Lower carboniferous zones and correlations based on faunas from the Gresford‐Dungog district,New South Wales

The Jindabyne Thrust has been mapped south of Lake Eucumbene, along the eastern side of Lake Jindabyne and thence southwards to the gorge of the Snowy River in Byadbo Lands. It is marked by a crush zone and a west‐facing scarp. Structure contours on the Thrust where it enters the gorge of the Snowy River in the Byadbo region indicate an easterly dip of about 20°.

The north‐south erosional valley now occupied by Lake Jindabyne is controlled by the Thrust and the gorge below the Jindabyne Dam has been rejuvenated by recent movement.

The nature of the Jindabyne Thrust and other faults in the Jindabyne‐Berridale region can be deduced from their effects on the Silurian granitoid plutons. Where a pluton, circular or elliptical in plan and with vertical walls, is transected by a thrust, a semi‐elliptical or semi‐circular shape results; granitoid rock types cannot be matched across the fault. Wrench faults in the region either curve into or are transected by the thrusts, depending upon the geometrical relationships of both.

It is suggested that the north‐south dividing line between granitoids derived from igneous rocks (I‐types) to the east and granitoids derived from metasedimentary rocks (S‐types) to the west is a major tectonic feature of eastern Australia. The line coincides with a transition from a regime where wrench faulting predominates to one dominated by thrust faulting. These changes in both tectonics and granitoid lithology suggest that the I‐S line marks the eastern boundary of crystalline basement, possibly of Precambrian age.     

Reply

The Archaean granite‐greenstone rocks of the Marymia Inlier outcrop within Proterozoic rocks forming the Capricorn Orogen. Five major deformation events are recognised in the rocks of the Plutonic Well and Baumgarten greenstone belts. The first two events were Late Archaean and synchronous with major epithermal gold mineralisation in the belts. Palaeoproterozoic extensional faulting was probably related to the early stages of the Capricorn Orogeny. The fourth event records a compressional phase of the Capricorn Orogeny associated with greenschist‐facies metamorphism, whereas the last major event involved wrench faulting associated with minor folding. The Archaean tectonic history, rock types and timing of mineralisation strongly suggest that the Marymia Inlier is part of the Yilgarn Craton, and that each of the provinces in the craton experienced the same geological history since 2.72 Ga. The inlier is now interpreted to include two components; one is the eastern or northern extension of either the Narryer Terrane, Murchison Province or Southern Cross Province, and the other is the northwestern extension of the Eastern Goldfields Province. The Jenkin Fault, which was active in Proterozoic times, separates these two components.     

Evolution of paleostress fields and brittle deformation of the Tornquist Zone in Scania (Sweden) during Permo-Mesozoic and Cenozoic times

The NW-SE oriented Sorgenfrei–Tornquist Zone (STZ) has been thoroughly studied during the last 25 years, especially by means of well data and seismic profiles. We present the results of a first brittle tectonic analysis based on about 850 dykes, veins and minor fault-slip data measured in the field in Scania, including paleostress reconstruction. We discuss the relationships between normal and strike-slip faulting in Scania since the Permian extension to the Late Cretaceous–Tertiary structural inversions. Our paleostress determinations reveal six successive or coeval main stress states in the evolution of Scania since the Permian. Two stress states correspond to normal faulting with NE-SW and NW-SE extensions, one stress state is mainly of reverse type with NE-SW compression, and three stress states are strike-slip in type with NNW-SSE, WNW-ESE and NNE-SSW directions of compression.The NE-SW extension partly corresponds to the Late Carboniferous–Permian important extensional period, dated by dykes and fault mineralisations. However extension existed along a similar direction during the Mesozoic. It has been locally observed until within the Danian. A perpendicular NW-SE extension reveals the occurrence of stress permutations. The NNW-SSE strike-slip episode is also expected to belong to the Late Carboniferous–Permian episode and is interpreted in terms of right-lateral wrench faulting along STZ-oriented faults. The inversion process has been characterised by reverse and strike-slip faulting related to the NE-SW compressional stress state.This study highlights the importance of extensional tectonics in northwest Europe since the end of the Palaeozoic until the end of the Cretaceous. The importance and role of wrench faulting in the tectonic evolution of the Sorgenfrei–Tornquist Zone are discussed.     

