Active tectonics in an area includes ongoing or recent geologic events.This paper investigates the tectonic influence on the subsidence,uplift and tilt of western Saurashtra through morphotectonic analysis of ten wate...Active tectonics in an area includes ongoing or recent geologic events.This paper investigates the tectonic influence on the subsidence,uplift and tilt of western Saurashtra through morphotectonic analysis of ten watersheds along with characteristics of relief and drainage orientation.Watersheds 7-9 to the north(N)are tectonically active,which can be linked with the North Kathiawar Fault System(NKFS)and followed by watersheds 6,10,1,4 and 5.Stream-length gradient index and sinuosity index indicate the effect of tectonic events along the master streams in watersheds 6-9.Higher R^(2)values of the linear curve fit for watershed 7 indicate its master stream is much more tectonically active than the others.The R^(2)curve fitting model and earthquake magnitude/depth analysis confirm the region to be active.The reactivation of the NKFS most likely led to the vertical movement of western Saurashtra.展开更多
The Xiejiaba and Fuqiangbei plutons form part of the newly identified Neoproterozoic Niushan complex,which is located in the southern South Qinling belt(SQB).The plutons are compositionally similar,were emplaced at 75...The Xiejiaba and Fuqiangbei plutons form part of the newly identified Neoproterozoic Niushan complex,which is located in the southern South Qinling belt(SQB).The plutons are compositionally similar,were emplaced at 750–711Ma,and provide insights into Neoproterozoic tectonism within the South Qinling belt.The Xiejiaba pluton contains diorite,quartz diorite,granodiorite,and granite phases,all of which are sub-alkaline and have variable major element compositions with negative correlations between SiO_(2)and MgO,TFe_(2)O_(3),Al_(2)O_(3),CaO,TiO_(2)and P_(2)O_(5).These rocks are enriched in light rare earth elements(LREEs)and large ion lithophile elements(LILEs)and have negative Nb,Ta,P and Ti anomalies,all of which are indicative of arc-type magmatism.The Fuqiangbei pluton contains granitoids that are compositionally similar to the rocks in the Xiejiaba pluton.Samples from these plutons have similarε_(Nd)(t)values(1.24–5.99)but very variable(^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr)i values(0.7010–0.7054).Combining these data with the geochemical data for these rocks suggests that the magmas that formed the Niushan complex were derived from the crust–mantle boundary.This,combined with the results of previous research,suggests that the transition from low pressure-low temperature to low pressure-high temperature conditions within a subduction zone caused melting during a period of late subduction and backarc extension.This constrain the timing of subduction within the South Qinling belt and the northern Yangtze Block(YB)to 750–711 Ma,with this Neoproterozoic subduction associated with an ocean to the north overprinting an existing continental rift-type tectonic setting within the northern margin of the Yangtze Block and the South Qinling belt.展开更多
We investigated diagenesis of the sandstones from the DN2 Gas Field of the Kuqa Foreland Basin(KFB),in order to infer the timing of fluid migration and discuss the linkage between fluids and tectonics.The textures and...We investigated diagenesis of the sandstones from the DN2 Gas Field of the Kuqa Foreland Basin(KFB),in order to infer the timing of fluid migration and discuss the linkage between fluids and tectonics.The textures and chemical composition of authigenic minerals,fluid evidence from fluid inclusions and formation water measurements were all used to fulfill this aim.Eodiagenesis occurred with the participation of meteoric water and connate water.Mesodiagenesis is related to high salinity fluids,which were attributed as originating from the overlying Neogene Jidike Formation evaporite(principal minerals including halite,anhydrite,glauberite,carnallite and thenardite).The onset of high salinity fluid migration is inferred to occur during the late Miocene(12.4-9.2 Ma)through the use of homogenization temperatures measured in the present study and K-Ar dating of authigenetic illites from previous work.This period is consistent with the crucial phase(13-10 Ma)that witnessed the rapid uplift of the southern Tianshan Mts and the stage when calcite and anhydrite veins formed in the studied strata.We thus argue that diagenesis related to high salinity fluids occurred as a response to the Tianshan Mts'rapid uplift and related tectonic processes.The flow of high salinity fluids was probably driven by a density gradient and channeled and focused by fractures formed contemporaneously.展开更多
The Solomon Sea Basin is a Cenozoic back-arc spreading basin within the convergence system of the Pacific and Indo-Australian plates.Against the background of subduction polarity reversal,the current Solomon Sea Basin...The Solomon Sea Basin is a Cenozoic back-arc spreading basin within the convergence system of the Pacific and Indo-Australian plates.Against the background of subduction polarity reversal,the current Solomon Sea Basin gradually formed a rhombic morphology with the subduction of the basin along the New Britain Trench and the Trobriand Trough.By analyzing the vertical gravity gradient,natural earthquake and seismic reflection data,this study determines the structural characteristics of the Solomon Sea Basin.It was found that the tectonics of the basin are characterized by the original expansion structure within the central part in addition to the structure induced by the latest subduction along the basin margin.The original spreading structure of the basin presented an east–west linear graben and horst controlled by normal faults during the basin expansion period.As a result of the subduction and slab-pull of the Solomon Sea Basin,extensional structure belts parallel to the New Britain Trench formed along the basin margin.展开更多
The present study area,Dadra and Nagar Haveli,contains several lineaments and traces of active faults.The various aspect of the geomo rphic analysis,i.e.,stream length(SL) gradient,hypsometric integral(HI),basin shape...The present study area,Dadra and Nagar Haveli,contains several lineaments and traces of active faults.The various aspect of the geomo rphic analysis,i.e.,stream length(SL) gradient,hypsometric integral(HI),basin shape(BS),valley floor(VF),have been applied to evaluate the relative index of active tectonics(RIAT) of the Damanganga watershed.The high and low zones of tectonic activity have been identified based on the geomorphic analysis of the watershed.After evaluation of all indices,three classes,class IIhigh(1.3 ≤RIAT <1.5),class Ⅲ-moderate(1.5 ≤RIAT <1.8),and class Ⅳ-low(1.8 ≤RIAT),have been obtained to outline the degree/gradation of comparative tectonic activities in the study area.The appraised outcome of the RIAT dispersal is also well reinforced by the geomorphic evidence in the field.The collective outcomes of geomorphic evidence,such as stream deflection and analysis of lineament,deflection of streams,and geomorphic indices,conceal that the Damanganga watershed is affected by tectonic activity.展开更多
