Submarine hydrothermal manganese deposits in the Izu–Bonin – Mariana arc: An overview

Submarine hydrothermal manganese deposits are relatively common along the Izu–Bonin – Mariana (IBM) arc but hydrothermal iron crusts are much less so. The hydrothermal manganese deposits show characteristics typical of submarine hydrothermal manganese deposits found worldwide. Recent hydrothermal manganese deposits associated with active hydrothermal systems occur on seamounts or rifts located ∼ 5–40 km behind the volcanic front on the Shichito-Iwojima Ridge, IBM. Fossil hydrothermal manganese deposits associated with older hydrothermal systems occur on inactive seamounts located on ridges running parallel to the volcanic front in both forearc and back-arc settings. These fossil hydrothermal manganese deposits are generally overlain by younger hydrogenetic manganese crusts. Differences in minor element composition and in the rare earth element pattern of hydrothermal manganese deposits from the forearc and back-arc settings may reflect differences in the nature of substrate rocks or temperature of the hydrothermal fluids at these locations.     

Implications from the seismic crustal structure of the northern Izu–Bonin arc

The results of a controlled source seismic reflection–refraction experiment carried out in 1992 reveal the following characteristics of the northern Izu–Bonin (Ogasawara) oceanic island arc–trench system. (1) The crust rapidly thickens from the Shikoku back-arc basin to the arc, is thickest beneath the active rifts, and then gradually thins to the forearc. The thickness of the crust beneath the arc rift zone and the back-arc basin are ∼ 20 km and 8 km, respectively. (2) The Moho vanishes beneath the forearc. Velocities rapidly decrease eastwards beneath the inner trench wall. (3) The velocity of the lower crust of the arc and the back-arc basin is 7.1–7.3 km/s. This velocity is higher than the typical oceanic lower crust whose velocity is ∼ 6.7 km/s. (4) The velocity of the middle crust of the arc is ∼ 6 km/s. This layer does not exist beneath the back-arc basin. (5) A slight difference in the velocity gradient of the middle crust exists between the arc rift zone and the forearc. Based on these findings and previous studies, it is inferred that: (i) the middle crust is probably granitic rock and formed in more than two episodes; (ii) the lower crust formed by igneous underplating which may also have affected part of the back-arc basin; and (iii) the root of the serpentinite diapir on the inner trench wall is a low-velocity mantle wedge that was probably caused by large amounts of water released from the subducting Pacific plate at depths shallower than 30 km.     

Rapid tectonics of the Late Miocene Boso accretionary prism related to the Izu–Bonin arc collision

Abstract   The structure, paleomagnetism and biostratigraphy of the Nishizaki and Kagamigaura formations on the southern Boso Peninsula, central Japan, were investigated to determine the chronographic constraints on the accretion, post-Late Miocene rotation and regional tectonics in the Izu–Bonin island arc collision zone. The geological structures on the southern Boso Peninsula are characterized by an east–west trending and south-verging fold and thrust belt that curves toward the northwest–southeast in the northwest extent of the Nishizaki Formation. Two stages of tectonic rotation were revealed by paleomagnetic and structural studies. The first is believed to have occurred after the accretion of the Nishizaki Formation and before the deposition of the Kagamigaura Formation, while the second is confidently correlated with the 1 Ma Izu block collision. The northwest extent of the Nishizaki Formation was rotated clockwise by approximately 65–80°, whereas the rotation was only 25–30° in the east, and 11–13° in the overlying Kagamigaura Formation. Radiolarian biostratigraphy suggests a depositional age of 9.9–6.8 Ma (Upper Miocene period) for the Nishizaki Formation and 4.19-3.75 Ma (Pliocene period) for the lower Kagamigaura Formation. These results indicate that the age of accretion and first-stage rotation of the Nishizaki Formation can be constrained to the interval of 6.80–3.75 Ma. This structure most likely represents the northward bending caused by collisions of the Tanzawa and Izu blocks with the Honshu island arc, and suggests rapid processes of accretion, collision, uplift and the formation of new sedimentary basins within a relatively short period of time (2.61–3.05 my).     

Dissecting large earthquakes in Japan: Role of arc magma and fluids

We synthesized information from recent high-resolution tomographic studies of large crustal earthquakes which occurred in the Japanese Islands during 1995–2008. Prominent anomalies of low-velocity and high Poisson's ratio are revealed in the crust and uppermost mantle beneath the mainshock hypocenters, which may reflect arc magma and fluids that are produced by a combination of subducting slab dehydration and corner flow in the mantle wedge. Distribution of 164 crustal earthquakes ( M 5.7–8.0) that occurred in Japan during 1885–2008 also shows a correlation with the distribution of low-velocity zones in the crust and uppermost mantle. A qualitative model is proposed to explain the geophysical observations recorded so far in Japan. We consider that the nucleation of a large earthquake is not entirely a mechanical process, but is closely related to the subduction dynamics and physical and chemical properties of materials in the crust and upper mantle; in particular, the arc magma and fluids.     