L'accident du Toulourenc : une limite tectonique entre la plate-forme provençale et le Bassin vocontien à l'Aptien–Albien (SE France)

The WNW–ESE trending Toulourenc Fault Zone (TFZ) is the western segment of the major Ventoux–Lure Fault Zone, which separates the Provençal platform from the Baronnies Vocontian Basin. The TFZ was subject to polyphased Mid-Cretaceous movements, during the Early Aptian and Middle–Late Albian times. The latter faulting episode generated conglomerates and olistoliths resulting from dismantled faultscarps cutting Barremian–Bedoulian limestones. The deformation is related to compressional wrench faulting (NE–SW sinistral faults; dextral component for the TFZ). It induced the uplift of the northwestern corner of the platform, as indicated by a mid-Cretaceous hiatus (Early Aptian pro parte to Early Albian) narrowly delimited in space. The opening of submeridian grabens within the platform favoured the northward transit of channelised coarse-grained Albian sands originating from a southern area. To cite this article: C. Montenat et al., C. R. Geoscience 336 (2004).     

Variation of palaeostress patterns along the Oriente transform wrench corridor, Cuba: significance for Neogene–Quaternary tectonics of the Caribbean realm

In this study, we address the late Miocene to Recent tectonic evolution of the North Caribbean (Oriente) Transform Wrench Corridor in the southern Sierra Maestra mountain range, SE Cuba. The region has been affected by historical earthquakes and shows many features of brittle deformation in late Miocene to Pleistocene reef and other shallow water deposits as well as in pre-Neogene, late Cretaceous to Eocene basement rocks. These late Miocene to Quaternary rocks are faulted, fractured, and contain calcite- and karst-filled extension gashes. Type and orientation of the principal normal palaeostress vary along strike in accordance with observations of large-scale submarine structures at the south-eastern Cuban margin. Initial N–S extension is correlated with a transtensional regime associated with the fault, later reactivated by sinistral and/or dextral shear, mainly along E–W-oriented strike-slip faults. Sinistral shear predominated and recorded similar kinematics as historical earthquakes in the Santiago region. We correlate palaeostress changes with the kinematic evolution along the boundary between the North American and Caribbean plates. Three different tectonic regimes were distinguished for the Oriente transform wrench corridor (OTWC): compression from late Eocene–Oligocene, transtension from late Oligocene to Miocene (?) (D₁), and transpression from Pliocene to Present (D₂–D₄), when this fault became a transform system. Furthermore, present-day structures vary along strike of the Oriente transform wrench corridor (OTWC) on the south-eastern Cuban coast, with dominantly transpressional/compressional and strike-slip structures in the east and transtension in the west. The focal mechanisms of historical earthquakes are in agreement with the dominant ENE–WSW transpressional structures found on land.     

