Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : International audience
Radiocarbon dating and "old wood problem" in the Antilles : the state of the artAmong the many effects that may distort the interpretation of radiocarbon dates are those for which the age of the archaeological event is different from the radiocarbon age of the sample or "14C event" age. This type of problem arises in many cases, notably in the "old wood effect”, and occurs in various regions of the world where very long-lived trees species are common. In the Caribbean anthracological studies indicate a very high frequency of some indigenous centuries-old species such as Guaiacum, Guaiacum officinale L. However the absence of tree-ring data in humid tropical zones deprives us of an accurate inventory of long-lived species and especially the assessment of their longevity. Here we present measurements which enable us to estimate the longevity of archaeological Guaiacum wood posts. They highlight a gap of several centuries between wood from the outer edge and the heart of the tree. This example illustrates the additional uncertainty that can result from dating archeological events when dates are realized on unidentified botanical species from which the area that was sampled is unknown. Another source of error could arise from the use of rot-proof dead wood as fuel if we take into consideration that major hurricanes can produce large amounts of dead wood that may be collected for decades, even centuries. To improve chronometric data used in archaeological interpretations, it is necessary to ensure the quality of the dating process by following a protocol similar to those used in other regions of the world based on a better understanding of the material to be dated by preliminary identifications of wood samples: species, anatomical part, wood moisture content (unseasoned or seasoned).
Radiocarbono y "problema madera vieja", que data de las Antillas: estado del arteEntre los muchos efectos que pueden distorsionar la interpretación de fechas de radiocarbono, destacan aquellos para los que la edad de la prueba arqueológica es diferente de la edad de radiocarbono de la muestra, o la edad del "evento de radiocarbono." Este tipo de problema se presenta en muchos casos, especialmente uno llamado "efecto madera vieja." Esto se refleja en diversas regiones del mundo donde las especies de plantas de mucha longevidad son comunes. En el Caribe, los estudios antracológicos disponibles indican una muy alta frecuencia de algunas especies autóctonas como el guayaco, Guaiacum officinale L. Sin embargo, la casi ausencia de datos de anillos de árboles en los trópicos húmedos, nos impide realizar un inventario exacto de especies de mucha longevidad y sobre todo la evaluación de la longevidad. Algunas de las pruebas presentadas aquí permitieron una estimación de la longevidad de de unos postes de guayaco de origen arqueológico. Ponen de manifiesto una brecha de varios siglos entre las partes externas y el corazón del tronco. Este ejemplo ilustra la aparición de una incertidumbre adicional en la datación de los eventos arqueológicos cuando no conocemos la especie botánica y tampoco la zona de la muestra en el árbol. Otra fuente de error puede surgir de la utilización de la madera muerta de calidad duradera como combustible ya que los grandes huracanes pueden producir grandes cantidades de madera muerta, que puede ser requerida durante décadas, incluso siglos. Para mejorar los datos cronométricos utilizados en interpretaciones arqueológicas, es necesario asegurarse de la calidad de las fechas, y por lo tanto seguir un protocolo similar a los utilizados en otras regiones fundado en una mejor comprensión de los elementos: especie, parte anatómica, humedad de la madera usada (verde o seco).
Parmi les nombreux effets susceptibles de fausser l’interprétation des datations par le radiocarbone, figurent ceux pour lesquels l’âge de l’événement archéologique est différent de l’âge radiocarbone de l’échantillon, ou âge de l’« événement radiocarbone ». Ce type de problème se pose dans de nombreux cas, en particulier celui dénommé « effet vieux bois ». Cette question est prise en compte dans diverses régions du monde où des espèces végétales très longévives sont fréquentes. Dans les Antilles les études anthracologiques disponibles indiquent une fréquence très importante de certaines espèces autochtones multiséculaires dont le gaïac, Guaiacum officinale L.. Cependant, la quasi absence de données dendrochronologiques dans la zone tropicale humide, nous privent d’un inventaire précis des espèces longévives et surtout de l’évaluation de leur longévité. Quelques tests présentés ici ont permis une estimation de la longévité de poteaux d’origine archéologique en bois de gaïac. Ils mettent en évidence un décalage de plusieurs siècles entre les parties externes et le cœur du tronc. Cet exemple illustre l’apparition d’une incertitude supplémentaire dans la datation de l’événement archéologique lorsque que l’on ne connaît ni l’espèce botanique ni la zone de prélèvement dans l’arbre. Une autre source d’erreur pourrait provenir de l’utilisation de bois mort de qualité très durable comme combustible, sachant que les grands cyclones peuvent produire d’importantes quantités de bois mort susceptible d’être récolté pendant des décennies, voire des siècles. Afin d’améliorer les données chronologiques utilisées dans les interprétations archéologiques, il apparaît nécessaire de s’assurer de la qualité des datations, et donc de suivre un protocole similaire à ceux utilisés dans d’autres régions basé sur une meilleure connaissance des éléments datés : espèce, partie anatomique, humidité du bois utilisé (vert ou sec).
Puerto Rico 2013 : Actas del 25to Congreso Internacional de Arqueología del Caribe - Proceeding of the 25th International Congress for Caribbean Archeology - Comptes rendus des communications du 25e Congrés International de l'Archéologie de la Caraïbe
San-Juan, Puerto Rico

