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) : Amer Geophysical Union
Résumé : After the January 12, 2010, Haiti earthquake, we deployed a mainly offshore temporary network of seismologic stations around the damaged area. The distribution of the recorded aftershocks, together with morphotectonic observations and mainshock analysis, allow us to constrain a complex fault pattern in the area. Almost all of the aftershocks have a N-S compressive mechanism, and not the expected left-lateral strike-slip mechanism. A first-order slip model of the mainshock shows a N264 degrees E north-dipping plane, with a major left-lateral component and a strong reverse component. As the aftershock distribution is sub-parallel and close to the Enriquillo fault, we assume that although the cause of the catastrophe was not a rupture along the Enriquillo fault, this fault had an important role as a mechanical boundary. The azimuth of the focal planes of the aftershocks are parallel to the north-dipping faults of the Transhaitian Belt, which suggests a triggering of failure on these discontinuities. In the western part, the aftershock distribution reflects the triggering of slip on similar faults, and/or, alternatively, of the south-dipping faults, such the Trois-Baies submarine fault. These observations are in agreement with a model of an oblique collision of an indenter of the oceanic crust of the Southern Peninsula and the sedimentary wedge of the Transhaitian Belt: the rupture occurred on a wrench fault at the rheologic boundary on top of the under-thrusting rigid oceanic block, whereas the aftershocks were the result of the relaxation on the hanging wall along pre-existing discontinuities in the frontal part of the Transhaitian Belt. Citation: Mercier de Lepinay, B., et al. (2011), The 2010 Haiti earthquake: A complex fault pattern constrained by seismologic and tectonic observations, Geophys. Res. Lett., 38, L22305, doi:10.1029/2011GL049799.
Geophysical Research Letters (0094-8276) (Amer Geophysical Union), 2011-11 , Vol. 38 , N. L22305 , P. 7 p.

Droits : 2011 by the American Geophysical Union
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00054/16557/14071.pdf
DOI:10.1029/2011GL049799
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00054/16557/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD European Geosciences Union
Résumé : International audience
We calculated the seismic properties of 47 mantle xenoliths from 9 kimberlitic pipes in the Kaapvaal craton based on their modal composition, the crystal-preferred orientations (CPO) of olivine, ortho- and clinopyroxene, and garnet, the Fe content of olivine, and the pressures and temperatures at which the rocks were equilibrated. These data allow constraining the variation of seismic anisotropy and velocities within the cratonic mantle. The fastest P and S2 wave propagation directions and the polarization of fast split shear waves (S1) are always subparallel to olivine [100] axes of maximum concentration, which marks the lineation (fossil flow direction). Seismic anisotropy is higher for high olivine contents and stronger CPO. Maximum P wave azimuthal anisotropy (AVp) ranges between 2.5 and 10.2% and the maximum S wave polarization anisotropy (AVs), between 2.7 and 8%. Changes in olivine CPO symmetry result in minor variations in the seismic anisotropy patterns, mainly in the apparent isotropy directions for shear wave splitting. Seismic properties averaged over 20 km-thick depth sections are, therefore, very homogeneous. Based on these data, we predict the anisotropy that would be measured by SKS, Rayleigh (SV) and Love (SH) waves for five endmember orientations of the foliation and lineation. Comparison to seismic anisotropy data from the Kaapvaal shows that the coherent fast directions, but low delay times imaged by SKS studies, and the low azimuthal anisotropy with with the horizontally polarized S waves (SH) faster than the vertically polarized S wave (SV) measured using surface waves are best explained by homogeneously dipping (45°) foliations and lineations in the cratonic mantle lithosphere. Laterally or vertically varying foliation and lineation orientations with a dominantly NW-SE trend might also explain the low measured anisotropies, but this model should also result in backazimuthal variability of the SKS splitting data, not reported in the seismological data. The strong compositional heterogeneity of the Kaapvaal peridotite xenoliths results in up to 3% variation in density and in up to 2.3% variation of Vp, Vs, and Vp / Vs ratio. Fe depletion by melt extraction increases Vp and Vs, but decreases the Vp / Vs ratio and density. Orthopyroxene enrichment due to metasomatism decreases the density and Vp, strongly reducing the Vp / Vs ratio. Garnet enrichment, which was also attributed to metasomatism, increases the density, and in a lesser extent Vp and the Vp / Vs ratio. Comparison of density and seismic velocity profiles calculated using the xenoliths' compositions and equilibration conditions to seismological data in the Kaapvaal highlights that (i) the thickness of the craton is underestimated in some seismic studies and reaches at least 180 km, (ii) the deep sheared peridotites represent very local modifications caused and oversampled by kimberlites, and (iii) seismological models probably underestimate the compositional heterogeneity in the Kaapvaal mantle root, which occurs at a scale much smaller than the one that may be sampled seismologically.
ISSN: 1869-9510

hal-01053516
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01053516
DOI : 10.5194/se-5-45-2014