Role of shear along horizontal plane in the formation of helicoidal structures

An unusual structural paragenesis, complicated by brachyanticlines, is revealed for the first time in the sedimentary cover of the West Siberian Plate by 3D seismic surveying. These are linear (in plan view) systems of en-echelon arranged low-amplitude normal faults related to wrench faults in the basement. On different sides off a wrench fault, the planes of normal faults dip in opposite directions, forming a helicoidal structure that resembles the blades of a propeller. In the section parallel to the wrench fault, the boundaries of the beds and normal fault planes dip in opposite directions as well. In the section across the strike of the normal faults converging toward the basement, the beds take the shape of an antiform with a crest sagged along the normal faults (flower structure). This structural assembly was formed as a result of interference of stress fields of horizontal shear in the vertical plane (induced by faulting in the basement) and in the horizontal plane (caused by gravity resistance of the cover). In this case, the displacements along the normal faults develop in both the vertical and, to a greater extent, horizontal directions, so that the faults in cover are actually characterized by normal-strike-slip kinematics. The regional N-S-trending compression of the West Siberian Plate is the main cause of shearing along the NW- and NE-trending faults in the basement, which make up a rhomb-shaped system in plan view. Petroliferous brachyanticlines, whose axes, notwithstanding tectonophysical laws, are oriented in the direction close to the maximum compression axis, are known in the large wrench fault zones of Western Siberia. Our experiments with equivalent materials showed that a local stress field arising at the ends of echeloned Riedel shears within a wrench fault zone may be a cause of the formation of such brachyanticlines. The progressive elongation of Riedel shears leads to the corresponding elongation of the brachyanticlines located between their ends. The performed study has shown that the known types of interference of elementary geodynamic settings such as horizontal shear along the vertical plane + horizontal compression (transpression) and horizontal shear along the vertical plane + horizontal extension (transtension) may be supplemented by combination of horizontal shears along the vertical and horizontal planes, resulting in tectonic lamination. By analogy, we propose to name this type of interference of elementary shear settings translamination. Petroliferous helicoidal structures arise in the given geodynamic setting of translamination.     

Structural succession in a late palaeozoic slate belt and its tectonic significance

Five deformational “episodes” (D₁-D₅) during which folds and associated cleavages formed, and a later period of faulting dominated by strike-slip movements, comprise the structural sequence in the Nambucca slate belt. D₁ structures are most widespread and involved greatest strain; D₂-D₄ structures have affected progressively smaller areas and indicate progressively smaller strains. Strong compressive stresses during D₁ produced horizontal shortening and vertical extension, and the D₂-D₄ structures result from adjustments to this initial strain. Regional metamorphism accompanied D₁, and D₁ strain is greatest in the more highly metamorphosed rocks. Some granitic bodies were probably emplaced at this time, but most plutons rose only after folding had ceased. Orogenesis, as indicated by folding and regional metamorphism lasted less than 10 m.y., but faulting continued for at least another 30 m.y.The slate belt accumulated close to a consuming plate margin, but deformation commenced only after subduction ceased, with compressive stresses generated by coupling across the former plate boundary. The development of a wrench regime during D₅, and its continued existence during a long period of faulting, suggests either that the consuming plate boundary was replaced by a transform fault, or that subduction stepped oceanward and underthrusting was obliquely directed.     

Kinematics of compressional fold development in convergent wrench terranes

Kinematic models are presented for compressional fold development in wrench and convergent wrench terranes that relate fold shortening, axial rotation, and axial extension. Fold shortening may be derived from final fold geometry. Existing fold geometry and axial orientation, two readily measurable quantities, provide the data needed to determine the relative components of shearing and convergence within the fold system. Analyses utilizing these kinematic models indicate that folds developed in sedimentary rocks in the wrench borderlands of both the Rineonada and San Andreas wrench faults in central California are the product of strongly convergent wrenching. The axes of these folds have been rotated no more than a few degrees during the course of their development. In contrast, folds developed in the Alpine Schists along the Alpine fault in New Zealand and in Pleistocene sediments along the southern limit of the San Andreas fault suggest an almost pure wrench setting and large (>25 °) axial rotations.

Significant axial extension is inherent in wrench-related compressional folds. This axial extension is commonly manifest in the form of normal and strike-slip faults that are internal to the folds and trend at high angles to the fold axes. The relative amount of axial extension diminishes as the degree of convergence increases. This axial extension, and the associated extensional features, can be a diagnostic indication of the influence of wrenching.     

États de contraintes et mécanismes d'ouverture et de fermeture des bassins permiens du Maroc hercynien. L'exemple des bassins des Jebilet et des RéhamnaStates of stresses and opening/closing mechanisms of the Permian basins in Hercynian Morocco. The example of the Jebilet and Réhamna Basins

The fracturing analysis in the Permian basins of Jebilet and Rehamna (Hercynian Morocco) and the underlying terranes allowed us to suggest a model for their opening. Three tectonic episodes are distinguished: a transtensional episode NNE–SSW-trending (Permian I), occurring during the opening along sinistral wrench faults N70–110-trending, associated with synsedimentary normal faults; a transpressive episode ESE–WNW-trending (Permian II), initiating the closure, the normal faults playing back reverse faults and the N70 trending faults dextral wrench faults; a compressional episode NNW–SSE (post-Permian, ante-Triassic), accentuating the closure and the deformation and putting an end to the Tardi-Hercynian compressive movements. To cite this article: A. Saidi et al., C. R. Geoscience 334 (2002) 221–226.     