hal-01198567
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01198567
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01198567/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01198567/file/Stouvenot%20et%20al.%202015.%20Effet%20vieux%20bois%20radiocarbone%20Antilles%20HD.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : Une approche par datations multiples a été menée sur les dépôts de sédiments de crue retrouvés dans les gorges du Gardon (Languedoc). Le plomb-210, le césium-137 et l’analyse géochimique des sédiments contaminés par les mines ont été utilisés pour reconstruire l’histoire des dépôts de crue. Cette approche a été combinée avec l’historique des crues du Gardon depuis 1890 pour affiner l’approche géochronologique. Au niveau de la cavité GG et de la terrasse GE les analyses ont permis d’illustrer les mécanismes d’érosion-redéposition pouvant perturber les séquences de sédiments. Les enregistrements des dépôts de sédiments de crue sont complets sur la terrasse GE située à 10 m au-dessus du lit mineur à partir de 1958, et incomplets auparavant. Sur la période 1880-1958, 25 crues ont eu un débit suffisant (>1450 m3/s) pour recouvrir la terrasse, alors que l’on recense seulement 5 à 6 crues depuis 1958 (pour un débit de submersion supérieur à 1700 m3/s). L’augmentation progressive du débit de submersion et la fréquence moindre d’inondation de la terrasse ont pu permettre sur la période récente la stabilisation de la couche de surface par la végétation et limiter l’érosion lors de crues importantes. Les enregistrements semblent complets dans la cavité GG située à 15 m au-dessus du lit mineur. La fréquence moindre de submersion à ce niveau plus élevé peut expliquer une meilleure stabilisation des dépôts de crue, rendus moins vulnérables à l’érosion. La datation au radiocarbone a été testée même si elle ne permet pas de dater avec précision les dépôts de crue des derniers siècles. Sur la terrasse GE, 80% des dates au carbone 14 sur charbon de bois sont beaucoup trop vieilles par rapport aux autres techniques de datation, ce qui peut s’expliquer par une remobilisation/déstockage de charbons de bois anciens. Les datations radiocarbone sur graines donnent de meilleurs résultats, car issues d’une production annuelle, plus facilement décomposable et moins sujette à des dépôts intermédiaires. Au final, il apparaît que la technique de datation par radiocarbone sur des charbons de bois retrouvés dans les séquences sédimentaires n’est pas fiable, alors qu’elle est la plus pratiquée en paléo-hydrologie. L’utilisation combinée du plomb-210, du césium-137, de l’analyse géochimique des sédiments et des informations sur les crues historiques a permis de discriminer et de dater les différents dépôts de crue de ce dernier siècle dans la cavité GG et la terrasse GE. / A multidating approach was carried out on slackwater flood deposits, preserved in valley side rock cave and terrace, of the Gardon River in Languedoc, southeast France. Lead-210, caesium-137, and geochemical analysis of mining-contaminated slackwater flood sediments have been used to reconstruct the history of these flood deposits. These age controls were combined with the continuous record of Gardon flow since 1890, and the combined records were then used to assign ages to slackwater deposits. The stratigraphic records of terrace GE and cave GG were excellent examples to illustrate the effects of erosion/preservation in a context of a progressively self-censoring, vertically accreting sequence. The sedimentary flood record of the terrace GE located at 10 m above the channel bed is complete for years post-1958 but incomplete before. During the 78-year period 1880-1958, 25 floods of a sufficient magnitude (> 1450 m3/s) have covered the terrace. Since 1958, however, the frequency of inundation of the deposits has been lower:only 5 or 6 floods in 52 years have been large enough to exceed the necessary threshold discharge (> 1700 m3/s). The progressive increase of threshold discharge and the reduced frequency of inundation at the terrace could allow stabilisation of the vegetation cover and improved protection against erosion from subsequent large magnitude flood events. The sedimentary flood record seems complete for cave GG located at 15 m above the channel bed. Here, the low frequency of events would have enabled a high degree of stabilisation of the sedimentary flood record, rendering the deposits less susceptible to erosion. Radiocarbon dating are used in this study and compared to the other dating techniques.Eighty percent of radiocarbon dates on charcoals were considerably older than those obtained by the other techniques in the terrace. On the other hand, radiocarbon dating on seeds provided better results. This discrepancy between radiocarbon dates on charcoal and seeds is explained by the nature of the dated material (permanent wood vs. annual production and resistance to degradation process). Finally, we showed in this study that although the most common dating technique used in paleoflood hydrology is radiocarbon dating, usually on charcoal preserved within slackwater flood sediments, this method did not permitus to define a coherent age model. Only the combined use of lead-210, caesium-137, and geochemical analysis of mining-contaminated sediments with the instrumental flood record can be applied to discriminate and date the recent slackwater deposits of the terrace GE and cave GG.
ISSN: 0169-555X

hal-01059669
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01059669
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01059669/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01059669/file/ly2014-pub00040953.pdf
IRSTEA : PUB00040953