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Oxford University Press (OUP)
Résumé : International audience
We analyse P-wave receiver functions across the western Gulf of Aden and southern Red Sea continental margins in Western Yemen to constrain crustal thickness, internal crustal structure and the bulk seismic velocity characteristics in order to address the role of magmatism, faulting and mechanical crustal thinning during continental breakup. We analyse teleseismic data from 21 stations forming the temporary Young Conjugate Margins Laboratory (YOCMAL) network together with GFZ and Yemeni permanent stations. Analysis of computed receiver functions shows that (1) the thickness of unextended crust on the Yemen plateau is ∼35km; (2) this thins to ∼22km in coastal areas and reaches less than 14km on the Red Sea coast, where presence of a high-velocity lower crust is evident. The average Vp/Vs ratio for the western Yemen Plateau is 1.79, increasing to ∼1.92 near the Red Sea coast and decreasing to 1.68 for those stations located on or near the granitic rocks. Thinning of the crust, and by inference extension, occurs over a ∼130-km-wide transition zone from the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden coasts to the edges of the Yemen plateau. Thinning of continental crust is particularly localized in a <30-km-wide zone near the coastline, spatially co-incident with addition of magmatic underplate to the lower crust, above which on the surface we observe the presence of seaward dipping reflectors (SDRs) and thickened Oligo-Miocene syn-rift basaltic flows. Our results strongly suggest the presence of high-velocity mafic intrusions in the lower crust, which are likely either synrift magmatic intrusion into continental lower crust or alternatively depleted upper mantle underplated to the base of the crust during the eruption of the SDRs. Our results also point towards a regional breakup history in which the onset of rifting was synchronous along the western Gulf of Aden and southern Red Sea volcanic margins followed by a second phase of extension along the Red Sea margin.
ISSN: 0956-540X

hal-00825194
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00825194
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00825194/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00825194/file/RF_Hakim2012_GJI.pdf
DOI : 10.1093/gji/ggt072

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Oxford University Press (OUP)
Résumé : International audience
Our knowledge and understanding of the 3-D lithospheric structure of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau is still challenging although numerous geophysical studies have been performed in the region. The GOCE satellite mission has the ambitious goal of mapping Earth's gravity field with unprecedented precision (i.e. an accuracy of 1-2 mGal for a spatial resolution of 100 km) to observe the lithosphere and upper-mantle structure. Consequently, it gives new insights in the lithospheric structure beneath the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. Indeed, the GOCE gravity data now allow us to develop a new strategy for joint gravimetry-seismology inversion. Combined with teleseismic data over a large region in a joint inversion scheme, they will lead to lithospheric velocity-density models constrained in two complementary ways. We apply this joint inversion scheme to the Hi-CLIMB (Himalayan-Tibetan Continental Lithosphere during Mountain Building) seismological network which was deployed in South Tibet and the Himalayas for a 3-yr period. The large size of the network, the high quality of the seismological data and the new GOCE gravity data set allow us to image the entire lithosphere of this active area in an innovative way. We image 3-D low velocity and density structures in the middle crust that fit the location of discontinuous low S-velocity zones revealed by receiver functions in previous geophysical studies. In the deeper parts of our velocity model we image a positive anomaly interpreted to be the heterogenous Indian lithosphere vertically descending beneath the centre of the Tibetan Plateau.
ISSN: 0956-540X

hal-00858024
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00858024
DOI : 10.1093/gji/ggs110