Seismic activity in the snowy mountains region and its relationship to geological structures

Forty‐four tremors which occurred in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales during the years 1958–1962 have been accurately located, using a network of seismic stations operating in that area. The largest of these were a tremor of magnitude 5 north of Berridale in May, 1959, and one of magnitude 4 near Rock Flat in September, 1958. Fault plane analysis suggests that the former was caused by a high‐angle thrust movement along the plane of the Crackenback Fault, while the latter may be associated with the Murrumbidgee Fault. These conclusions are supported by macroseismic data.

Twenty‐one minor shocks occurred in the vicinity of the Berridale tremor, and their strain release pattern is that of an after‐shock sequence. It is believed that they were produced as a result of secondary strains imposed by the original motion along an edge of the faulted block. The first motion data for these shocks is consistent with the hypothesis that the associated movements were transcurrent.

With the decrease of activity in the Berridale region, tremors became more or less random in the Snowy Mountains. The strain release curve obtained for these movements suggests a gradual rebuilding of the stress field following the Berridale shock.     

Oligocene–Miocene thrusting in central Aegean: insights from the Cycladic island of Amorgos

In the central Aegean, the Cycladic island of Amorgos consists of two high‐pressure (HP) units, the marble‐rich Amorgos unit, which is correlated to the Mesozoic ‘cover’ sequence of the Menderes Massif, and the Cycladic Blueschist unit. New structural data show that the deformation history of the Amorgos HP‐rocks was principally governed by early Oligocene (or late Eocene)–early Miocene ductile to brittle thrusting (D₁–D₃) followed by middle–late Miocene oblique contractional movements (D₄–D₅). The D₁ phase caused syn‐blueschist‐facies ductile thrusting of the Cycladic Blueschist unit over the Amorgos unit, with ambiguous kinematics. Progressive deformation under continuous NW–SE compression produced a sequence of imbricate NW‐directed thrusts (D_2/3) characterized by a stratification of fault‐related rocks, with mylonitic zones (D₂) giving way downwards to cataclastic zones (D₃). Ductile D₂ thrusting synchronous to greenschist‐facies retrogression, was accompanied by mega‐sheath folding during constrictional and general shear deformation. Brittle D₃ thrusting was associated with NW‐verging F₃ folds trending at a high‐angle to the transport direction. Orthogonal contraction gave way to transpression during which the compression orientation changed from NW–SE (D₄) to NE–SW (D₅). Back‐arc related NW–SE pure extension (D₆) seems to have been established in post‐late Miocene times and related high‐angle normal faulting affected HP‐rocks only after they had already reached the uppermost crustal levels. Oligocene–early Miocene deformation history is interpreted to indicate syn‐compressional exhumation of HP‐rocks possibly in an extrusion wedge. In this case, Amorgos HP‐rocks should have occupied the base of the extrusion wedge. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Plate collision and paleostress trajectories in a fold-thrust belt: The foothills of Taiwan

Field analyses of compressional faulting and folding in the Foothills of western Taiwan enable us to reconstruct paleostress trajectories over a large area and to establish the relative chronology of tectonic events. Two main compressional events have contributed to the present structure of the fold-thrust belt. Stratigraphic data show that these events are Plio-Pliocene in age. Older normal faulting indicates NNW-SSE extension across the Chinesse passive continental margin during the Neogene. The two main compressional events of the Taiwan collision correspond to similar fan-shaped distributions of maximum compressive stress trajectories, with a counterclockwise shift of 30°–50° between the two events. Using the relationship between recent stress trajectories and the direction of recent plate motion as a guide, we reconstruct the direction of plate convergence for the older event. We suspect that the relative motion Philippine Sea plate-Eurasia has rotated counterclockwise of at least 35°–45° in Taiwan during collision. This conclusion is in agreement with independent plate tectonic reconstructions. Several problems provide objectives to further tectonic and paleomagnetic studies, including the duration and diachronism of compressional events as well as possible clockwise rotation of northernmost Taiwan.     