The intermontane basins are some of the critical regions to investigate the formation,growth,and development of basins during the collisional orogenesis,and in the NW Himalaya several such basins are observed to have ...The intermontane basins are some of the critical regions to investigate the formation,growth,and development of basins during the collisional orogenesis,and in the NW Himalaya several such basins are observed to have formed during the latest phase of the ongoing collision between India and Eurasia(Burbank and Johnson,1982).展开更多
I graduated as a geology major from the former Zhongyang (National) University in 1938 and then worked as a research scholar at Kings College in the University of London from 1949 to 1951.I was one of the pioneers in ...I graduated as a geology major from the former Zhongyang (National) University in 1938 and then worked as a research scholar at Kings College in the University of London from 1949 to 1951.I was one of the pioneers in plate tectonic and terrain tectonic studies in China,devoting myself to the regional geotectonics and plate tectonics of southern China for several decades,making significant achievements in these fields.Throughout the life-long course of my academic career,I have published and coauthored some 120 research papers or monographic books at home or abroad.展开更多
Many geological and geochemical changes are recorded on Earth between 3 and 2 Ga.Among the more important of these are the following:(1)increasing proportion of basalts with"arc-like"mantle sources;(2)an inc...Many geological and geochemical changes are recorded on Earth between 3 and 2 Ga.Among the more important of these are the following:(1)increasing proportion of basalts with"arc-like"mantle sources;(2)an increasing abundance of basalts derived from enriched(EM)and depleted(DM)mantle sources;(3)onset of a Great Thermal Divergence in the mantle;(4)a decrease in degree of melting of the mantle;(5)beginning of large lateral plate motions;(6)appearance of eclogite inclusions in diamonds;(7)appearance and rapid increase in frequency of collisional orogens;(8)rapid increase in the production rate of continental crust as recorded by zircon age peaks;(9)appearance of ophiolites in the geologic record,and(10)appearance of global LIP(large igneous province)events some of which correlate with global zircon age peaks.All of these changes may be tied directly or indirectly to cooling of Earth's mantle and corresponding changes in convective style and the strength of the lithosphere,and they may record the gradual onset and propagation of plate tectonics around the planet.To further understand the changes that occurred between 3 and 2 Ga,it is necessary to compare rocks,rock associations,tectonics and geochemistry during and between zircon age peaks.Geochemistry of peak and inter-peak basalts and TTGs needs to be evaluated in terms of geodynamic models that predict the existence of an episodic thermal regime between stagnant-lid and plate tectonic regimes in early planetary evolution.展开更多
To better understand Earth's present tectonic style-plate tectonics—and how it may have evolved from single plate(stagnant lid) tectonics, it is instructive to consider how common it is among similar bodies in th...To better understand Earth's present tectonic style-plate tectonics—and how it may have evolved from single plate(stagnant lid) tectonics, it is instructive to consider how common it is among similar bodies in the Solar System. Plate tectonics is a style of convection for an active planetoid where lid fragment(plate) motions reflect sinking of dense lithosphere in subduction zones, causing upwelling of asthenosphere at divergent plate boundaries and accompanied by focused upwellings, or mantle plumes;any other tectonic style is usefully called "stagnant lid" or "fragmented lid". In 2015 humanity completed a 50+ year effort to survey the 30 largest planets, asteroids, satellites, and inner Kuiper Belt objects,which we informally call "planetoids" and use especially images of these bodies to infer their tectonic activity. The four largest planetoids are enveloped in gas and ice(Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune)and are not considered. The other 26 planetoids range in mass over 5 orders of magnitude and in diameter over 2 orders of magnitude, from massive Earth down to tiny Proteus; these bodies also range widely in density, from 1000 to 5500 kg/m^3. A gap separates 8 silicate planetoids with ρ = 3000 kg/m^3 or greater from 20 icy planetoids(including the gaseous and icy giant planets) with ρ = 2200 kg/m^3 or less. We define the "Tectonic Activity Index"(TAI), scoring each body from 0 to 3 based on evidence for recent volcanism, deformation, and resurfacing(inferred from impact crater density). Nine planetoids with TAI = 2 or greater are interpreted to be tectonically and convectively active whereas 17 with TAI <2 are inferred to be tectonically dead. We further infer that active planetoids have lithospheres or icy shells overlying asthenosphere or water/weak ice. TAI of silicate(rocky) planetoids positively correlates with their inferred Rayleigh number. We conclude that some type of stagnant lid tectonics is the dominant mode of heat loss and that plate tectonics is unusual. To make progress understanding Earth's tectonic history and the tectonic style of active exoplanets, we need to better understand the range and controls of active stagnant lid tectonics.展开更多
New results from deep seismic reflection profiling, wide-angle reflection-refraction profiling and broadband seismic experiments reveal that a series of south-dipping reflectors occur on the southern margin of the Tar...New results from deep seismic reflection profiling, wide-angle reflection-refraction profiling and broadband seismic experiments reveal that a series of south-dipping reflectors occur on the southern margin of the Tarim block (basin). However, it is these south-dipping structures that are intercepted by another series of north-dipping reflectors at depths from 30 to about 150 km beneath the foreland of the W Kunlun Mountains. No evidence from the above geophysical data as well as geochemical and surface geological data indicate the southward subduction of the Tarim block beneath the W Kunlun Mountains (NW Tibet plateau), forming the so-called “two-sided subduction” model for the Tibet plateau as proposed by previous studies. So the authors infer that the tectonic interaction between the Tarim block and the W Kunlun block was chiefly affected by a “horizontal compression in opposite directions”, which brought about “face-to-face contact” between these two lithospheric blocks and led to the thickening, shortening and densifying of the lithosphere. Hence a “delamination” was formed due to the gravitational instability created by the thickening and densifying; then alkaline basic volcanic rocks (mainly shoshonite series) was erupted along the northern margin of the Tibet plateau owing to the delamination. This inference for the formation of the alkaline basic volcanics has been confirmed by recent geochemical and petrological studies in Tibet, indicating that different contacts control different magmatic activities: the alkali basalts are always developed in the “horizontal shortening boundary (contact)” on the northern margin of the Tibet plateau, while the muscovite granite and two-mica granite (leucogranite) in the “subductional contact” on the southern margin of the Tibet plateau.展开更多