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
We use first first-principle methods and the Peierls-Nabarro model to evaluate the resistance to glide, characterized by the Peierls stress, of glide systems for end-member MgSiO3 Perovskite at mantle pressures. [010](100) is the easiest glide system in Mg-Perovskite at all pressures. Peierls stresses increase systematically with pressure for all systems except [001](010), indicating the importance of lattice friction at lower mantle pressures. The ratio of the maximum Peierls stress for each system relative to the [010](100) value defines their critical resolved shear stress (CRSS). These CRSS are used in a visco-plastic self-consistent homogenization model to predict the evolution of crystal preferred orientations (CPO) during deformation of polycrystalline Mg-Perovskite. In axial compression, [100] tends to align with the compression direction, in agreement with in situ observations in axial compression experiments. In simple shear, [010] concentrates near the shear direction and (100), although more dispersed, tends to align near the shear plane, consistent with the dominant activity of the easier [010](100) system. The calculated seismic anisotropy for a 100% Mg-Perovskite aggregate using the CPO in simple shear and the elastic constants Of MgSiO3 perovskite at lower mantle pressures and temperatures is weak (>3% for P-waves with and >2% for S-waves) and decreases with increasing temperature and pressure. P-waves show the fastest propagation parallel to the lineation and S-waves fast polarization is in the foliation at 38 GPa and normal to the lineation at 88 GPa. This weak anisotropy is consistent with global seismological observations of a nearly isotropic lower mantle. There are however two regions where strain-induced Mg-Perovskite CPO could contribute to anisotropy; a) low temperature regions in the uppermost lower mantle, where the predicted S-wave polarization anisotropy may attain 1.6% with a fast polarization parallel to the foliation, b) in high high-temperature domains in the D '' layer, where Mg-Perovskite may be the major stable phase, leading to polarization of fast S-waves normal to the lineation for propagation directions at high angle to the lineation and an apparent isotropy for all other propagation directions.
ISSN: 0012-821X

hal-00411460
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00411460
DOI : 10.1016/j.epsl.2008.03.058

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Geophysical Union
Résumé : International audience
Using first principle simulations we calculated the elasticity of chlorite. At a density ρ~ 2.60 g cm−3, the elastic constant tensor reveals significant elastic anisotropy: VP ~27%, VS1 ~56%, and VS2 ~43%. The shear anisotropy is exceptionally large for chlorite and enhances upon compression. Upon compression, the shear elastic constant component C44 and C55 decreases, whereas C66 shear component stiffens. The softening in C44 and C55 is reflected in shear modulus, G, and the shear wave velocity, VS. Our results on elastic anisotropy at conditions relevant to the mantle wedge indicates that a 10-20 km layer of hydrated peridotite with serpentine and chlorite could account for the observed shear polarization anisotropy and associated large delay times of 1-2 s observed in some subduction zone settings. In addition, chlorite could also explain the low VP/VS ratios that have been observed in recent high-resolution seismological studies.
ISSN: 0094-8276

hal-01053707
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01053707
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01053707/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01053707/file/Mookherjee_et_al-2014-Geophysical_Research_Letters.pdf
DOI : 10.1002/2014GL059334