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD AGU and the Geochemical Society
Résumé : International audience
The Ganos fault is the westernmost segment of the North Anatolian Fault that experienced the Mw = 7.4 earthquake of 9 August 1912. The earthquake revealed 45-km-long of surface ruptures inland, trending N70 E, and 5.5 m of maximum right lateral offset near Güzelköy. The long-term deformation of the fault is clearly expressed by several pull-apart basins and sag ponds, pressure and shutter ridges and offset streams. In parallel with detailed geomorphologic investigations, we measured co-seismic and cumulative displacements along the fault, and selected the Güzelköy site for paleoseismology. A microtopographic survey at the site yields 10.5 0.5 m and 35.4 1.5 m cumulative lateral offsets of stream channels and geomorphologic features. Seven paleoseismic parallel and cross-fault trenches document successive faulting events and provide the timing of past earthquakes on the Ganos fault segment. Radiocarbon dating of successive colluvial wedges in trench T1, and the fresh scarplet above (probably 1912 surface rupture) indicate the occurrence of three faulting events since the 14th century. Parallel trenches (3, 5, 6 and 7) expose paleo-channels and show a cumulative right-lateral offset of 16.5 1.5 m next to the fault, and 21.3 1.5 m total channel deflection. Radiocarbon dating of past channel units and fault scarp-related colluvial deposits imply an average 17 +/ 5 mm/year slip rate and 323 142 years recurrence interval of large earthquakes during the last 1000 years on the Ganos fault. The succession of past faulting events and inferred slip rate west of the Marmara Sea provide more constraint on the long-term faulting behavior in the seismic gap of the North Anatolian Fault and may contribute to a better seismic hazard assessment in the Istanbul region.
ISSN: 1525-2027

hal-00748218
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00748218
DOI : 10.1029/2011GC003960

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Seismological Society of America
Résumé : International audience
Abstract The continuous record of large surface-rupturing earthquakes along the Dead Sea fault brings unprecedented insights for paleoseismic and archaeoseismic research. In most recent studies, paleoseismic trenching documents the late Holocene faulting activity, while tectonic geomorphology addresses the long-term behavior (>10 ka), with a tendency to smooth the effect of individual earthquake rupture events (Mw >7). Here, we combine historical, archaeological, and paleoseismic investigations to build a consolidated catalog of destructive surface-rupturing earthquakes for the last 14 ka along the left-lateral Jordan Valley fault segment. The 120- km-long fault segment limited to the north and the south by major pull-apart basins (the Hula and the Dead Sea, respectively) is mapped in detail and shows five subsegments with narrow stepovers (width < 3 km). We conducted quantitative geomorphology along the fault, measured more than 20 offset drainages, excavated four trenches at two sites, and investigated archaeological sites with seismic damage in the Jordan Valley. Our results in paleoseismic trenching with 28 radiocarbon datings and the archaeoseismology at Tell Saydiyeh, supplemented with a rich historical seismic record, document 12 surface-rupturing events along the fault segment with a mean interval of ∼1160 yr and an average 5 mm=yr slip rate for the last 25 ka. The most complete part of the catalog indicates recurrence intervals that vary from 280 yr to 1500 yr, with a median value of 790 yr, and suggests an episodic behavior for the Jordan Valley fault. Our study allows a better constraint of the seismic cycle and related short-term variations (late Holocene) versus long-term behavior (Holocene and late Pleistocene) of a major continental transform fault.
ISSN: 0037-1106

hal-00747401
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00747401
DOI : 10.1785/0120100097

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD University of Arizona
Résumé : International audience
Taiwan is a young and seismically active mountain belt, where a series of strong earthquakes (M>7) have occurred over the past hundred years. Identifying historical earthquakes around Taiwan is a key to better constrain the geodynamic of this active region. Sedimentological and geochemical analyses of surface sediments from one station offshore east Taiwan revealed the presence of coarse-grained layers interpreted as turbidites. The age of these layers have been determined by 210Pb, 137Cs, and 241Am chronology. Dating of the three most recent turbidites provides ages of AD 2001±3, AD 1950±5, and AD 1928±10. The results show striking temporal correspondence of turbidite layers to large (M≥6.8) earthquakes recorded in the region since the 20th century. The chronologies of sediment layers lead us to believe that turbidites resulted from the 2003 Taitung earthquake (M 6.8), the 1951 Chengkong earthquake (M 7.1), and the 1935 Lutao earthquake (M 7.0), respectively. Such a good correlation between turbidites and high-magnitude (M≥6.8) historical and instrumental seismic events suggests that turbidite paleoseismology constitutes a valuable tool for earthquake assessment in the eastern Taiwan margin. Moreover, the modern reservoir radiocarbon age and the regional marine reservoir correction (ΔR) of the Kuroshio Current off Taiwan were estimated by comparing accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) 14C ages with ages derived from corrected 210Pb profiles and historical accounts of identifiable seismic events. Such a determination is important to calibrate the 14C ages of marine materials for accurate comparison of marine and continental geological records. Our calculated mean ΔR value of 232±54 14C yr (n=2) is higher than its modern value of 86±40 14C yr. This high value can be explained by the presence of local upwelling cells and turbulence in the Kuroshio Current, north of Green Island. These upwelling cells bring 14C-depleted water to the surface, resulting in an increase of the modern ΔR value in this portion of the Kuroshio Current.
ISSN: 0033-8222

hal-01306986
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01306986
DOI : 10.1017/RDC.2015.3