Fukutoku-oka-no-ba Volcano: A new perspective on the Alkalic Volcano Province in the Izu–Bonin – Mariana arc

Pumice samples from Fukutoku-oka-no-ba in the Izu–Bonin – Mariana (IBM) arc were analysed for 40 trace elements and Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopic compositions. These samples are shoshonites (59.4–61.8 wt% SiO₂), characterized by high contents of K₂O (3.74–4.64 wt%), Ba (1274–1540 p.p.m.), Rb (91–105 p.p.m.), and light rare earth elements. The characteristics of alkali-element enrichment are similar to those of other parts of the Alkalic Volcano Province (AVP) in the northern Mariana and southernmost Volcano arcs. Sr (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7036–0.7038) and Pb isotopic compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 19.08–19.11, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.62–15.63, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.85–38.91) of Fukutoku-oka-no-ba pumice are relatively radiogenic, whereas Nd is unradiogenic (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51283–0.51286). Fukutoku-oka-no-ba is isotopically distinct from Iwo Jima and is similar to the Hiyoshi Volcanic Complex, suggesting that Fukutoku-oka-no-ba might have a magma source similar to that of the Hiyoshi volcanic complex. Plots of Pb and Nd isotopes for AVP lavas trend toward the fields of ocean island basalt (OIB) source and pelagic sediments, which are possible sources of AVP enrichments.     

兴都库什-帕米尔地区与天山地震带强震活动关联分析

首先通过对区域地质构造背景、地震活动性质以及动力环境等的分析,认为天山地震带强震活动主要受兴都库什-帕米尔构造结的动力控制.其次分析了兴都库什-帕米尔地区与天山地震带强震活动之间的相关关系,结果表明两地区强震成组活动存在一定的同步特征;进一步考察兴都库什-帕米尔地区中源地震与天山地震带强震活动之间关系,发现两者同样存在同步特征,且该区中源地震的活动强度和频度越大,天山地震带的强震活动越剧烈,其分布范围也越广.该结果从地震活动的角度反映了兴都库什-帕米尔地区对天山地震带强震活动的动力控制作用.     

The Epi－continental arc of Southeast China and relevant earthquakes

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Early history of the Izu–Bonin – Mariana arc system: Evidence from Belau and the Palau Trench

Volcanic rocks of the Kyushu–Palau Ridge (KPR) from Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) site 448 and from Belau comprise a low-to-medium-K arc tholeiitic series. Belau rocks include (probable) Mid-Eocene low-Ca type-3 boninite and pre-Early Oligocene–Early Miocene low-K arc tholeiitic basalt, basaltic andesite, andesite and dacite. Palau Trench samples include sparsely phyric high-Mg, -Cr and -Ni rocks which resemble the Belau boninite and Izu–Bonin – Mariana (IBM) system boninites. The high-Mg Palau Trench samples also resemble other primitive arc lavas (e.g. arc picrites). Their chemistry suggests an origin involving steep thermal gradients in multiply depleted mantle. Subduction of hot, young lithosphere under a young hot upper plate is postulated to explain this occurrence. The KPR is inferred to be the source of Eocene boninite and arc tholeiitic terranes presently in forearc regions of the IBM system. A model is presented here showing how many IBM boninites may have originated in a small area near Belau. These have migrated eastward by episodic back-arc opening accompanying eastward migration of arcs and trenches. Oldest known KPR rocks ( ca 47.5 Ma at DSDP site 296), and presumed KPR-derived exotic terranes of Guam ( ca 43.8 Ma), presage the postulated Eocene ( ca 42–43 Ma) change in Pacific plate motion invoked as the cause of subduction initiation at the KPR. The KPR has been rotated more than 40° clockwise since the Eocene, thus the age mismatch may indicate a different tectonic style, for example transtension or transpression, in earliest KPR history.     

东北地震区小震资料完整性分析及其对地震活动性参数的影响研究

以东北地震区为例,基于G-R关系的震级·频度分布原理,研究了东北地震区最小完整性震级MC的时间分布特征和各时段的空间分布特征,统计了研究区内的地震活动性参数,探讨了小震资料完整性分析对地震活动性参数和地震危险性计算结果的影响.研究表明,对区域小震资料进行完整性分析,可以在低水平地震活动地区获得较准确的地震活动性参数,更好地反映了该区未来的地震活动趋势.本文的研究方法和结论可供地震资料完整性分析和地震活动性分析时参考.     