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Springer-Verlag
Résumé : The seismology is the most effective method to explore the Structure of subduction zones to great depth. The distinguishing feature of the mantle in the subduction regions is the presence of hydrated phases, which transport water into the Earth's interior and release it with dramatic local consequences, triggering earthquakes and melting. The seismological detection of these hydrous phases and geo-dynamic interpretation of flow in the hydrous mantle depend on knowledge of the anisotropic elastic properties and the characteristics of the wave propagation in anisotropic media. In this paper we briefly recall the distinguishing features of anisotropic wave propagation and the observable parameters. We suggest the Vp/Vs ratio is a physically sound parameter than can be observed by seismology in anisotropic regions of the Earth, whereas the Poisson's ratio, which is often quoted, is not directly observable and does not correspond to the characteristics of wave propagation in an anisotropic or isotropic medium. We report for the first time the ratios of Vp/Vs1 and Vp/Vs2, where Vs1 is the fastest and Vs2 slowest S-wave velocities of an anisotropic media. We present the current knowledge of the anisotropic seismic properties of hydrous minerals in the upper mantle, transition zone, and lower mantle that are stable along low temperature geotherms associated with subduction, and identify which minerals are likely to influence seismological observations because they have very high volume fractions, or very high anisotropies, or both of these.;In the upper mantle antigorite and talc are exceptionally anisotropic (Vp 71% Vs 68% and Vp 65%, Vs 68%, respectively) and chlorite is also very anisotropic for S-waves (Vp 35%, Vs 76%). Comparatively less anisotropic are hornblende (Vp 27%, Vs 31%), used as proxy for tremolite in subduction zones, and clinohumite (21.8%, Vs 15.9%). Brucite at 4 GPa (Vp 26.5%, Vs 30.9%) and the dense hydrogen magnesium silicate (DHMS) phase A at 9GPa (Vp 9.3%, Vs 17.6%) are the only hydrous minerals stable in the upper mantle that have had their elastic properties measured at in situ mantle pressures. Except for the phase A, all these minerals are more anisotropic than olivine for at least one parameter (Vp, Vs, Vp/Vs1, or Vp/Vs2). In the transition zone the major phases hydrous wadsleyite and ringwoodite C have moderate to weak anisotropies (Vp 16.3%, Vs 16.5%, and Vp 1.9%, Vs 4.4%, respectively). The DHMS Superhydrous B has a moderate anisotropy (Vp 6.9%, Vs 11.6%). At greater depth the DHMS phase D Lit 24 GPa (Vp 10.8%, Vs 18.0%) is the only hydrous phase that can transport hydrogen from the transition zone into the lower mantle. The phase D is more anisotropic for S than P waves like many of the hydrous phases. From these data it is clear that hydrous phases are in general very anisotropic. However, pressure can play a strong role in reducing anisotropy. It is the case for brucite and talc, in which increasing pressure from ambient to 4 GPa reduces the anisotropy by about 50% for both P and S waves. In contrast, the anisotropy of the DHMS phase A does not change significantly with pressure.;Our picture of the seismic anisotropy of hydrated minerals remains incomplete; the elastic properties of many have not been measured even at ambient conditions (e.g., 10 angstrom phase and phase E) or not measured in their true elastic symmetry (e.g., clinochlore). The majority of hydrous minerals have not been measured at high pressure. and none related to hydrated mantle have been measured at elevated temperature. We have shown in the few cases where hydrous minerals have been measured as a function of pressure, that this variable has an important effect oil the velocity distribution and in most cases reduces the degree of anisotropy, hence we Would expect seismic anisotropy to play a key role in the determination of the shallow structure of subduction zones in the upper mantle.
Subduction zone geodynamics

hal-00420893
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00420893

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
We investigated the response of the crystal structure, lattice parameters, and unit-cell volume of hydrous layered silicate phlogopite at conditions relevant to subduction zone settings. We have used first principles simulation based on density functional theory to calculate the equation of state and full elastic constant tensor. Based on the generalized gradient approximation, the full single crystal elastic constant tensor with monoclinic symmetry shows significant anisotropy with the compressional elastic constants: c11 = 181 GPa, c22 = 185 GPa, c33 = 62 GPa, the shear elastic constants c44 = 14 GPa, c55 = 20 GPa, c66 = 68 Ga, and c46 = −6 GPa; the off diagonal elastic constants c12 = 48 GPa, c13 = 12 GPa, c23 = 12 GPa, c15 = −16 GPa, c25 = −5 GPa and c35 = −1 GPa at zero pressure. The elastic anisotropy of phlogopite is larger than most of the layered hydrous phases relevant in the subduction zone conditions. The shear anisotropy, AVS for phlogopite is ∼77% at zero pressure condition and although it decreases upon compression it remains relatively high compared to other hydrous phases relevant in the subduction zone settings. We also note that the shear elastic constants for phlogopite are relatively low. Phlogopite also has a high isotropic bulk VP/VS ratio ∼2.0. However, the VP/VS ratio also exhibits significant anisotropy with values as low as 1.49. Thus, phlogopite bearing metasomatized mantle could readily explain unusual VP/VS ratio as observed from seismological studies from the mantle wedge regions of the subduction zone.
ISSN: 0031-9201

hal-01115670
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01115670
DOI : 10.1016/j.pepi.2014.05.004

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Lambert Academic Publishing
Résumé : The Himalaya-Tibet system is considered as the classical case of continental collision. Nonetheless, some fundamental questions concerning its structure, as well as physical processes influencing its evolution are still pending. This book presents several advances in the subject matter. Based on new high-resolution geophysical data from the field, combined with robust imaging techniques, the structure of the collision is revealed in detail: the underplating of India beneath half of Tibet, as well as the geometry of the surface along which this happens. Various numerical modelling techniques allow to discuss physical processes at work in the collision zone, such as the rheology of the India plate whose strong mantle supports the Himalayas, or the metamorphic reactions at depth emphasizing the role of water. We recommend this book to Earth Scientists in a broader sense. While specialists in seismology or modelling can thumb technical details, all Readers can get an interdisciplinary overview of mountain building in the Himalayas, with a retrospective outlook on early day explorers and the dawn of some classical geological principles.
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00854592