Éditeur(s) : Elsevier
Résumé : Emplacement of post-glacial turbidites is commonly controlled by rapid changes in sea level or by seismicity. On the continental rise of the Gulf of Lions (Western Mediterranean), an aseismic area, we identified turbiditic beds deposited during the rising stage and highstand of sea level. Swath bathymetry, sediment cores, in situ Cone Penetrating Tests (CPTU), heavy mineral associations and radiocarbon dating determined the source, composition, distribution and age of the turbiditic beds. Turbidites are composed of homogeneous to positively graded silts to medium sand with quartz (up to 90%), shell debris and shelfal benthic faunas. Their distribution on the sea floor is very patchy and controlled by abundant inherited erosional bedforms. Their source is found in relict regressive sands at the outershelf. Their deposition occurred just after the onset of the post-glacial sea level rise and the concomitant sediment starvation of the Rhone deep sea turbiditic system until recently. Whilst canyons are fed with sand by strong seasonal hydro-sedimentary dynamics on the outershelf, the emplacement of post-glacial turbidites is not controlled by sea level changes but probably by the periodic flushing of the canyons. Our study revealed that this low energy aseismic margin undergoes significant transport of sand, down to the base of slope, during the sea-level rise and the Holocene highstand.
Marine Geology (0025-3227) (Elsevier), 2009-02 , Vol. 257 , N. 1-4 , P. 65-86

Droits : 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2009/publication-6316.pdf
DOI:10.1016/j.margeo.2008.10.013
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/6316/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Société géologique de France
Résumé : International audience
The central part of the Gulf of Lions shoreline is characterized by many coastal wetlands that resulted from the interaction between a process of shoreline regularization by migrations of littoral barriers and a slow filling of the back-barrier areas by the riverine and marine inputs. Analyses of Late-Holocene deposits with a very high-resolution multi-proxy study of two sediment cores, allow us to reconstruct the evolution of this coastal system. Two main Holocene sediment units are identified overlying a Pliocene carbonate continental formation. The lower unit consists of sandy and pebbly marine sediments deposited around 7800 B.P., during the final stand of the last sea level rise. Just above, the upper unit displays lagoonal grey clay silts with shells and some intercalated layers of silty sands related to paleostorm events. The age model was established from radiocarbon dating, for the oldest part of the core. Over the last century, sedimentation rates were calculated using the CFCS Pb-210 model, together with Cs-137 data. Radiocarbon data show an increase in he accumulation rate from the base to the top of cores. Marine sand units related to the last transgressive deposit allow to refine the curve of Holocene post-glacial sea level rise. Sedimentological and faunal analyses associated with chronological data provide a means for reconstructing the Late-Holocene paleoenvironments along this part of the coast and suggest that the final closure of the coastal lagoon by the sandy barrier occurred at around 730 +/- 120 yr cal B.P. The beginning of this closure, together with the progradation of the coastal plain, could be responsible for the decline in economic activity of the Lattara harbour during the Roman period.
La partie centrale du littoral du golfe du Lion est caractérisée par de nombreuses lagunes qui résultent de l'interaction entre un processus de régularisation du trait de côte par migration de barrières littorales et d'un lent remplissage des zones situées en arrière des barrières par des apports continentaux et marins. Les analyses des dépôts tardi-holocènes avec une étude multi-traceurs à très haute résolution de deux carottes sédimentaires nous permettent de reconstruire l'évolution de ce système côtier. Deux unités sédimentaires holocènes sont identifiées recouvrant une formation pliocène carbonatée. L'unité inférieure est constituée de sables et de galets d'origine marine déposés vers 7800 B.P., durant les stades ultimes de la dernière remontée marine. Audessus, l'unité supérieure montre des dépôts d'argile et de silt gris coquilliers d'origine lagunaire, dans lesquels sont intercalés des niveaux de sable silteux révélant la présence d'événements de tempêtes. Le modèle d'âge est établi à partir de dates radiocarbones pour les parties les plus anciennes des archives sédimentaires, tandis que pour le dernier siècle, les taux de sédimentation sont calculés en utilisant le modèle CFCS pour le 210Pb, associé aux données de 137Cs. Les données 14C montrent une augmentation du taux d'accumulation depuis la base jusqu'en surface des carottes. Les unités de sables marins liées aux dépôts de la dernière transgression marine permettent de préciser la courbe post-glaciaire de remontée du niveau marin. Les analyses sédimentologiques et faunistiques associées aux données chronologiques fournissent une méthode permettant de reconstituer les paléoenvironnements littoraux tardi-holocènes dans la zone d'étude et suggèrent que la fermeture finale de ces lagunes par le cordon sableux survient autour de 730 ± 120 ans cal B.P. Le début de cette fermeture, associée à la une progradation deltaïque, pourrait être responsable du déclin des activités économiques du port de Lattara durant la période Romaine.
EISSN: 1777-5817

halshs-00740923
https://halshs.archives-ouvertes.fr/halshs-00740923
DOI : 10.2113/gssgfbull.181.1.27

