Soft-sediment deformation structures induced by seismic activity in the San Pedro el Alto area, Acambay graben, Mexico

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Magdalena Velázquez-Bucio ◽  
Víctor Hugo Garduño-Monroy

Soft-sediment deformation structures identified in lacustrine sediments of the San Pedro el Alto area, within the Acambay graben, Mexico, can be attributed to Pleistocene-Holocene seismic events. The analysis of these deformation structures, seismites, is a key tool for the characterization of parameters such as the intensity and magnitude of the events, and the measurement of the affected area. Analysis of the shape, distribution, abundance and genesis of these secondary structures in lacustrine basins, also provide guidelines for assessing seismic hazard. The analysis of seismites enabled the identification of three M ≥ 5 earthquakes, minimum magnitude required for the formation of such structures, these on ESI 2007 scale (Environmental Seismic Intensity Scale) correspond to VII-X intensities. The structures were identified with coseismic stratigraphy analysis in three trenches and three sediment cores from the dam within the locality. The basin infill consists of lacustrine sediments with intercalation of volcanic material. The soft-sediment deformation structures appear in different sectors of the study area and consist of surficial ruptures, vertical displacements, slumps, pseudonodules, clastic dikes, cracks filled with recent material, and diapir-like and load-flame structures.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ning Zhong ◽  
Hanchao Jiang ◽  
Haibing Li ◽  
Dechen Su ◽  
Hongyan Xu ◽  
...  

Abstract Quantifying the magnitude of an earthquake is very important for long-term and medium-term earthquake prediction, post-earthquake emergency rescue and seismic hazard assessment. Paleoseismology is the investigation of past earthquakes in the geological record, in particular their location, timing and size. Uncertainties remain in the paleoearthquake magnitudes determined by traditional surface rupture parameters, especially because most seismic events do not result in surface ruptures. In order to address the problem of magnitude evaluation of earthquakes that did not reveal major dislocations, this paper deals with the methods used to determine the seismic shaking intensity based on the types and forms of soft-sediment deformation structures, including maximum liquefaction distance, thickness of disturbed layer, empirical formulae, and thickness of rapidly deposited sand layer. Then we discuss and analyze these methods in terms of their theoretical basis, advantages and disadvantages, accuracy, applicability and problems. We chose two case studies: first, a typical seismics-related deposit (liquefied layer and dsirupted layer) represented by a seismite in the late-Pleistocene Lake Lisan section near Masada in the Dead Sea Basin; and second, the liquefied diapir triggered by an earthquake in the late-Quaternary lacustrine sediments at Luobozhai in the upper reaches of the Minjiang River, east Tibet. The six methods listed above are employed to determine earthquake magnitudes associated with the seismics-related deposit and liquefied diapir, yielding magnitudes of 5.5-6.5 and 6-7, respectively. The combination of the six methods, provided a new and relatively convenient method for determining seismic shaking, especially in lacustrine sediments. This study can serves as a valid reference for comparing methods of calculating the magnitude of a paleoearthquake based on surface rupture parameters, and provides a better understanding of the long-term seismic activity and risk in tectonically active regions.


Terra Nova ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 208-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.G. Silva ◽  
J.C. Canaveras ◽  
S. Sanchez-Moral ◽  
J. Lario ◽  
E. Sanz

2000 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 197-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Bowman ◽  
Dorit Banet-Davidovich ◽  
Hendrik J. Bruins ◽  
Johannes Van der Plicht

Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 721
Author(s):  
Ukhwan Byun ◽  
A.J. (Tom) van Loon ◽  
Kyoungtae Ko

The Gyeokpori Formation in the Buan volcanic area primarily contains siliciclastic rocks interbedded with volcanoclastics. These sediments are characterized by a variety of soft-sediment deformation structures (SSDS). The SSDS in the Gyeokpori Formation are embedded in poorly sorted conglomerates; slump folds are also present in the formation. The deformation mechanisms and triggers causing the deformation are not yet clear. In the present study, the trigger of the SSDS in the Gyeokpori Formation was investigated using facies analysis. This included evaluation of the reworking process of both cohesive and non-cohesive sediments. The analysis indicates that the SSDS are directly or indirectly associated with the alternation of conglomerates and mud layers with clasts. These layers underwent non-cohesive and cohesive deformation, respectively, which promoted SSDS formation. The slump folds were controlled by the extent of cohesive and non-cohesive deformation experienced by the sediment layers in the slope environment. The SSDS deformation style and morphology differ, particularly in the case of reworking by slump activity. This study contributes to the understanding of lacustrine slope-related soft-sediment deformation structures.


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