ISBN : 978-3838323534
hal-00854592
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00854592

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

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

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Constraining mantle deformation beneath plate boundaries where plates interact with each other, such as beneath active or halted mountain belts, is a particularly important objective of "mantle tectonics" that may bring a depth extent to the Earth's surface observation. Such mantle deformation can be mapped at scale lengths of several tens of kilometers through the analysis of seismological data and particularly by mapping seismic anisotropy from the splitting analysis of vertically-propagating SKS waves that largely reflect the strain-induced crystal preferred orientations of the rock-forming minerals within the upper mantle. In the present study, we analyse data from approximately 50 broadband seismic stations covering the Western Alps and we provide a coherent picture of upper mantle anisotropy beneath the belt. The large-scale anisotropy pattern is characterized by fast split directions that closely follow the trend of the belt. Moreover, the maximum anisotropy magnitude is not located beneath the internal zones of the belt but instead beneath external units. All suggests that the anisotropy is likely dominated by sublithospheric mantle deformation. We propose that the observed anisotropy pattern can be explained by recent or active mantle flow around the Eurasian slab presently plunging beneath the inner parts of the Alps.
ISSN: 0012-821X

hal-00617828
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00617828
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00617828/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00617828/file/Barruol_SKS_Alpes_EPSL2011_hal.pdf
DOI : 10.1016/j.epsl.2010.12.040

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Oxford University Press (OUP)
Résumé : International audience
Rifting in a cratonic lithosphere is strongly controlled by several interacting processes including crust/mantle rheology, magmatism, inherited structure and stress regime. In order to better understand how these physical parameters interact, a 2 yr long seismological experiment has been carried out in the North Tanzanian Divergence (NTD), at the southern tip of the eastern magmatic branch of the East African rift, where the southward-propagating continental rift is at its earliest stage. We analyse teleseismic data from 38 broad-band stations ca. 25 km spaced and present here results from their receiver function (RF) analysis. The crustal thickness and Vp/Vs ratio are retrieved over a ca. 200 × 200 km2 area encompassing the South Kenya magmatic rift, the NTD and the Ngorongoro-Kilimanjaro transverse volcanic chain. Cratonic nature of the lithosphere is clearly evinced through thick (up to ca. 40 km) homogeneous crust beneath the rift shoulders. Where rifting is present, Moho rises up to 27 km depth and the crust is strongly layered with clear velocity contrasts in the RF signal. The Vp/Vs ratio reaches its highest values (ca. 1.9) beneath volcanic edifices location and thinner crust, advocating for melting within the crust. We also clearly identify two major low-velocity zones (LVZs) within the NTD, one in the lower crust and the second in the upper part of the mantle. The first one starts at 15–18 km depth and correlates well with recent tomographic models. This LVZ does not always coexist with high Vp/Vs ratio, pleading for a supplementary source of velocity decrease, such as temperature or composition. At a greater depth of ca. 60 km, a mid-lithospheric discontinuity roughly mimics the step-like and symmetrically outward-dipping geometry of the Moho but with a more slanting direction (NE–SW) compared to the NS rift. By comparison with synthetic RF, we estimate the associated velocity reduction to be 8–9 per cent. We relate this interface to melt ponding, possibly favouring here deformation process such as grain-boundary sliding (EAGBS) due to lithospheric strain. Its geometry might have been controlled by inherited lithospheric fabrics and heterogeneous upper mantle structure. We evidence that crustal and mantle magmatic processes represent first order mechanisms to ease and locate the deformation during the first stage of a cratonic lithospheric breakup.
ISSN: 0956-540X

hal-01622078
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01622078
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01622078/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01622078/file/plasmanGJI2017.pdf
DOI : 10.1093/gji/ggx177