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 European Geosciences Union (EGU)
Résumé : International audience
Storms and tsunamis, which may seriously endanger human society, are amongst the most devastating marine catastrophes that can occur in coastal areas. Many such events are known and have been reported for the Mediterranean, a region where high-frequency occurrences of these extreme events coincides with some of the most densely populated coastal areas in the world. In a sediment core from the Mar Menor (SE Spain), we discovered eight coarse-grained layers which document marine incursions during periods of intense storm activity or tsunami events. Based on radiocarbon dating, these extreme events occurred around 5250, 4000, 3600, 3010, 2300, 1350, 650, and 80 years cal BP. No comparable events have been observed during the 20th and 21st centuries. The results indicate little likelihood of a tsunami origin for these coarse-grained layers, although historical tsunami events are recorded in this region. These periods of surge events seem to coincide with the coldest periods in Europe during the late Holocene, suggesting a control by a climatic mechanism for periods of increased storm activity. Spectral analyses performed on the sand percentage revealed four major periodicities of 1228 ± 327, 732 ± 80, 562 ± 58, and 319 ± 16 years. Amongst the well-known proxies that have revealed a millennial-scale climate variability during the Holocene, the ice-rafted debris (IRD) indices in the North Atlantic developed by Bond et al. (1997, 2001) present a cyclicity of 1470 ± 500 years, which matches the 1228 ± 327-year periodicity evidenced in the Mar Menor, considering the respective uncertainties in the periodicities. Thus, an in-phase storm activity in the western Mediterranean is found with the coldest periods in Europe and with the North Atlantic thermohaline circulation. However, further investigations, such as additional coring and high-resolution coastal imagery, are needed to better constrain the main cause of these multiple events.
ISSN: 1814-9324

hal-01357199
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01357199
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01357199v2/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01357199/file/cp-12-1389-2016.pdf
DOI : 10.5194/cp-12-1389-2016

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) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : The territory of Armenia was located in the collision zone between Arabia and Eurasia, and is the seat of active intercontinental deformations, which was attested by the many historical earthquakes that have occurred in this region. All these destructive earthquakes show a strong regional seismic activity, and therefore it is important to evaluate the seismic hazard associated with active structures that generates this seismicity.This study presents the results of the analysis of 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 (NW - SE). 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 Amassia, 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, in the region of Tsghuk volcano, the PSSF shows signs of dying out at the southernmost tip of the Syunik graben. A very slow NS trending normal faulting associated with a slight right-lateral movement characterizes the tectonic activity in the region of Tsghuk volcano. We estimate vertical slip rates, EW stretching rate, and right-lateral slip rate of ~0.2 mm/y, ~0.1 mm/y and ~0.05 mm/y, respectively. These results 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).
L’Arménie se situe dans la zone de collision entre Arabie et Eurasie et est le siège d’une déformation intracontinental active comme l’atteste les nombreux tremblements de terre historiques qui s’y sont produits. Tous ces séismes, destructeurs, attestent d’une forte activité sismique régionale, et il est par conséquent important d'évaluer l’aléa sismique associé aux structures actives qui génère cette sismicité.Le travail présenté ici, expose les résultats de l’analyse de la tectonique active au niveau des terminaisons nord-ouest et sud-est de la faille de Pambak-Sevan-Syunik (PSSF), une des failles décrochant majeure qui traverse l'Arménie du NW au SE. La quantification des déformations en termes de géométrie, cinématique, vitesse de glissement et paléosismicité, en utilisant les méthodes de datation 3He cosmogénique, OSL/IRSL et radiocarbone, révèlent des comportements différents entre les deux régions.Au niveau de la terminaison nord-ouest, dans la région d’Amassia, la faille PSSF s’incurve vers l'ouest et se subdivise en deux branches de direction WNW-ESE, et de cinématique inverse, définissant une structure en pop-up. Nous estimons une vitesse de soulèvement de 0.5 ± 0.1 mm/an et une vitesse de raccourcissement NNE-SSW de 1.4 ± 0.6 mm/an. Ces résultats suggère que l’essentiel des ~2 mm/an de mouvement dextre estimés le long de la faille de PSSF sont absorbés au niveau du pop-up d’Amassia.Au niveau de la terminaison sud-est, dans la région du volcan Tsghuk, la faille PSSF semble disparaitre. Le peu d’activité tectonique est caractérisée par des failles normales sub-méridiennes associées à une légère composante décrochant dextre. Nous déterminons une vitesse de glissement vertical de ~0,2 mm/an, une vitesse d’extension ~EW de ~0,1 mm/an associée à une composante dextre de ~0,05 mm/an. Ces résultats suggèrent que le mouvement dextre observé le long de la faille de PSSF plus au nord, a été transféré sur d'autres failles plus à l'ouest dans le Karabakh (faille Hagari ou autres structures situés encore plus au NW).
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01621440