There are two Cenozoic sedimentary basins in the East China Sea. They are the East China Sea shelf basin and the Okinawa Trough basin. The former can be divided into a western and an eastern rift region. The developme...There are two Cenozoic sedimentary basins in the East China Sea. They are the East China Sea shelf basin and the Okinawa Trough basin. The former can be divided into a western and an eastern rift region. The development of the shelf basin underwent continental-margin fault depression, post-rift and then tectonic inversion stages. Available exploration results show that the distribution of source rocks is controlled by the basin architecture and its tectonic evolution. In the Xihu depression, mudstones and coals are the main source rocks. The eastern rift region has good geological conditions for the formation of large oil and gas fields.展开更多
Asia is key to a richer understanding of many important lithospheric processes such as crustal growth,continental evolution and orogenesis. But to properly decipher the secrets Asia holds, a first-order tectonic conte...Asia is key to a richer understanding of many important lithospheric processes such as crustal growth,continental evolution and orogenesis. But to properly decipher the secrets Asia holds, a first-order tectonic context is needed. This presents a challenge, however, because a great variety of alternative and often contradictory tectonic models of Asia have flourished. This plethora of models has in part arisen from efforts to explain limited observations(in space, time or discipline) without regard for the broader assemblage of established constraints. The way forward, then, is to endeavor to construct paleogeographic models that fully incorporate the diverse constraints available, namely from quantitative paleomagnetic data, the plentiful record of geologic and paleobiologic observations, and the principles of plate tectonics. This paper presents a preliminary attempt at such a synthesis concerning the early Paleozoic tectonic history of Asia. A review of salient geologic observations and paleomagnetic data from the various continental blocks and terranes of Asia is followed by the presentation of a new, full-plate tectonic model of the region from middle Cambrian to end-Silurian time(500-420 Ma). Although this work may serve as a reference point, the model itself can only be considred provisional and ideally it will evolve with time. Accordingly, all the model details are released so that they may be used to test and improve the framework as new discoveries unfold.展开更多
The idea that plate tectonics may not have operated deep in Earth’s Precambrian past has a long legacy. What predated plate tectonics is unknown, and advances in data - from geochemical,geological and tectonic, to pa...The idea that plate tectonics may not have operated deep in Earth’s Precambrian past has a long legacy. What predated plate tectonics is unknown, and advances in data - from geochemical,geological and tectonic, to paleomagnetic, as well as modelling approaches,and planetary science, have the potential to contribute significantly to the debate. To contrast with the activity of plate tectonics,in this issue we use the term ‘lid tectonics’ to encapsulate a variety of envisaged regimes e from stagnant, sluggish, plutonicsquishy,or heat pipe - which are characterized by comparatively subdued tectonic signatures.This special issue of Geoscience Frontiers aims to present a snapshot of current research in the field of lid-tectonics - from detailed field interpretations, to global conceptual models, data compilations,and insights from simulations, and provide unique insights into both the Precambrian Earth, and the dynamics of lid-tectonics.展开更多
Evidence for episodic crustal growth extending back to the Hadean has recently prompted a number of numerically based geodynamic models that incorporate cyclic changes from stagnant lid to mobile lid tectonics. A larg...Evidence for episodic crustal growth extending back to the Hadean has recently prompted a number of numerically based geodynamic models that incorporate cyclic changes from stagnant lid to mobile lid tectonics. A large part of the geologic record is missing for the times at which several of these cycles are inferred to have taken place. The cratons, however, are likely to retain important clues relating to similar cycles developed in the Mesoarchean and Neoarchean. Widespread acceptance of a form of plate tectonics by ～3.2 Ga is not at odds with the sporadic occurrence of stagnant lid tectonics after this time. The concept of scale as applied to cratons, mantle plumes and Neoarchean volcanic arcs are likely to provide important constraints on future models of Earth's geodynamic evolution. The Superior Province will provide some of the most concrete evidence in this regard given that its constituent blocks may have been locked into a stagnant lid relatively soon after their formation and then assembled in the next global plate tectonic interval. Perceived complexities associated with inferred mantle plume — volcanic arc associations in the Superior Province and other cratons may be related to an over estimation of plume size. A possible stagnant lid episode between ～2.9 Ga and ～2.8 Ga is identified by previously unexplained lapses in volcanism on cratons, including the Kaapvaal, Yilgarn and Superior Province cratons. If real, then mantle dynamics associated with this episode likely eliminated any contemporaneous mantle plume incubation sites, which has important implications for widespread plumes developed at ～2.7 Ga and favours a shallow mantle source in the transition zone. The Superior Province provides a uniquely preserved local proxy for this global event and could serve as the basis for detailed numerical models in the future.展开更多
