on the New Jersey Margin (eastern USA). A multivariate iterative nonhierarchical cluster analysis (INCA) of spectral gamma-ray logs from Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 313 enables lithology within this siliciclastic succession to be inferred and, through comparison with the 1311 m of recovered core, a continuous assessment of depositional sequences is constructed. Signifi cant changes in INCA clusters corroborate most key stratigraphic surfaces interpreted from the core, and this result has particular value for surface recognition in intervals of poor core recovery. This analysis contributes to the evaluation of sequence stratigraphic models of large-scale clinoform complexes that predict depositional environments, sediment composition, and stratal geometries in response to sea-level changes. The novel approach of combining statistical analysis with detailed lithostratigraphic and seismic refl ection data sets will be of interest to any scientists working with downhole logs, especially spectral gamma-ray data, and also provides a reference for the strengths and weaknesses of multi component analysis applied to continental margin lithofacies. The method presented here is appropriate for evaluating successions elsewhere and also has value for hydrocarbon exploration where sequence stratigraphy is a fundamental tool.
EISSN: 1553-040X

insu-00858238
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-00858238
DOI : 10.1130/GES00913.1

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Geological Society of America
Résumé : In Gobi Altay and Altay, Mongolia, several flat surfaces, worn through basement rocks and uplifted during the ongoing tectonic episode to a similar altitude of 4000 m, suggests disruption of a single large-scale surface. New thermochronology and field data show that the plateau surfaces represent uplifted parts of an ancient peneplain that formed during Jurassic time. The Gobi Altay and Altay flattopped massifs are tectonically and geomorphologically unique. Their preservation for ~150 m.y. implies that no further tectonic movements occurred before the onset of the last deformation episode, 5 ± 3 m.y. ago. It also suggests that very low erosion rates were maintained by a dry climate over millions of years.
ISSN: 0091-7613

hal-00406436
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00406436
DOI : 10.1130/G23758A.1

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Geological Society
Résumé : Xenoliths from Hawk's Nib (Bute, SW Scotland), entrained in alkali basalt of late Carboniferous–early Permian age, generally possess unrecrystallized igneous cumulate textures. Most are inferred to derive from lower crustal (20–30 km) depths, with a small minority from the underlying restitic mantle. Compositions range from ultramafic cumulates (dunite, wehrlite, websterite, clinopyroxenite) to gabbros and anorthosites. The suite is unique in being dominated by poikilitic wehrlites and olivine clinopyroxenites. Major element variation in the cumulates is controlled by modal mineral variations. The ultramafic cumulates all have high REE contents and light REE (LREE)-enriched patterns, with websterites being the least enriched. Gabbroic xenoliths have uniform patterns in which both LREE and heavy REE are depleted relative to the middle REE, with small positive Eu anomalies. Present-day Sr–Nd isotopic data for the suite are the most depleted among Scottish xenoliths. The xenoliths are inferred to be products of young replenishments of the lower crust by basaltic magmas during continental underplating. Orthopyroxene-bearing lithologies crystallized from tholeiitic magmas whereas alkali basalts formed the clinopyroxene-rich samples; both parental magma-types were derived from similar mantle sources.
ISSN: 0016-7649

hal-00407203
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00407203
DOI : 10.1144/0016-76492006-177