NNT : 2016MONTT152
tel-01621440
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01621440
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01621440v2/document
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01621440/file/2016_MKRTCHYAN_archivage.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
The ∼55 km-long Firouzkuh fault is located in the Central Alborz Mountains of Iran. It is a left-lateral fault, which dips to the south, and possesses a small dip-slip component of motion that we interpret to result from extension. The ratio of horizontal to vertical displacement across the fault, calculated from the cumulative displacement of landscape features, is 7.6. We provide constraints on the timing of the last earthquake on the Firouzkuh fault from two trenches (T1 and T2) across the fault zone, excavated in 2004, and located east of Firouzkuh city. The trenches expose faulted sedimentary deposits. Two optically-stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages from sediments in the lower part of trench T1 date from the late Pleistocene (15.9 ± 0.9 ka and 27.1 ± 1.7 ka). The younger of the two dated units in T1 is displaced vertically across the fault by 2.2–4.4 m, from which we estimate a strike-slip displacement of 18.2–33.4 m, and hence a average horizontal slip-rate of 1.1–2.2 mm/yr. The sediments exposed in T1 do not yield constraints on the most recent earthquake history. In trench T2, however, human skeletal remains of a middle aged male, which yield a radiocarbon age of 1159 ± 28 BP (corresponding to a mean calendar age of 791 AD), were found within a faulted alluvial layer at a depth of 60–70 cm from the surface. The existence of these medieval human places shows that a surface-rupturing earthquake occurred at some time after 1159 ± 28 BP. The amount of slip in each earthquake on the Firouzkuh fault is difficult to estimate, but assuming the entire ∼55 km fault length ruptures in each event, they will have had a maximum magnitude of 7.1. At our estimated late Quaternary slip-rate of ∼1.1–2.2 mm/yr magnitude 7.1 earthquakes, involving ∼1.2 m average displacement, would be expected to occur every ∼1100–540 years. As the last earthquake on the Firouzkuh fault may be up to ∼700 years in age we suggest that the Firouzkuh fault is a major hazard for earthquakes in the near future.
ISSN: 0743-9547

hal-01122835
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01122835
DOI : 10.1016/j.jseaes.2013.12.018

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
A high-resolution record of paleostorm events along the French Mediterranean coast over the past 7000 years was established from a lagoonal sediment core in the Gulf of Lions. Integrating grain size, faunal analysis, clay mineralogy and geochemistry data with a chronology derived from radiocarbon dating, we recorded seven periods of increased storm activity at 6300-6100, 5650-5400, 4400-4050, 3650-3200, 2800-2600, 1950-1400 and 400-50 cal yr BP (in the Little Ice Age). In contrast, our results show that the Medieval Climate Anomaly (1150-650 cal yr BP) was characterised by low storm activity.;The evidence for high storm activity in the NW Mediterranean Sea is in agreement with the changes in coastal hydrodynamics observed over the Eastern North Atlantic and seems to correspond to Holocene cooling-in the North Atlantic. Periods of low SSTs there may have led to a stronger meridional temperature gradient and a southward migration of the westerlies. We hypothesise that the increase in storm activity during Holocene cold events over the North Atlantic and Mediterranean regions was probably due to an increase in the thermal gradient that led to an enhanced lower tropospheric baroclinicity over a large Central Atlantic-European domain. (C) 2011 University of Washington. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
ISSN: 0033-5894

hal-00760909
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00760909
DOI : 10.1016/j.yqres.2011.09.002

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
The Taiwan area, where the Philippine Sea Plate collides with Eurasia, is one of the most seismically active areas in the world and has been consequently struck repeatedly by destructive earthquakes. To better constrain the occurrence of large earthquakes, we have conducted two cruises in 2012 and 2013 from which five piston, gravity and box-cores were retrieved from selected sites in targeted areas that contain continuous and accurate turbidite deposition offshore eastern Taiwan. Forty-seven turbidite layers deposited between 675 BC and 2012 AD have been described in the cores with facies varying from silty clay to coarse sand. We modeled each turbidite layer using the sedimentation rate deduced from radiocarbon age measurements performed on planktonic foraminifers. Precise dating based on 210Pb–137Cs chronology provided ages for the XXth century turbidites. Coring sites' locations, biotic association within turbidites beds and seismic calibration over the instrumental period, suggest that earthquakes are the most likely triggering mechanisms of turbidity currents over the last 2700 years. Calibration of correlations between turbidites and instrumental earthquakes allowed us to determine the minimum magnitude of recorded events (Mw = 6.8) and the maximum distance between the epicenter and the slope failure. Turbidites' synchroneity between cores has been tested but results showed that this criterion cannot be used in our study area because of the high level of seismicity, i.e., a M > 6.8 earthquake recurrence interval much smaller than the uncertainty on radiocarbon ages. The excellent accuracy of dating allows correlating all the turbidites deposited since 1920 with instrumental earthquakes. For each core, we established a return time ranging between 112 and 147 years for the period pre-1900 and ~ 27 and 34 years for the period post-1900. The discrepancy between pre-1900 and post-1900 recurrence either suggests, that slope stability varies, with higher slope instability after 1900 possibly due to increased sediment delivery by rivers.
ISSN: 0040-1951

hal-01467627
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01467627
DOI : 10.1016/j.tecto.2016.04.030