The theory of plate tectonics came together in the 1960s,achieving wide acceptance after 1968.Since then it has been the most successful framework for investigations of Earth’s evolution.Subduction of the oceanic lit...The theory of plate tectonics came together in the 1960s,achieving wide acceptance after 1968.Since then it has been the most successful framework for investigations of Earth’s evolution.Subduction of the oceanic lithosphere,as the engine that drives plate tectonics,has played a key role in the theory.However,one of the biggest unanswered questions in Earth science is how the first subduction was initiated,and hence how plate tectonics began.The main challenge is how the strong lithosphere could break and bend if plate tectonics-related weakness and slab-pull force were both absent.In this work we review state-of-the-art subduction initiation(SI)models with a focus on their prerequisites and related driving mechanisms.We note that the plume-lithosphere-interaction and mantleconvection models do not rely on the operation of existing plate tectonics and thus may be capable of explaining the first SI.Reinvestigation of plate-driving mechanisms reveals that mantle drag may be the missing driving force for surface plates,capable of triggering initiation of the first subduction.We propose a composite driving mechanism,suggesting that plate tectonics may be driven by both subducting slabs and convection currents in the mantle.We also discuss and try to answer the following question:Why has plate tectonics been observed only on Earth?展开更多
Kangavar area is located in the Sanandaj-Sirjan belt in the west Iran. Geomorphic indices of active tectonics are useful tools to analyze the influence of active tectonics. These indices have the advantage of being ca...Kangavar area is located in the Sanandaj-Sirjan belt in the west Iran. Geomorphic indices of active tectonics are useful tools to analyze the influence of active tectonics. These indices have the advantage of being calculated from Arc GIS and remote sensing packages over large area as a reconnaissance tool to identify geomorphic anomalies possibly related to active tectonics. This is particularly valuable that relatively little work on active tectonics based on this method is done, so this method is new and useful. Six geomorphic indices are calculated in the study area. Then, based on index of active tectonics values that calculated by average of six geomorphic indices, two relative tectonic activities levels are revealed. The low class of Iat is mainly in the sub-basins of 3, 4, 15, 16, 17, 19 & 22 while the rest of the study area has moderate active tectonics in the other sub-basins. Our results show that the moderate value is located on faulted area, which shows 3 class of relative tectonic activity.展开更多
Although Plate Tectonics cannot be effectively tested by palaeomagnetism in the Precambrian aeon due to the paucity of high precision poles spanning such a long time period,the possibility of Lid Tectonics is eminentl...Although Plate Tectonics cannot be effectively tested by palaeomagnetism in the Precambrian aeon due to the paucity of high precision poles spanning such a long time period,the possibility of Lid Tectonics is eminently testable because it seeks accordance of the wider dataset over prolonged intervals of time;deficiencies and complexities in the data merely contribute to dispersion.Accordance of palaeomagnetic poles across a quasi-integral continental crust for time periods of up to thousands of millions of years,together with recognition of very long intervals characterised by minimal polar motions(～2.6-2.0,～1.5-1.25 and～0.75-0.6 Ga)has been used to demonstrate that Lid Tectonics dominated this aeon.The new PALEOMAGIA database is used to refine a model for the Precambrian lid incorporating a large quasiintegral crescentric core running from South-Central Africa through Laurentia to Siberia with peripheral cratons subject to reorganisation at～2.1,～1.6 and～1.1 Ga.The model explains low levels of tidal friction,reduced heat balance,unique petrologic and isotopic signatures,and the prolonged crustal stability of Earth's"Middle Age",whilst density concentrations of the palaeomagnetic poles show that the centre of the continental lid was persistently focussed near Earth's rotation axis from～2.8 to 0.6 Ga.The exception was the～2.7-2.2 Ga interval defined by～90°polar movements which translated the periphery of the lid to the rotation pole for this quasi-static period,a time characterised by glaciation and low levels of magmatic activity;the～2.7 Ga shift correlates with key interval of mid-Archaean crustal growth to some 60-70%of the present volume and REE signatures whilst the～2.2 Ga shift correlates with the Lomagundiδ～(13)C and Great Oxygenation events.The palaeomagnetic signature of breakup of the lid at～0.6 Ga is recorded by the world-wide Ediacaran development of passive margins and associated environmental signatures of new ocean basins.This event defined the end of a dominant Lid Tectonic phase in the history of Earth's continental lithosphere recorded by the quasi-integral Precambrian supercontinent Palaeopangaea and the beginning of the comprehensive Plate Tectonics which has characterised the Phanerozoic aeon.Peripheral modifications to the lid achieved a symmetrical and hemispheric shape in Neoproterozoic times comparable to the familiar short-lived supercontinent(Neo)Pangaea(～350-150 Ma)and this appears to be the sole supercontinent cycle recorded by the palaeomagnetic record.Prolonged integrity of a large continental nucleus accompanied by periodic readjustments of peripheral shields can reconcile divergent tectonic analyses of Precambrian times which on the one hand propose multiple Wilson Cycles to explain some signatures of Plate Tectonics,and alternative interpretations which consider that Plate Tectonics did not commence until the end of the Neoproterozoic.展开更多
In this paper the author first reviews 6 major advances in the study of Precambrian geologyand tectonics of South China during the last decade, and then proposes the following new modelof Late Precambrian scissors-typ...In this paper the author first reviews 6 major advances in the study of Precambrian geologyand tectonics of South China during the last decade, and then proposes the following new modelof Late Precambrian scissors-type opening-closing tectonic evolution in the region. (1) Besidesthe Middle-Late Proterozoic low-grade metamorphic basement, there existed a LateArchaean-Early Proterozoic medium- to high-garde metamorphic basement in South China;both of them formed the united Yangtze-Cathaysia (craton) at the end of the Early Proterozoic,with the Jiangxi-Anhui-Zhejiang palaeogulf extending into the inland and the Jiangxi-Anhui-Jiangsu Peninsula lying on the northern side of the palaeogulf.(2) From the Middle Proterozoic,the present Guangxi-Guizhou-Hunan area in the western-central oldland was subjected toextensional rifting and became a rift trough, thus resulting in counterclockwise rotation of the"Cathaysian block" and clockwise rotation of the "Yangtze block"; moreover, the southwardcompression of the Dabie-Jiaonan block which split from the southern margin of the NorthChina plate and was accreted to the northern margin of the Jiangxi-Anhui-Jiangsu Peninsula ledto the scissors-type closing of the Jiangxi-Anhui-Zhejiang palaeogulf during the Middle-earlyLate Proterozoic, which further influenced the Early Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of the region.展开更多