Assessing current faulting behaviors and seismic risk of the Anninghe-Zemuhe fault zone from seismicity parameters

Introduction Strong and large earthquakes are prepared and generated on specific segments of active fault zones, especially on the asperity parts of the zones (Aki, 1984; Wiemer, Wyss, 1997; Wyss, et al, 2000). Therefore, both the faulting-behavior identification and the rupture segmentation mainly based on the method of active tectonics are always important aspects in active fault research (DING, et al, 1993). The purposes of the two aspects of research focus on determining fault units tha…     

Petrogenesis of the Tanzawa plutonic complex, central Japan: Exposed felsic middle crust of the Izu–Bonin – Mariana arc

The Miocene Tanzawa plutonic complex, consisting mainly of tonalite intrusions, is exposed at the northern end of the Izu–Bonin – Mariana (IBM) arc system as a consequence of collision with the Honshu Arc. The Tanzawa plutonic rocks belong to the calc-alkaline series and exhibit a wide range of chemical variation, from 43 to 75 wt% SiO₂. They are characterized by relatively high Ba/Rb and Ce/Nb ratios, and low abundances of K₂O, LIL elements, and rare earth elements (REE). Their petrographic and geochemical features indicate derivation from an intermediate parental magma through crystal fractionation and accumulation processes, involving hornblende, plagioclase, and magnetite. The Tanzawa plutonic complex is interpreted to be the exposed middle crust of the IBM arc, which was uplifted during the collision. The mass balance calculations, combining data from melting experiments of hydrous basaltic compositions at lower-to-middle crustal levels, suggest that parental magma and ultramafic restite were generated by dehydration partial melting (∼ 45% melting) of amphibolite chemically similar to low-K tholeiitic basalt. Partial melting of hydrated mafic lower crust might play an important role in felsic middle-crust formation in the IBM arc.     

Evidence for periodic seismicity in the inner Aegean seismic zone

The most complete and reliable data of strong (M _s6.5), shallow (h<70 km) earthquakes which occurred in the inner Aegean seismic zone have been utilized to describe its seismicity time variation during 1800–1986 by two independent statistical models. The first is a sequentially stationary model of seismicity rates which shows that intervals of low seismicity rate, lasting for some 37 years, alternate with high rate intervals of 8–12 years duration. The second model is a statistical model according which seismic energy released within 5-year time windows approximates a harmonic curve within a period of about 50 years. This model is in agreement with the notion that the time series of strong earthquake occurrences in the inner Aegean seismic zone consists of a random (shocks withM _s=6.5–6.8) and a nonrandom component (M _s6.9). Maxima and minima of the harmonic curve coincide with the high and low rate intervals, respectively. A model of regional stationary accumulation of thermal stresses along certain seismic belts and their cyclic relaxation may explain this periodicity.     

A circum-earth shear zone at low-latitudes and episodic large earthquakes in it and the circum-Pacific seismic zone

Although the temporal and spatial distribution of earthquakes looks like non-uniform, it is not com- pletely random. Locations of seismic zones are associ- ated with active tectonics. On a global or regional scale, several major or great earthquakes occur…     

Discussion about the relationship between seismic belt and seismic statistical zone

This paper makes a summary of status of delimitation of seismic zones and belts of China firstly in aspects of studying history,purpose,usage,delimiting principles,various presenting forms and main spectialties.Then the viewpoints are emphasized,making geographical divisions by seismicity is just the most important purpose of delimiting seismic belts and the concept of seismic belt is also quite different from that of seismic statistical zone used in CPSHA method.The concept of seismic statistical zone and its history of evolvement are introduced too.Large differences between these two concepts exist separately in their statistical property,actual meaning,gradation,required scale,and property of refusing to overlap each other,aim and usage of delimitation.But in current engineering practice,these two concepts are confused.On the one hand,it causes no fit theory for delimiting seismic statistical zone in PSHA to be set up;on the other hand,researches about delimitation of seismic belts with purposes of seismicity zoning and studying on structural environment,mechanism of earthquake generating also paues to go abead.Major conclusions are given in the end of this paper,that seismic statistical zone bases on the result of seismic belt delimiting,it only arises in and can be used in the especial PSHA method of China with considering spatially and termporally inhomogeneous seismic activities,and its concept should be clearly differentiated from the comcept of seismic belt.     