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
We have discovered in a marine core, located 20 km east of the Coastal Range of Taiwan at the top of a 1200 m deep submarine high, sheltered from rivers discharges and gravitational flows, a 23 cm-thick anomalous sequence topped with broken bivalves and wood fragments. Based on radiocarbon dating, we distinguish five sub-events within ∼ 100 yrs, about 3000 years ago. The oldest four sub-events are interpreted as the record of local submarine landslides, likely triggered by clustered earthquakes that are common in this tectonically active area. The last event including shells and wood has a different origin. Despite the high level of climatic and tectonic recent activity, no comparable event has been observed at the same site since that time, making it unique during the last 3.75 ka. Hydrodynamical modeling stimulated with a set of submarine landslide-triggered tsunami sources and combined with the regional oceanic circulation dominated by the Kuroshio Current, allow us to better constrain the transport paths of the suspended material, the expected run-up at the coast, and ultimately the trigger and source that best fit our observations. The Kuroshio Current appears as a strong constraint that generally prevents cross-shore transport of suspended material even during a major tsunami. Since the largest aerial debris flow observed along the east coast of Taiwan during the last 4 ka was synchronous with the marine deposit, our preferred scenario starts with the occurrence of four distinct large earthquakes within less than a century, triggering both submarine and aerial landslides in the study area. Then, a giant typhoon reworked the nearshore material as well as the slided material stored upstream resulting in a debris flow. It deeply modified the surface current, allowing the wood debris and shells to fastly reach the core site.
ISSN: 0040-1951

hal-01467640
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01467640
DOI : 10.1016/j.tecto.2015.11.001

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
We present new, full geomagnetic field vector results from three Neolithic ovens discovered at the archaeological site of Portonovo (Marche, Italy). The discovered structures are a rare example of very well preserved underground ovens from the Early Neolithic period. Standard thermal demagnetization procedures were used to isolate the direction of the Characteristic Remanent Magnetization acquired by the baked clay during the ovens' last firing. The corresponding archaeointensities were determined by the multi-specimen procedure (MSP-DSC) and show a clear intensity low during the Neolithic period. Both directional and intensity results are of high quality, offering the first contribution of full geomagnetic field vector data for this period in Italy. The new data are compared with other contemporaneous data from Europe and with global geomagnetic field models. Independent archaeomagnetic dating of the three ovens was also performed by means of the SCHA.DIF.14k model. The obtained results are in excellent agreement with available radiocarbon dates and confirm that all ovens belong to the Neolithic. These new data importantly enrich our knowledge of the geomagnetic field during the Neolithic period that is poorly documented by data, not only in Italy but also in the whole of Europe and show that archaeomagnetic dating can provide precise results even for prehistoric periods.
ISSN: 0012-821X

hal-01357276
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01357276
DOI : 10.1016/j.epsl.2016.05.003

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : Two peat sequences were sampled in the vicinity of the main mining districts of the Vosges Mountains: Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines and Plancher-les-Mines. Lead isotopic compositions and excess lead fluxes were calculated for each of these radiocarbon-dated sequences. Geochemical records are in very good agreement with the mining history of the area, well known over the last millennium. Except for an anomaly corresponding to the Middle Bronze Age which has not yet been resolved, there is no clear geochemical evidence of local metal production in the Vosges before the 10th century as excess lead deposition archived between 500 BC and 500 AD is attributed to long-range transport of polluted particulate matter. The approach described here can be applied to other mining districts where archaeological evidence is scarce or even lacking, but where past exploitation is suspected.
ISSN: 0375-6742

hal-00512409
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00512409
DOI : 10.1016/j.gexplo.2010.05.004

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Blackwell Publishing
Résumé : International audience
Differentiating between forced regressive deposits from deglacial periods inhigh latitude domains and forced regressive deposits from the onset of glacialperiods in low latitude domains is fundamental for the accurate interpretationof glacial cycles within the geological record and then for thereconstruction of palaeogeography and palaeo-climate. A forced regressivedeglacial sequence is documented from the Lake Saint-Jean basin (Quebec,Canada). In this area, the Late Pleistocene to Holocene sediments haverecorded the Laurentide ice sheet retreat accompanied by the invasion ofmarine waters (Laflamme Gulf) from ca 129 cal kyr BP. Subsequently, fluviodeltaicand coastal prograding wedges were deposited; they followed thebase-level fall due to glacio-isostatic rebound. This succession, representinga transition from glacial to post-glacial periods within a previously glaciatedarea, was investigated through recent mapping, preserved landforms, faciesanalysis, and new optical stimulated luminescence and radiocarbon dates.Three basin-scale geological sections share a common lower part made ofisolated ice-contact fan deposits overlying bedrock. Throughout the entirebasin, ice-contact fans are capped by glacimarine muds. Above, fluvial andcoastal prograding systems were deposited and evolved through four steps:(i) deltaic systems progressively increased in width; (ii) coastal influence onsedimentation increased; (iii) hydrographic drainage systems became moreorganised; and (iv) deltas graded from steep (Gilbert delta) to low-angle foresets(mouth-bar delta). Deposited during the base-level fall from glacioisostaticrebound, the complete succession has been designated as a singlefalling stage system tract referred to as a deglacial falling stage system tract.It is representative of a deglaciation sequence in areas previously covered byice during glacial periods (i.e. medium to high latitude domains). Diagnosticcriteria are provided to identify such a deglacial falling stage system tract inthe geological record, which may aid identification of previously unknownglacial cycles.
ISSN: 1469-3496

insu-01184731
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01184731
DOI : 10.1111/sed.12196