The Late Cenozoic fold\|and\|thrust zone along the northwestern margin of the Tarim Basin and the adjacent Tian Shan of Central Asia is an actively deforming part of the India\|Asia collision system. This deformation ...The Late Cenozoic fold\|and\|thrust zone along the northwestern margin of the Tarim Basin and the adjacent Tian Shan of Central Asia is an actively deforming part of the India\|Asia collision system. This deformation zone has two remarkable oppositely vergence arcuate fold\|and\|thrust systems (Kepingtage and Kashi\|Atushi fold\|and\|thrust belts) reaching from east of Keping to west of Kashi. This shape is manifested by structure, topography and seismicity. From north to south, this deformation zone is characterized by four main kinematic elements: (1) a hanging\|wall block (Maidan fault and Tuotegongbaizi\|Muziduke thrust system) that represents the Cenozoic reactivation of a late Paleozoic thrust system; (2) an imbricated thrust stack (Kepingtage\|Tashipeshake thrust system) where slices of Tarim platform sediments are thrust south toward the basin; (3) the Kashi\|Atushi fold\|and\|thrust system where thrusting and folding verge toward the Tian Shan; (4) a foot\|wall block (Tarim craton) that dips gently northwest below the sediment\|filled southern Tian Shan basin and generally has little internal deformation.展开更多
基金Research Development Fund(IIT Bombay)supported SM。
文摘Active tectonics in an area includes ongoing or recent geologic events.This paper investigates the tectonic influence on the subsidence,uplift and tilt of western Saurashtra through morphotectonic analysis of ten watersheds along with characteristics of relief and drainage orientation.Watersheds 7-9 to the north(N)are tectonically active,which can be linked with the North Kathiawar Fault System(NKFS)and followed by watersheds 6,10,1,4 and 5.Stream-length gradient index and sinuosity index indicate the effect of tectonic events along the master streams in watersheds 6-9.Higher R^(2)values of the linear curve fit for watershed 7 indicate its master stream is much more tectonically active than the others.The R^(2)curve fitting model and earthquake magnitude/depth analysis confirm the region to be active.The reactivation of the NKFS most likely led to the vertical movement of western Saurashtra.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.41872219)the Key Research and Development Program of Shaanxi(Grant No.2019SF-245)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province(Grant No.2023-JC-YB-222)an integrated research project of Integrated Exploration of China Geological Survey(Grant No.WKZB1911BJM300369/002)。
文摘The Xiejiaba and Fuqiangbei plutons form part of the newly identified Neoproterozoic Niushan complex,which is located in the southern South Qinling belt(SQB).The plutons are compositionally similar,were emplaced at 750–711Ma,and provide insights into Neoproterozoic tectonism within the South Qinling belt.The Xiejiaba pluton contains diorite,quartz diorite,granodiorite,and granite phases,all of which are sub-alkaline and have variable major element compositions with negative correlations between SiO_(2)and MgO,TFe_(2)O_(3),Al_(2)O_(3),CaO,TiO_(2)and P_(2)O_(5).These rocks are enriched in light rare earth elements(LREEs)and large ion lithophile elements(LILEs)and have negative Nb,Ta,P and Ti anomalies,all of which are indicative of arc-type magmatism.The Fuqiangbei pluton contains granitoids that are compositionally similar to the rocks in the Xiejiaba pluton.Samples from these plutons have similarε_(Nd)(t)values(1.24–5.99)but very variable(^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr)i values(0.7010–0.7054).Combining these data with the geochemical data for these rocks suggests that the magmas that formed the Niushan complex were derived from the crust–mantle boundary.This,combined with the results of previous research,suggests that the transition from low pressure-low temperature to low pressure-high temperature conditions within a subduction zone caused melting during a period of late subduction and backarc extension.This constrain the timing of subduction within the South Qinling belt and the northern Yangtze Block(YB)to 750–711 Ma,with this Neoproterozoic subduction associated with an ocean to the north overprinting an existing continental rift-type tectonic setting within the northern margin of the Yangtze Block and the South Qinling belt.
基金financially supported by the program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42072134)the Major Research Project on the Tethys Geodynamic System from the National Science Foundation of China(No.92055204)the Major Scientific and Technological Projects of the CNPC under Grant ZD2019-183-001。
文摘We investigated diagenesis of the sandstones from the DN2 Gas Field of the Kuqa Foreland Basin(KFB),in order to infer the timing of fluid migration and discuss the linkage between fluids and tectonics.The textures and chemical composition of authigenic minerals,fluid evidence from fluid inclusions and formation water measurements were all used to fulfill this aim.Eodiagenesis occurred with the participation of meteoric water and connate water.Mesodiagenesis is related to high salinity fluids,which were attributed as originating from the overlying Neogene Jidike Formation evaporite(principal minerals including halite,anhydrite,glauberite,carnallite and thenardite).The onset of high salinity fluid migration is inferred to occur during the late Miocene(12.4-9.2 Ma)through the use of homogenization temperatures measured in the present study and K-Ar dating of authigenetic illites from previous work.This period is consistent with the crucial phase(13-10 Ma)that witnessed the rapid uplift of the southern Tianshan Mts and the stage when calcite and anhydrite veins formed in the studied strata.We thus argue that diagenesis related to high salinity fluids occurred as a response to the Tianshan Mts'rapid uplift and related tectonic processes.The flow of high salinity fluids was probably driven by a density gradient and channeled and focused by fractures formed contemporaneously.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.91858215 and 41906048)。
文摘The Solomon Sea Basin is a Cenozoic back-arc spreading basin within the convergence system of the Pacific and Indo-Australian plates.Against the background of subduction polarity reversal,the current Solomon Sea Basin gradually formed a rhombic morphology with the subduction of the basin along the New Britain Trench and the Trobriand Trough.By analyzing the vertical gravity gradient,natural earthquake and seismic reflection data,this study determines the structural characteristics of the Solomon Sea Basin.It was found that the tectonics of the basin are characterized by the original expansion structure within the central part in addition to the structure induced by the latest subduction along the basin margin.The original spreading structure of the basin presented an east–west linear graben and horst controlled by normal faults during the basin expansion period.As a result of the subduction and slab-pull of the Solomon Sea Basin,extensional structure belts parallel to the New Britain Trench formed along the basin margin.