Wrench tectonics of Abu Gharadig Basin,Western Desert,Egypt: a structural analysis for hydrocarbon prospects

Mapping based on the interpreted seismic data covering the Abu Gharadig Basin in the northern Western Desert has revealed that the deposition of the Upper Cretaceous succession was controlled by dextral wrench tectonics. This dextral shear accompanied NW movement of the African Plate relative to Laurasian Plate. Structural depth maps of the Cenomanian Bahariya Formation and the Turonian-Coniacian D and A members of Abu Roash Formation display a clear NE-SW anticline dissected by NW-SE normal faults. This anticline represents one of the en echelon folds characterizing the wrench compressional component. The interpreted normal faults reflect the extensional T-fractures associated with the wrenching tectonics. The interaction between the aforementioned NE-SW anticline with the NW-SE extensional faults further confirms the effect of the Upper Cretaceous dextral wrench tectonic. However, the influence of this wrench tectonics was gradually diminishing from the Cenomanian up to the Coniacian times. The NW-SE compressional stress of the dextral wrench compressional component during the Cenomanian up to Coniacian age was greater in NW direction than the SE direction. Three mapped structural closures which are predicted to be potential hydrocarbon traps belonging to the Bahariya Formation and Abu Roash D Member, and are recommended to be drilled in the study area, with potential reservoirs. The regularity of the en echelon array of both anticlines and normal faults within the wrench zones suggests additional closures may be located elsewhere beside the study area.     

Caesium as a possible discriminant between felsic rocks of different origins from eastern Australia

The use of Cs to discriminate between igneous rocks derived from an igneous’ protolith (I‐type) and those derived from a metasedimentary protolith (5‐type) is evaluated for selected eastern Australian granitic and felsic volcanic rocks. For this investigation a ‘flame emission’ technique has been developed and tested for the rapid determination of Cs in rock samples. In the Berridale Batholith, where the I‐type, 5‐type subdivision was first recognized, the Cs content of the granites clearly distinguished the two granite types. In the New England Batholith the leucocratic 5‐types have higher Cs abundances, in most cases, than the similar I‐type granites, but the Cs values of the more mafic 5‐type granites overlap those of the I‐type. Problems in assigning origins for volcanics are complicated by alteration, but Cs may be useful in distinguishing reworked tuffs from volcanic rocks in volcanic sequences. Caesium may also find application in distinguishing volcanics and sediments in Precambrian terrains.     

Episodicity of stress state in an overriding plate: Evidence from the Yalu River Fault Zone,East China

The ca. 700-km-long Yalu River Fault Zone (YRFZ) in East China, adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, underwent a polyphase evolution during the Cretaceous when it controlled the development of rift basins interrupted by several shortening events. The East China continent lies in an overriding plate with respect to the subducting Paleo-Pacific Plate during the Cretaceous. The YRFZ is ideal for studying the episodicity of stress state in the overriding plate. To constrain the polyphase evolution of the YRFZ, structural observations, fault-slip data measurements and LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating on Cretaceous volcanic rocks and sandstones were undertaken in this study. The first deformation (D₁) is characterized by sinistral strike-slip shear in the earliest Cretaceous. The D₂ event is featured by normal faulting deformation along the fault zone, which led to development of rift basins during the rest of the Early Cretaceous. Sinistral faulting (D₃) developed again in the earliest Late Cretaceous, followed by dextral normal faulting (D₄) and rift basin development during the rest of the Late Cretaceous, and finally reverse dextral faulting (D₅) at the end of the Cretaceous. The fault-slip data show that compressional directions during D₁, D₃ and D₅ faulting events are N–S, N–S and E–W respectively. Extensional directions during D₂ and D₄ faulting events are NW–SE and N–S. The zircon U–Pb ages indicate that the Early Cretaceous basins (D₂ event) controlled by the YRFZ were active between 131 and 100 Ma, and the Late Cretaceous basins (D₄ event) were active between 97 and 70 Ma. These U–Pb ages, together with previous geochronological data, show that the D₁ and D₃ episodes of compression each lasted 3 Ma, D₂ extension lasted 31 Ma, and D₄ extension 27 Ma. These data indicate an episodicity in the stress state with longer periods of extension and shorter periods of compression. A slab-driven model with relatively long periods of low-velocity subduction alternating with shorter periods of high-velocity subduction could account for the episodicity of stress state in the overriding plate from D₁ to D₅.     