Partial breaking of a mature seismic gap: The 1987 earthquakes in New Britain

To better understand the mechanics of subduction and the process of breaking a mature seismic gap, we study seismic activity along the western New Britain subduction segment (147°E–151°E, 4°S–8°S) through earthquakes withm _b 5.0 in the outer-rise, the upper area of subducting slab and at intermediate depths to 250 km, from January 1964 to December 1990. The segment last broke fully in large earthquakes of December, 28, 1945 (M _s =7.9) and May 6, 1947 (M _s =7.7.), and its higher seismic potential has been recognized byMcCann et al., (1979). Recently the segment broke partially in two smaller events of February, 8, 1987 (M _s =7.4) and October 16, 1987 (M _s =7.4), leaving still unbroken areas.We observe from focal mechanisms that the outer-rise along the whole segment was under pronounced compression from the late 60's to at least October 1987 (with exception of the tensional earthquake of December 11, 1985), signifying the mature stage of the earthquake cycle. Simultaneously the slab at intermediate depths below 40 km was under tension before the earthquake of October 16, 1987. That event, with a smooth rupture lasting 32 sec, rupture velocity of 2.0 km/sec, extent of approximately 70 km and moment of 1.2×10²⁷ dyne-cm, did not change significantly the compressive state of stress in the outer-rise of that segment. The earthquake did not fill the gap completely and this segment is still capable of rupturing either in an earthquake which would fill the gap between the 1987 and 1971 events, or in a larger magnitude event (M _s =7.7–7.9), comparable to earthquakes observed in that segment in 1906, 1945 and 1947.     

山西地震带北段与张家口——渤海地震带不同深度CO_2和Rn气体通量的差异性

2014年在山西地震带北段和张家口—渤海地震带布设35个测量剖面,测量土壤气CO_2、Rn浓度及深度20 cm、1 m的CO_2和Rn通量。测量结果表明:(1) CO_2、Rn浓度与深度20 cm、1 m的CO_2、Rn通量的平均值和最大值变化趋势大致相同,均呈自西向东的增大趋势;(2)深度20 cm、1 m的CO_2和Rn通量相关性均不明显,但1 m深的CO_2、Rn通量明显较高;(3) CO_2和Rn浓度、通量变化主要与区域复杂的地震活动性和断层活动性有关,主要受到地表化学成分和区域岩石地球化学影响。     

南北地震带地区地震烈度衰减关系研究

收集了我国南北地震带地区1970年~2012年的85次地震事件的烈度等震线资料,建立了震中烈度与震级之间的经验关系,利用长轴和短轴椭圆模型拟合得到了该地区的地震烈度衰减关系。同时还搜集整理了近年来基于我国各地区的地震资料,研究得到的地震烈度衰减关系,并将其中与南北地震带存在地域重合的研究结果与本文结果进行对比分析。该研究结果能够较好地反映南北地震带地区的地震烈度衰减规律,对该地区的地震灾害快速评估具有一定的参考意义。     

“长江深断裂带”的构造性质:深地震反射证据

长江深断裂带自20世纪50年代提出以来,因其在区域控岩、控矿、工程地质和灾害地质研究中的重要意义,一直受到广泛关注和研究,但由于缺乏深部资料,对长江深断裂带的构造性质、空间展布众说纷纭.本文通过分析穿过长江河床及两岸的六条深地震反射剖面,讨论了长江中下游成矿带及长江深断裂带的构造性质及演化,获得如下认识: (1)长江中下游成矿带是燕山期的陆内俯冲带,上地壳发生强烈挤压变形,以大型逆冲、叠瓦、褶皱和推覆构造为特征;下地壳及岩石圈地幔俯冲或叠置到相邻块体之下,在宁芜火山岩盆地和沿江凹陷下形成了"鳄鱼嘴"构造. (2)白垩纪以来,长江深断裂带(CJF)由一系列拆离断层组成,大致沿长江河床分布.该断裂带在燕山期陆内造山阶段为一组逆冲断裂,伸展垮塌阶段反转为正断层或拆离断层,同时控制了沿江凹陷的形成和演化.(3)陆内俯冲或叠置导致地壳加厚、拆沉,引发大规模岩浆活动."鳄鱼嘴"构造或是沟通深部岩浆向上迁移的主要通道,控制了沿江成矿岩浆岩的分布.正是这种特殊的深部过程和构造特征,导致了燕山期长江中下游地区的大规模成岩、成矿作用.     

Episodes and ages of seismic landslides along the Changma fault zone

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Influence of uncertainty in delimitation of seismic statistical zone on results of PSHA

The seismic hazard of research area is evaluated by probabilistic analysis method for three different seismic statistical zone scenarios.The influence of uncertainty in seismic statistical zone delimiting on the evaluation result is discussed too.It can be seen that for those local sites along zone‘s border or within areas with vast change of upper bound magnitude among different scenarios the influence on seismic hazard result should not be neglected.