基金DG ISR and DST (GoG) for providing required supportDMC Dadra and Nagar Haveli (DNH/1255) for providing financial support。
文摘The present study area,Dadra and Nagar Haveli,contains several lineaments and traces of active faults.The various aspect of the geomo rphic analysis,i.e.,stream length(SL) gradient,hypsometric integral(HI),basin shape(BS),valley floor(VF),have been applied to evaluate the relative index of active tectonics(RIAT) of the Damanganga watershed.The high and low zones of tectonic activity have been identified based on the geomorphic analysis of the watershed.After evaluation of all indices,three classes,class IIhigh(1.3 ≤RIAT <1.5),class Ⅲ-moderate(1.5 ≤RIAT <1.8),and class Ⅳ-low(1.8 ≤RIAT),have been obtained to outline the degree/gradation of comparative tectonic activities in the study area.The appraised outcome of the RIAT dispersal is also well reinforced by the geomorphic evidence in the field.The collective outcomes of geomorphic evidence,such as stream deflection and analysis of lineament,deflection of streams,and geomorphic indices,conceal that the Damanganga watershed is affected by tectonic activity.
文摘The intermontane basins are some of the critical regions to investigate the formation,growth,and development of basins during the collisional orogenesis,and in the NW Himalaya several such basins are observed to have formed during the latest phase of the ongoing collision between India and Eurasia(Burbank and Johnson,1982).
文摘I graduated as a geology major from the former Zhongyang (National) University in 1938 and then worked as a research scholar at Kings College in the University of London from 1949 to 1951.I was one of the pioneers in plate tectonic and terrain tectonic studies in China,devoting myself to the regional geotectonics and plate tectonics of southern China for several decades,making significant achievements in these fields.Throughout the life-long course of my academic career,I have published and coauthored some 120 research papers or monographic books at home or abroad.
文摘Many geological and geochemical changes are recorded on Earth between 3 and 2 Ga.Among the more important of these are the following:(1)increasing proportion of basalts with"arc-like"mantle sources;(2)an increasing abundance of basalts derived from enriched(EM)and depleted(DM)mantle sources;(3)onset of a Great Thermal Divergence in the mantle;(4)a decrease in degree of melting of the mantle;(5)beginning of large lateral plate motions;(6)appearance of eclogite inclusions in diamonds;(7)appearance and rapid increase in frequency of collisional orogens;(8)rapid increase in the production rate of continental crust as recorded by zircon age peaks;(9)appearance of ophiolites in the geologic record,and(10)appearance of global LIP(large igneous province)events some of which correlate with global zircon age peaks.All of these changes may be tied directly or indirectly to cooling of Earth's mantle and corresponding changes in convective style and the strength of the lithosphere,and they may record the gradual onset and propagation of plate tectonics around the planet.To further understand the changes that occurred between 3 and 2 Ga,it is necessary to compare rocks,rock associations,tectonics and geochemistry during and between zircon age peaks.Geochemistry of peak and inter-peak basalts and TTGs needs to be evaluated in terms of geodynamic models that predict the existence of an episodic thermal regime between stagnant-lid and plate tectonic regimes in early planetary evolution.
基金supported by SNSF grant IZKOZ-2_154380partly supported by SNF 200021_149252
文摘To better understand Earth's present tectonic style-plate tectonics—and how it may have evolved from single plate(stagnant lid) tectonics, it is instructive to consider how common it is among similar bodies in the Solar System. Plate tectonics is a style of convection for an active planetoid where lid fragment(plate) motions reflect sinking of dense lithosphere in subduction zones, causing upwelling of asthenosphere at divergent plate boundaries and accompanied by focused upwellings, or mantle plumes;any other tectonic style is usefully called "stagnant lid" or "fragmented lid". In 2015 humanity completed a 50+ year effort to survey the 30 largest planets, asteroids, satellites, and inner Kuiper Belt objects,which we informally call "planetoids" and use especially images of these bodies to infer their tectonic activity. The four largest planetoids are enveloped in gas and ice(Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune)and are not considered. The other 26 planetoids range in mass over 5 orders of magnitude and in diameter over 2 orders of magnitude, from massive Earth down to tiny Proteus; these bodies also range widely in density, from 1000 to 5500 kg/m^3. A gap separates 8 silicate planetoids with ρ = 3000 kg/m^3 or greater from 20 icy planetoids(including the gaseous and icy giant planets) with ρ = 2200 kg/m^3 or less. We define the "Tectonic Activity Index"(TAI), scoring each body from 0 to 3 based on evidence for recent volcanism, deformation, and resurfacing(inferred from impact crater density). Nine planetoids with TAI = 2 or greater are interpreted to be tectonically and convectively active whereas 17 with TAI <2 are inferred to be tectonically dead. We further infer that active planetoids have lithospheres or icy shells overlying asthenosphere or water/weak ice. TAI of silicate(rocky) planetoids positively correlates with their inferred Rayleigh number. We conclude that some type of stagnant lid tectonics is the dominant mode of heat loss and that plate tectonics is unusual. To make progress understanding Earth's tectonic history and the tectonic style of active exoplanets, we need to better understand the range and controls of active stagnant lid tectonics.
基金These research results are part of a key project carried out in 1997–2000,financially supported by the former Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources(No.9501204 and 9501101)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.F49734230)State Project 305 of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region(No.96-915-07).