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Springer Verlag
Résumé : International audience
This paper presents a synthesis of a multidisciplinary study carried out along the Nîmes Roman aqueduct, located in the southeast part of France. The study was motivated by archaeologists attempting to explain the partial destructions of only one aerial bridge of the aqueduct (Pont de la Lône). Given its close proximity to the Nîmes seismically active fault, a possible seismic origin for the destructions was invoked. Seismologists and structural engineers thus carried out a variety of field and numerical investigations to test the seismic hypothesis. Supporting field evidence was found first along the aerial bridge section of the aqueduct: broken stalactites, arch warping, cracks and destruction of the bridge just above a breast wall shortly after its construction. Secondly, the underground part of the canal was analysed: irregularity in the thickness of calcite deposits of the canal walls, presence of numerous cracks, horizontal shift of the otherwise linear structure of the canal and presence of calcite twins in the deposits, found only where the canal crosses the Nîmes fault system. Numerical modelling and experimental results show that (1) only the Pont de la Lône would have suffered serious damage under seismic solicitation (assuming an M6 earthquake at 10 km distance). The second aerial bridge, the three levels arches Pont du Gard, an historical monument still standing today, would have suffered less damage, due to its very different fundamental frequency of around 0.4 Hz, far from the amplified seismic near-field spectrum; (2) the numerical models also show that a fall of the canal wall would require a higher magnitude event (M > 6); (3) the presence of calcite twinning requires a differential static stress of 4 MPa or greater, which can only be achieved very close to the fault rupture of a M > 6 earthquake; (4) finally, local surface rupturing of such a fault would also corroborate the hypothesis that the observed offset of the canal may be partly seismically induced. Although other possible origins for each individual evidence may not be excluded, the observed spatiotemporal concentration of architectural/geological anomalies together with the numerical results allow us to support a possible co-seismic origin for these disorders, indirectly attesting to the potential seismic activity (M > 6) of the nearby Nîmes fault. Furthermore, following the conclusions of archaeological studies, the disorders occurred between 250 and 350 year AD, thus providing timing for this possible seismic event, an essential parameter in seismic hazard analysis. These results validate the archaeo-seismological approach as a tool that may help improve the knowledge of major infrequent earthquakes in areas of moderate seismic activity.
ISSN: 0921-030X

hal-00379064
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00379064
DOI : 10.1007/s11069-008-9276-9

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
This work focuses on the analysis of a unique set of seismological data recorded by two temporary networks of seismometers deployed onshore and offshore in the Central Lesser Antilles Island Arc from Martinique to Guadeloupe islands. During the whole recording period, extending from January to the end of August 2007, more than 1300 local seismic events were detected in this area. A subset of 769 earthquakes was located precisely by using HypoEllipse. We also computed focal mechanisms using P-wave polarities of the best azimuthally constrained earthquakes. We detected earthquakes beneath the Caribbean forearc and in the Atlantic oceanic plate as well. At depth seismicity delineates the Wadati-Benioff Zone down to 170 km depth. The main seismic activity is concentrated in the lower crust and in the mantle wedge, close to the island arc beneath an inner forearc domain in comparison to an outer forearc domain where little seismicity is observed. We propose that the difference of the seismicity beneath the inner and the outer forearc is related to a difference of crustal structure between the inner forearc interpreted as a dense, thick and rigid crustal block and the lighter and more flexible outer forearc. Seismicity is enhanced beneath the inner forearc because it likely increases the vertical stress applied to the subducting plate.
ISSN: 0040-1951

hal-01052679
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01052679
DOI : 10.1016/j.tecto.2011.08.006