The 1980, 1997 and 1998 Azores earthquakes and some seismo-tectonic implications

We have studied the focal mechanisms of the 1980, 1997 and 1998 earthquakes in the Azores region from body-wave inversion of digital GDSN (Global Digital Seismograph Network) and broadband data. For the 1980 and 1998 shocks, we have obtained strike–slip faulting, with the rupture process made up of two sub-events in both shocks, with total scalar seismic moments of 1.9 × 10¹⁹ Nm (M_w = 6.8) and 1.4 × 10¹⁸ Nm (M_w = 6.0), respectively. For the 1997 shock, we have obtained a normal faulting mechanism, with the rupture process made up of three sub-events, with a total scalar seismic moment of 7.7 × 10¹⁷ Nm (M_w = 5.9). A common characteristic of these three earthquakes was the shallow focal depth, less than 10 km, in agreement with the oceanic-type crust. From the directivity function of Rayleigh (LR) waves, we have identified the NW–SE plane as the rupture plane for the 1980 and 1998 earthquakes with the rupture propagating to the SE. Slow rupture velocity, about of 1.5 km/s, has been estimated from directivity function for the 1980 and 1998 earthquakes. From spectral analysis and body-wave inversion, fault dimensions, stress drop and average slip have been estimated. Focal mechanisms of the three earthquakes we have studied, together with focal mechanisms obtained by other authors, have been used in order to obtain a seismotectonic model for the Azores region. We have found different types of behaviour present along the region. It can be divided into two zones: Zone I, from 30°W to 27°W; Zone II, from 27°W to 23°W, with a change in the seismicity and stress direction from Zone I. In Zone I, the total seismic moment tensor obtained corresponded to left-lateral strike–slip faulting with horizontal pressure and tension axes in the E–W and N–S directions, respectively. In Zone II, the total seismic moment tensor corresponded to normal faulting, with a horizontal tension axis trending NE–SW, normal to the Terceira Ridge. The stress pattern for the whole region corresponds to horizontal extension with an average seismic slip rate of 4.4 mm/yr.     

Interplay between stress permutations and overpressure to cause strike‐slip faulting during tectonic inversion

Field data from an orogenic foreland and an orogenic belt (the Mesozoic rocks of southern England and the Umbria‐Marche Apennines of Italy respectively) indicate the following. Firstly, stress evolution during the tectonic cycle, between maximum compressive stress (σ₁) being vertical during extension and least compressive stress (σ₃) being vertical during contraction, can involve phases when the intermediate compressive stress (σ₂) is vertical, promoting strike‐slip deformation. Secondly, variations in the relative magnitudes of the stress axes are caused by variations in overburden and tectonic forces. Thirdly, overpressure can develop because of compaction during burial, and, as overburden is reduced during uplift and erosion, the vertical stress (σ_V) reduces but fluid pressure (P_f) remains approximately constant. Brittle deformation, including transient strike‐slip faults, reverse‐reactivated normal faults and normal‐reactivated thrusts, is preferentially developed in overpressured areas because high P_f promotes faulting.     