文摘New results from deep seismic reflection profiling, wide-angle reflection-refraction profiling and broadband seismic experiments reveal that a series of south-dipping reflectors occur on the southern margin of the Tarim block (basin). However, it is these south-dipping structures that are intercepted by another series of north-dipping reflectors at depths from 30 to about 150 km beneath the foreland of the W Kunlun Mountains. No evidence from the above geophysical data as well as geochemical and surface geological data indicate the southward subduction of the Tarim block beneath the W Kunlun Mountains (NW Tibet plateau), forming the so-called “two-sided subduction” model for the Tibet plateau as proposed by previous studies. So the authors infer that the tectonic interaction between the Tarim block and the W Kunlun block was chiefly affected by a “horizontal compression in opposite directions”, which brought about “face-to-face contact” between these two lithospheric blocks and led to the thickening, shortening and densifying of the lithosphere. Hence a “delamination” was formed due to the gravitational instability created by the thickening and densifying; then alkaline basic volcanic rocks (mainly shoshonite series) was erupted along the northern margin of the Tibet plateau owing to the delamination. This inference for the formation of the alkaline basic volcanics has been confirmed by recent geochemical and petrological studies in Tibet, indicating that different contacts control different magmatic activities: the alkali basalts are always developed in the “horizontal shortening boundary (contact)” on the northern margin of the Tibet plateau, while the muscovite granite and two-mica granite (leucogranite) in the “subductional contact” on the southern margin of the Tibet plateau.
文摘There are two Cenozoic sedimentary basins in the East China Sea. They are the East China Sea shelf basin and the Okinawa Trough basin. The former can be divided into a western and an eastern rift region. The development of the shelf basin underwent continental-margin fault depression, post-rift and then tectonic inversion stages. Available exploration results show that the distribution of source rocks is controlled by the basin architecture and its tectonic evolution. In the Xihu depression, mudstones and coals are the main source rocks. The eastern rift region has good geological conditions for the formation of large oil and gas fields.
基金supported by the Research Council of Norway(RCN)through its Centres of Excellence funding scheme, project 223272 (CEED), and through RCN project 250111
文摘Asia is key to a richer understanding of many important lithospheric processes such as crustal growth,continental evolution and orogenesis. But to properly decipher the secrets Asia holds, a first-order tectonic context is needed. This presents a challenge, however, because a great variety of alternative and often contradictory tectonic models of Asia have flourished. This plethora of models has in part arisen from efforts to explain limited observations(in space, time or discipline) without regard for the broader assemblage of established constraints. The way forward, then, is to endeavor to construct paleogeographic models that fully incorporate the diverse constraints available, namely from quantitative paleomagnetic data, the plentiful record of geologic and paleobiologic observations, and the principles of plate tectonics. This paper presents a preliminary attempt at such a synthesis concerning the early Paleozoic tectonic history of Asia. A review of salient geologic observations and paleomagnetic data from the various continental blocks and terranes of Asia is followed by the presentation of a new, full-plate tectonic model of the region from middle Cambrian to end-Silurian time(500-420 Ma). Although this work may serve as a reference point, the model itself can only be considred provisional and ideally it will evolve with time. Accordingly, all the model details are released so that they may be used to test and improve the framework as new discoveries unfold.
文摘The idea that plate tectonics may not have operated deep in Earth’s Precambrian past has a long legacy. What predated plate tectonics is unknown, and advances in data - from geochemical,geological and tectonic, to paleomagnetic, as well as modelling approaches,and planetary science, have the potential to contribute significantly to the debate. To contrast with the activity of plate tectonics,in this issue we use the term ‘lid tectonics’ to encapsulate a variety of envisaged regimes e from stagnant, sluggish, plutonicsquishy,or heat pipe - which are characterized by comparatively subdued tectonic signatures.This special issue of Geoscience Frontiers aims to present a snapshot of current research in the field of lid-tectonics - from detailed field interpretations, to global conceptual models, data compilations,and insights from simulations, and provide unique insights into both the Precambrian Earth, and the dynamics of lid-tectonics.
基金supported by Australian Research Council Linkage Grant No. LP130100722the Geological Survey of Western Australia
文摘Evidence for episodic crustal growth extending back to the Hadean has recently prompted a number of numerically based geodynamic models that incorporate cyclic changes from stagnant lid to mobile lid tectonics. A large part of the geologic record is missing for the times at which several of these cycles are inferred to have taken place. The cratons, however, are likely to retain important clues relating to similar cycles developed in the Mesoarchean and Neoarchean. Widespread acceptance of a form of plate tectonics by ～3.2 Ga is not at odds with the sporadic occurrence of stagnant lid tectonics after this time. The concept of scale as applied to cratons, mantle plumes and Neoarchean volcanic arcs are likely to provide important constraints on future models of Earth's geodynamic evolution. The Superior Province will provide some of the most concrete evidence in this regard given that its constituent blocks may have been locked into a stagnant lid relatively soon after their formation and then assembled in the next global plate tectonic interval. Perceived complexities associated with inferred mantle plume — volcanic arc associations in the Superior Province and other cratons may be related to an over estimation of plume size. A possible stagnant lid episode between ～2.9 Ga and ～2.8 Ga is identified by previously unexplained lapses in volcanism on cratons, including the Kaapvaal, Yilgarn and Superior Province cratons. If real, then mantle dynamics associated with this episode likely eliminated any contemporaneous mantle plume incubation sites, which has important implications for widespread plumes developed at ～2.7 Ga and favours a shallow mantle source in the transition zone. The Superior Province provides a uniquely preserved local proxy for this global event and could serve as the basis for detailed numerical models in the future.
基金sponsored by the National Key R&D Program of China(grant No.2017YFC0601206)National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant No.41774112).
文摘The theory of plate tectonics came together in the 1960s,achieving wide acceptance after 1968.Since then it has been the most successful framework for investigations of Earth’s evolution.Subduction of the oceanic lithosphere,as the engine that drives plate tectonics,has played a key role in the theory.However,one of the biggest unanswered questions in Earth science is how the first subduction was initiated,and hence how plate tectonics began.The main challenge is how the strong lithosphere could break and bend if plate tectonics-related weakness and slab-pull force were both absent.In this work we review state-of-the-art subduction initiation(SI)models with a focus on their prerequisites and related driving mechanisms.We note that the plume-lithosphere-interaction and mantleconvection models do not rely on the operation of existing plate tectonics and thus may be capable of explaining the first SI.Reinvestigation of plate-driving mechanisms reveals that mantle drag may be the missing driving force for surface plates,capable of triggering initiation of the first subduction.We propose a composite driving mechanism,suggesting that plate tectonics may be driven by both subducting slabs and convection currents in the mantle.We also discuss and try to answer the following question:Why has plate tectonics been observed only on Earth?