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : This work addresses a study of geodynamics in Armenia, a country located in the central part of the zone of continental collision between the Arabian and Eurasian lithosphere plates. The work includes two main parts: study of recent deformations of the lithosphere by means of GPS and detailed paleoseismological and morphometric investigations in the zone of the Artanish-Tskhouk segment of the PSSF. We analyze and compare rates of deformation determined by the GPS data and the rates estimated by the paleoseismological and morphometric studies. The Armenian-French network of GPS observations was installed in Armenia in 1998. Three observation sessions were conducted in 1998, 2000 and 2003. Based on the evidence obtained, a detailed study of the velocity field was conducted to analyze lithosphere deformation in Central and Northern Armenia. Slip rates were estimated for the principal active faults in Armenia. Several field works, including paleoseismological, archaeo-seismological, archaeological, geodetic and morphological studies, had been implemented in the zone of the Artanish-Tskhouk segment of the PSSF in 2003-2005. The fault was mapped in detail; rates of main horizontal and vertical slip along the fault were estimated and re-estimated. Four (4) paleo- and archeo-earthquakes were studied and dated. Eventually, the obtained data allowed us to re-estimate slip rates, maximum possible magnitudes and recurrence intervals of strong earthquakes on the Artanish-Tskhouk segment of the PSSF. A technique enabling estimation of horizontal and vertical displacements along strike-slip faults during paleo-earthquakes by the evidence obtained from paleo-seismological trenching was developed.
Les travaux présentés dans ce mémoire sont consacrés à l'étude de la géodynamique du territoire de l'Arménie qui est situé dans la partie centrale de la zone de collision continentale entre les plaques Arabique et Eurasienne. Le mémoire comprend deux parties principales: 1/ l'étude des déformations actuelles par la géodésie GPS; 2/ l'étude paléosismologique et morphométrique détaillée de la zone du segment d'Artanish-Tskhuk de la faille de Pambak-Sevan-Syunik (PSSF). On présente l'analyse et la comparaison des vitesses de déformations estimées par les données de GPS et par les données paléosismologiques et morphométriques. Le réseau d'observations GPS Arméno - Français a été installé en Arménie en septembre 1998. Trois campagnes de mesure du réseau ont été réalisées en 1998, 2000 et 2003. L'analyse détaillée du champ de vitesse à partir des données GPS a permis d'étudier et de quantifier les déformations actuelles de l'Arménie centrale et septentrionale. On a pu estimer les vitesses des déplacements des failles actives principales du territoire de l'Arménie. Un ensemble de travaux sur le terrain comprenant des recherches paléosismologiques, archéosismologiques, archéologiques, géodésiques, et morphologiques a été réalisé entre 2003 et 2005 dans la zone du segment d'Artanish-Tskhuk de la faille de PSSF. La cartographie détaillée de la faille a été réalisée et l'on a estimé et/ou re-estimés les déplacements horizontaux et verticaux le long de la faille. Quatre paléo- et archéoséismes ont été étudiés et datés. À partir des données obtenues, pour le segment d'Artanish-Tskhuk de la faille de PSSF, on a réévalué les vitesses de déplacements, la magnitude maximale possible, et l'intervalle récurrence des séismes forts. Une méthode d'évaluation des déplacements horizontaux et verticaux a été proposée à partir des logs de tranchées sur les failles de décrochements associées à des paléoséismes.
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00551535

Droits : info:eu-repo/semantics/OpenAccess
tel-00551535
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00551535
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00551535/document
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00551535/file/thesedavtyan2.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Seismological Society of America
Résumé : International audience
We present an improvement of the maximum intersection (MAXI) method in which absolute earthquake location is defined by the maximum intersection number of hyperbolic equal differential time (EDT) volumes (one EDT volume being described as all grid nodes satisfying the arrival‐time differences between two stations, ± a tolerance value known as TERR). This 3D technique is well adapted to a strongly heterogeneous environment, avoids the depth versus origin‐time trade‐off (even using P arrivals alone), and objectively filters possible erroneous arrival times. Improvements consist of introducing an iterative multiscale approach on the TERR parameter and conducting a hierarchy of grid discretization to refine the preliminary solution (multigrid algorithm). The outlier cleaning process is strengthened by conducting statistical analyses based on the number of EDT volume intersections per station, rather than on travel‐time residues. Processing two series of synthetic arrival times computed in the 3D seismological configuration of the southernmost Ryukyu subduction zone, offshore Taiwan, allows us to (1) confirm MAXI robustness, even when arrival times are highly disturbed or azimuthal coverage largely reduced, and (2) show that MAXI, by limiting trade‐offs between origin time and depth and between epicentral position and depth, is less affected by a wrong velocity model than a technique that minimizes travel‐time residues. To conclude, we apply the MAXI method to locate earthquakes recorded by the combined Central Weather Bureau of Taiwan (CWB) and the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) networks (1991-2008) within a georealistic a priori 3D P‐velocity model. Hypocenter determinations are selected based on MAXI confidence factors, and earthquake clustering along well‐known tectonic features witnesses hypocenter determination accuracy.
ISSN: 0037-1106

hal-00725227
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00725227
DOI : 10.1785/0120100311