Geological and archaeological evidence of active faulting on the Martana Fault (Umbria–Marche Apennines,Italy) and its geodynamic implications

This paper examines the morphotectonic and structural–geological characteristics of the Quaternary Martana Fault in the Umbria–Marche Apennines fold‐and‐thrust belt. This structure is more than 30 km long and comprises two segments: a N–NNW‐trending longer segment and a 100°N‐trending segment. After developing as a normal fault in Early Pleistocene times, the N–NNW Martana Fault segment experienced a phase of dextral faulting extending from the Early to Middle Pleistocene boundary until around 0.39 Ma, the absolute age of volcanics erupted in correspondence to releasing bends. The establishment of a stress field with a NE–ENE‐trending σ₃ axis and NW–NNW σ₁ axis in Late Pleistocene to Holocene times resulted in a strong component of sinistral faulting along N–NNW‐trending fault segments and almost pure normal faulting on newly formed NW–SE faults. Fresh fault scarps, the interaction of faulting with drainage systems and displacement of alluvial fan apexes provide evidence of the ongoing activity of this fault. The active left‐lateral kinematic along N–NNW‐trending fault segments is also revealed by the 1.8 m horizontal offset of the E–W‐trending Decumanus road, at the Roman town of Carsulae. We interpret the present‐day kinematics of the Martana Fault as consistent with a model connecting surface structures to the inferred north‐northwest trending lithospheric shear zone marking the western boundary of the Adria Plate. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Triassic Granitic Magmatism at the Northern Margin of the North China Craton: Implications of Geochronology and Geochemistry for the Tectonic Evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

The early Mesozoic marked an important transition from collisional orogeny to post-orogenic extension at the northern margin of the North China Craton(NCC). In this study, we undertook zircon U-Pb dating and whole-rock majorand trace-element geochemical analyses of early Mesozoic granitic rocks in the Chifeng area to establish their geochronological framework, petrogenesis, and implications for the tectonic evolution of the eastern Central Asia Orogenic Belt(CAOB). Zircon U-Pb dating results show that these rocks were emplaced in three stages during the Triassic:(1) syenogranites during 250–248 Ma,(2) granodiorites during 244–243 Ma, and(3) monzogranites and granodiorites during 232–230 Ma. These Triassic granitoids belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series and are evolved I-type granites. They have high SiO_2 and low Mg O contents with enrichments in light rare-earth elements, Zr, Hf, Rb, Th, and U, and depletions in Ba, Nb, Ta, Sr, and Eu. These geochemical data indicate that the granitoids were derived from partial melting of a lower-crustal source under relatively low-pressure conditions and subsequently underwent extensive fractional crystallization. Considering both the geochemical data and regional geological information, we propose that the 250–248 Ma syenogranites were emplaced in an extensional environment linked to slab break-off after closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean(PAO) along the Solonker-Xra Moron-Changchun suture zone. The 244–243 Ma granodiorites were formed in a compressional orogenic setting during collision between the Erguna-Xing'an-Songliao composite block and the NCC. The 232–230 Ma granodiorites and monzogranites were emplaced during the transition from compressional orogeny to post-orogenic extension. Overall, the early Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the Chifeng area can be divided into three main stages:(1) closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean and extension related to slab break-off during the Early Triassic;(2) continuous collisional compression during the Middle Triassic after closure of the PAO; and(3) post-orogenic extension during the Late Triassic, most probably due to lithospheric delamination after amalgamation of the Erguna-Xing'an-Songliao composite block and the NCC.     

Analyses of fault mechanisms and expansion of southwestern Anatolia since the late Miocene

Neotectonic field studies and detailed analyses of Neogene and Quaternary fault mechanisms in southwestern Anatolia enable us to recognize a succession of compressional and extensional events, and to characterize the direction of corresponding regional stresses. The three most important compressive phases occurred during the Miocene, and a much smaller one near the Plio-Quaternary boundary. The last one or two interrupted a widespread extension of much greater duration and amplitude. The whole tectonic evolution resembles that of the Aegean. The large extension by normal faulting is consistent with a minimum stress along a NNE-SSW average direction. It appears that this direction was N-S during the Pliocene and changed to NE-SW sometime during the Quaternary. This dominant NNE-SSW extension, which began during late Miocene or earliest Pliocene, was related to the development of the southwestern Anatolian graben system.