文摘Kangavar area is located in the Sanandaj-Sirjan belt in the west Iran. Geomorphic indices of active tectonics are useful tools to analyze the influence of active tectonics. These indices have the advantage of being calculated from Arc GIS and remote sensing packages over large area as a reconnaissance tool to identify geomorphic anomalies possibly related to active tectonics. This is particularly valuable that relatively little work on active tectonics based on this method is done, so this method is new and useful. Six geomorphic indices are calculated in the study area. Then, based on index of active tectonics values that calculated by average of six geomorphic indices, two relative tectonic activities levels are revealed. The low class of Iat is mainly in the sub-basins of 3, 4, 15, 16, 17, 19 & 22 while the rest of the study area has moderate active tectonics in the other sub-basins. Our results show that the moderate value is located on faulted area, which shows 3 class of relative tectonic activity.
文摘Although Plate Tectonics cannot be effectively tested by palaeomagnetism in the Precambrian aeon due to the paucity of high precision poles spanning such a long time period,the possibility of Lid Tectonics is eminently testable because it seeks accordance of the wider dataset over prolonged intervals of time;deficiencies and complexities in the data merely contribute to dispersion.Accordance of palaeomagnetic poles across a quasi-integral continental crust for time periods of up to thousands of millions of years,together with recognition of very long intervals characterised by minimal polar motions(～2.6-2.0,～1.5-1.25 and～0.75-0.6 Ga)has been used to demonstrate that Lid Tectonics dominated this aeon.The new PALEOMAGIA database is used to refine a model for the Precambrian lid incorporating a large quasiintegral crescentric core running from South-Central Africa through Laurentia to Siberia with peripheral cratons subject to reorganisation at～2.1,～1.6 and～1.1 Ga.The model explains low levels of tidal friction,reduced heat balance,unique petrologic and isotopic signatures,and the prolonged crustal stability of Earth's"Middle Age",whilst density concentrations of the palaeomagnetic poles show that the centre of the continental lid was persistently focussed near Earth's rotation axis from～2.8 to 0.6 Ga.The exception was the～2.7-2.2 Ga interval defined by～90°polar movements which translated the periphery of the lid to the rotation pole for this quasi-static period,a time characterised by glaciation and low levels of magmatic activity;the～2.7 Ga shift correlates with key interval of mid-Archaean crustal growth to some 60-70%of the present volume and REE signatures whilst the～2.2 Ga shift correlates with the Lomagundiδ～(13)C and Great Oxygenation events.The palaeomagnetic signature of breakup of the lid at～0.6 Ga is recorded by the world-wide Ediacaran development of passive margins and associated environmental signatures of new ocean basins.This event defined the end of a dominant Lid Tectonic phase in the history of Earth's continental lithosphere recorded by the quasi-integral Precambrian supercontinent Palaeopangaea and the beginning of the comprehensive Plate Tectonics which has characterised the Phanerozoic aeon.Peripheral modifications to the lid achieved a symmetrical and hemispheric shape in Neoproterozoic times comparable to the familiar short-lived supercontinent(Neo)Pangaea(～350-150 Ma)and this appears to be the sole supercontinent cycle recorded by the palaeomagnetic record.Prolonged integrity of a large continental nucleus accompanied by periodic readjustments of peripheral shields can reconcile divergent tectonic analyses of Precambrian times which on the one hand propose multiple Wilson Cycles to explain some signatures of Plate Tectonics,and alternative interpretations which consider that Plate Tectonics did not commence until the end of the Neoproterozoic.
文摘In this paper the author first reviews 6 major advances in the study of Precambrian geologyand tectonics of South China during the last decade, and then proposes the following new modelof Late Precambrian scissors-type opening-closing tectonic evolution in the region. (1) Besidesthe Middle-Late Proterozoic low-grade metamorphic basement, there existed a LateArchaean-Early Proterozoic medium- to high-garde metamorphic basement in South China;both of them formed the united Yangtze-Cathaysia (craton) at the end of the Early Proterozoic,with the Jiangxi-Anhui-Zhejiang palaeogulf extending into the inland and the Jiangxi-Anhui-Jiangsu Peninsula lying on the northern side of the palaeogulf.(2) From the Middle Proterozoic,the present Guangxi-Guizhou-Hunan area in the western-central oldland was subjected toextensional rifting and became a rift trough, thus resulting in counterclockwise rotation of the"Cathaysian block" and clockwise rotation of the "Yangtze block"; moreover, the southwardcompression of the Dabie-Jiaonan block which split from the southern margin of the NorthChina plate and was accreted to the northern margin of the Jiangxi-Anhui-Jiangsu Peninsula ledto the scissors-type closing of the Jiangxi-Anhui-Zhejiang palaeogulf during the Middle-earlyLate Proterozoic, which further influenced the Early Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of the region.
文摘The Late Cenozoic fold\|and\|thrust zone along the northwestern margin of the Tarim Basin and the adjacent Tian Shan of Central Asia is an actively deforming part of the India\|Asia collision system. This deformation zone has two remarkable oppositely vergence arcuate fold\|and\|thrust systems (Kepingtage and Kashi\|Atushi fold\|and\|thrust belts) reaching from east of Keping to west of Kashi. This shape is manifested by structure, topography and seismicity. From north to south, this deformation zone is characterized by four main kinematic elements: (1) a hanging\|wall block (Maidan fault and Tuotegongbaizi\|Muziduke thrust system) that represents the Cenozoic reactivation of a late Paleozoic thrust system; (2) an imbricated thrust stack (Kepingtage\|Tashipeshake thrust system) where slices of Tarim platform sediments are thrust south toward the basin; (3) the Kashi\|Atushi fold\|and\|thrust system where thrusting and folding verge toward the Tian Shan; (4) a foot\|wall block (Tarim craton) that dips gently northwest below the sediment\|filled southern Tian Shan basin and generally has little internal deformation.