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Résumé : Based on new seismological and recent faulting data, we analyze five main sectors in the western part of the Betic Cordillera from an active tectonic perspective: i. The northwestern frontal sector of the cordillera, including the Morón de la Frontera area, with shallow (< 15 km depth) seismogenic active NE-SW reverse and strike-slip faults that do not reach the surface. ii. The Teba area, in the External Zones, which is deformed by sparse N-S to NW-SE normal faults with associated wedges of Quaternary sediments and active strike-slip faults at intermediate crustal levels. iii. The Ronda Basin, representing the major Late Miocene intramontane basin of the western Betic Cordillera, is mainly deformed by NNE-SSW and WNW-ESE folds and locally by NW-SE normal faults. iv. The internal part of the orogen, which is characterized by shallow (<40 km) and intermediate (40 to 120 km depth) seismicity beneath Málaga and the Alborán Sea, ENE-WSW folding, relief uplift, river incision and scarce active faults with surface expression. v. The Spanish Atlantic coast, which coincides with the western end of the Betic orogen, where Pliocene to Quaternary shallowmarine sedimentary rocks are deformed by meso-scale NW-SE oriented normal faults and few ENE-WSW reverse faults. These data support the recent tectonic activity of the western Betic Cordillera determined by the NW-SE Eurasian-African convergence with variable features from the mountain front, characterized by shallow deformations, up to the Internal Zones that mainly undergo uplift and intermediate seismicity.
ISSN: 1698-6180

hal-00750359
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00750359
DOI : 10.5209/rev_JIGE.2012.v38.n1.39211

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD AGU and the Geochemical Society
Résumé : International audience
The South Pacific region is characterized by a broadly elevated seafloor known as the South Pacific superswell. This region has a concentration of midplate volcanoes that experienced massive eruptions in the mid-Cretaceous period (90-120 Ma). These characteristics suggest the presence of a large-scale mantle plume beneath the South Pacific, called the South Pacific superplume. The geometry, origin depth, temperature, and composition of the superplume remain controversial, however, mainly due to the lack of seismological data that documents the mantle structure beneath the South Pacific. Seismic stations are sparse in the area due to its remote ocean environment. To obtain a better seismic image of the superplume, we deployed temporary broadband seismographs on oceanic islands and the seafloor in the South Pacific, which made possible the highest spatial resolution that has ever been achieved for the mantle structure beneath the region. The seismic image obtained from this new seismic data indicates that large-scale low-velocity anomalies (on the order of 1000 km in diameter), indicative of the superplume, are located from the bottom of the mantle to a depth of 1000 km, and small-scale low-velocity anomalies (on the order of 100 km in diameter) are present above it. A comparison of the seismic image with recent mantle convection studies based upon laboratory and numerical experiments suggests that the superplume may be a hot and chemically distinct mantle dome, and that the small-scale anomalies may be narrow plumes generated from the top of the dome. This model may explain various characteristics of hot spots in the South Pacific, such as the seafloor swell, short-lived hot spot chains, and the periodicity of massive eruptions.
ISSN: 1525-2027

hal-00443845
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00443845
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00443845/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00443845/file/Suetsugu_PLUME_tomo_G32009_hal.pdf
DOI : 10.1029/2009GC002533

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Springer
Résumé : Subduction is a major process that plays a first-order role in the dynamics of the Earth. The sinking of cold lithosphere into the mantle is thought by many authors to be the most important source of energy for plates driving forces. It also deeply modifies the thermal and chemical structure of the mantle, producing arc volcanism and is responsible for the release of most of the seismic energy on Earth. There has been considerable achievements done during the past decades regarding the complex interactions between the various processes acting in subduction zones. This volume contains a collection of contributions that were presented in June 2007 in Montpellier (France) during a conference that gave a state of the art panorama and discussed the perspectives about "Subduction Zone Geodynamics". The papers included in this special volume offer a unique multidisciplinary picture of the recent research on subduction zones geodynamics. They are organized into five main topics: Subduction zone geodynamics, Seismic tomography and anisotropy, Great subduction zone earthquakes, Seismogenic zone characterization, Continental and ridge subduction processes. Each of the 13 papers collected in the present volume is primarily concerned with one of these topics. However, it is important to highlight that papers always treat more than one topic so that all are related lighting on different aspects of the complex and fascinating subduction zones geodynamics.
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00808864

ISBN : 978-3-540-87974
hal-00808864
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00808864