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
The Grande Terre of New Caledonia is enclosed by one of the longest barrier reefs in the world. For the first time, the fore-reef slopes of this barrier reef have been sampled by dredging, from 40 to 320 m deep, in order to analyze their sedimentological and biological characteristics. The rocks and sediments can be divided into seven sedimentary facies: bindstones dominated by coralline algal crusts, bindstones dominated by foraminiferal crusts, bindstones dominated by bryozoan crusts, coral framestones, bindstones and interstratified packstones rich in skeletal debris, packstones/wackestones and grainstones rich in rock gravels. Radiocarbon dating performed on encrusting organisms (coralline algae and acervulinids) and corals provide ages relatively young. These ages confirm that the encrusting organisms are modern and the corals mainly dated of Holocene are reworked due to the instability of the fore-reef slopes, especially during storms. Because the biological assemblages are distributed according to a bathymetric range depending on light intensity, a model of distribution of modern encrusting calcareous organisms can be proposed from our observations and analyses. From the upper reef slopes to approximately 90 m, thick coralline algal crusts are dominant and distributed in three groups. Group C, the shallowest parts of the fore slopes, is mainly characterized by mastophorids (Hydrolithon reinboldii, H. cf. munitum, Lithoporella melobesoides, Aethesolithon cf. problematicum, Neogoniolithon sp. and undetermined species) and lithophylloids (Lithophyllum sp., L. pustulatum). Group B, composed of lithophylloids (Lithophyllum sp., L. cf. kotschyanum, L. cf. moluccence, L. pustulatum), Mesophyllum sp. and Peyssonnelia sp. occurs from 15 to 40 m. Group A, rich in Mesophyllum sp., M. cf. mesomorphum, Peyssonnelia sp. and Sporolithon sp. is characteristic of deep reef slopes up to 90 m. Below approximately 90 m, when the light intensity decreases, the encrusting foraminifera acervulinids progressively replace the coralline algal crusts. Such a model is particularly useful to interpret and reconstruct the past Quaternary reef environments rich in crusts of coralline algae and/or foraminifera.
ISSN: 0025-3227

hal-00393705
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00393705
DOI : 10.1016/j.margeo.2007.12.002

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Société géologique de France
Résumé : A study combining very high resolution seismic and sediment core data has been carried out on the Thau lagoon (Mediterranean coast, microtidal setting, SE France) in order to understand more clearly the dynamics and Holocene chronology of its closure through the different stages of its filling. One main seismic unit (U2) has been defined into the infill, above the rocky basement (U0) and a composite unit U1, which is interpreted as remnants of Pleistocene fluvial terraces or/and to early marine Holocene deposits. Unit U2, that reaches locally 9 m in thickness, rests conformably on U1 in the central part of the lagoon and onlaps U0 or U1 close to the edge of the lagoon. It is divided in two sub-units, U2-1 and U2-2. U2-2 rests paraconformably on U2-1 in the central part of the lagoon where the infill is the thickest, while a marked erosional unconformity is observed between U2-1 and U2-2 on topographic highs of the basement and on the seaward edge of the lagoon. A total of seven elementary sequences have been observed in U2-1 and U2-2.;According to core data, U2 consists in a series of mud-dominated sequences, with shell fragments dispersed at the base. The vertical distribution of the fauna into U2-1 and U2-2 reveals a lagoonal environment. However in U2-1, marine species are more abundant in the south of the lagoon. C-14 AMS dating provides three ages: similar to 6000 cal yr B.P. in the lower part of U2-1 on CAL1, 5400 cal yr B.P. just above the boundary between U2-1 and U2-2 on CAL4, similar to 3000 cal yr B.P. in the middle of U2-2 on CAL4.;A scenario to explain the lagoon infill stratigraphy and geometry is proposed. The beginning of the lagoon infill occurred with the initiation of the barrier construction, as soon as the sea-level rise slowed down significantly, i.e. between 7000-6000 yr B.P. The sediment-fill began into the back-barrier system, with a high rate of sedimentation for U2-1, according to the radiocarbon data. At 5400 yr B.P., the barrier is assumed to be totally closed leading to the deposition of the fully lagoonal U2-2 succession. The unconformity between U2-1 and U2-2 is interpreted as the result of a rapid landward retreat of the barrier. This severe retreat could be related to climate forcing and/or brutal change in sediment discharge driven by the Rhone River, which is the main sediment source of the longshore drift. In this scenario, the last sub-unit, U2-2, represents most of the late Holocene infill. In this framework, the elementary sequences observed in U2-2 could be related to high frequency climate changes of about 1000-1500 years periodicity according to C-14 dates.
EISSN: 1777-5817

hal-00486386
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00486386
DOI : 10.2113/gssgfbull.181.2.197