Effective rheology of a two-phase subduction shear zone: insights from numerical simple shear experiments and implications for subduction zone interfaces

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paraskevi Io Ioannidi ◽  
Laetitia Le Pourhiet ◽  
Philippe Agard ◽  
Samuel Angiboust ◽  
Onno Oncken
Keyword(s):  
Simple Shear ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Confining Pressure ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Dislocation Creep ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Weak Phase ◽  
Pure Phases ◽  
Geodynamic Models

<p>Exhumed subduction shear zones often exhibit block-in-matrix structures comprising strong clasts within a weak matrix (mélanges). Inspired by such observations, we create synthetic models with different proportions of strong clasts and compare them to natural mélange outcrops. We use 2D Finite Element visco-plastic numerical simulations in simple shear kinematic conditions and we determine the effective rheology of a mélange with basaltic blocks embedded within a wet quartzitic matrix. Our models and their structures are scale-independent; this allows for upscaling published field geometries to km-scale models, compatible with large-scale far-field observations. By varying confining pressure, temperature and strain rate we evaluate effective rheological estimates for a natural subduction interface. Deformation and strain localization are affected by the block-in-matrix ratio. In models where both materials deform viscously, the effective dislocation creep parameters (A, n, and Q) vary between the values of the strong and the weak phase. Approaching the frictional-viscous transition, the mélange bulk rheology is effectively viscous creep but in the small scale parts of the blocks are frictional, leading to higher stresses. This results in an effective value of the stress exponent, n, greater than that of both pure phases, as well as an effective viscosity lower than the weak phase. Our effective rheology parameters may be used in large scale geodynamic models, as a proxy for a heterogeneous subduction interface, if an appropriate evolution law for the block concentration of a mélange is given.</p>

Rheological information determined from cleavage refraction in naturally deformed interlayered quartzites and phyllites

2019 ◽  
Vol 487 (1) ◽  
pp. 153-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dyanna M. Czeck ◽  
Jolene T. Traut ◽  
Peter J. Hudleston
Keyword(s):  
Effective Viscosity ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Dislocation Creep ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Strong Phase ◽  
Weak Phase ◽  
Diffusive Mass Transfer ◽  
Strain Dependent ◽  
High Quartz

AbstractCleavage refraction angles are used to estimate effective viscosity contrasts between interlayered quartzites and phyllites within the Baraboo Syncline, Wisconsin, USA. Both types of layers contain two major phases, quartz and pyrophyllite, with minor amounts of hematite. Quartz (with minor hematite) behaves as the strong phase and pyrophyllite acts as the weak phase. Cleavage refraction directly relates to mineralogy with a linear relationship between bedding/cleavage angle and strong-phase concentration. Mineralogy exerts first-order control over effective viscosity contrasts, which are generally small, in most cases <10. Effective viscosity contrasts are consistent across the fold, so are likely not to be highly strain dependent and indicate approximate linear viscous rheology. Microstructures suggest deformation was dominated by dislocation creep in layers with high quartz concentrations and diffusive mass transfer in layers with lower quartz concentrations, and that the transition of the deformation mechanism is gradual. Thus, the rheological flow laws at the small scale may not reflect the bulk flow law at the large scale over the span of the deformation. Effective viscosity contrasts allow an evaluation of samples compared to theoretical two-phase mixtures. The analysed samples most closely resemble the Reuss bound of two-phase mixtures, regardless of the mineralogy.

Effective rheology of a two-phase subduction shear zone calculated by numerical simple shear experiments

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paraskevi Io Ioannidi ◽  
Laetitia Le Pourhiet ◽  
Onno Oncken ◽  
Philippe Agard ◽  
Samuel Angiboust
Keyword(s):  
Shear Zone ◽  
Simple Shear ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Physical Nature ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Dislocation Creep ◽  
Rheological Parameters ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Phase Medium ◽  
Modelling Studies

&lt;p&gt;The physical nature and the rheology of a subduction shear zone play an important role in the deformation and the degree of locking along its interface with the upper plate. Inspired from exhumed subduction shear zones that exhibit block-in-matrix characteristics (m&amp;#233;langes), we create synthetic models with different proportions of strong clasts within a weak matrix and compare them to natural m&amp;#233;lange outcrops. Using 2D Finite Element visco-plastic numerical simulations and simple shear kinematic conditions, we determine the effective rheological parameters of such a two-phase medium, comprising blocks of basalt embedded within a wet quartzitic matrix. We treat our models and their structures as scale-independent and self-similar and upscale published field geometries to km-scale models, compatible with large-scale far-field observations. Exhumed subduction m&amp;#233;langes suggest that deformation is mainly taken up by dissolution-precipitation creep. However, such flow laws are neither well-established yet experimentally nor of ample use in numerical modelling studies. In order to make our results comparable to and usable by numerical studies, we assume dislocation creep as the governing flow law for both basalt and wet quartz and by using different pressures, temperatures and strain rates we provide effective rheological estimates for a natural subduction interface. Our results suggest that the block-in-matrix ratio affects deformation and strain localization, with the effective dislocation creep parameters varying between the values of the strong and the weak phase, in cases where deformation of both materials is purely viscous. As the contribution of brittle deformation of the strong blocks increases, however, the value of the stress exponent, n, can exceed that of the purely strong phase.&lt;/p&gt;

Regional setting and kinematic features of the Needle Falls Shear Zone, Trans-Hudson Orogen

1993 ◽  
Vol 30 (7) ◽  
pp. 1338-1354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mel R. Stauffer ◽  
John F. Lewry
Keyword(s):  
Shear Zone ◽  
Simple Shear ◽  
Country Rock ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Lake Zone ◽  
Shear Sense ◽  
Regional Tectonic ◽  
Ductile Shear ◽  
Shear Sense Indicators

Needle Falls Shear Zone is the southern part of a major northeast-trending ductile shear system within the Paleoproterozoic Trans-Hudson Orogen in Saskatchewan. Throughout its exposed length of ~400 km, the shear zone separates reworked Archean continental crust and infolded Paleoproterozoic supracrustals of the Cree Lake Zone, to the northwest, from mainly juvenile Paleoproterozoic arc terrains and granitoid plutons of the Reindeer Zone, to the southeast. It also defines the northwest margin of the ca. 1855 Ma Wathaman Batholith, which forms the main protolith to shear zone mylonites. Although not precisely dated, available age constraints suggest that the shear zone formed between ca. 1855 and 1800 Ma, toward the end of peak thermotectonism in this part of the orogen.In the Needle Falls study area, shear zone mylonites exhibit varied, sequentially developed, ductile to brittle fabric features, including C–S fabrics, winged porphyroclasts (especially delta type), small-scale compressional and extensional microfaults ranging from thin ductile shear zones to late brittle faults, early isoclinal and sheath folds, later asymmetric folds related to compressional microfaults, and variably rotated and (or) folded quartz veins. All ductile shear-sense indicators suggest dextral displacement, as do most later ductile–brittle transition and brittle features. In conjunction with a gently north–northeast-plunging extension lineation, such data indicate oblique east-side-up dextral movement across the shear zone. However, preexisting structures in country rock protoliths rotate into the shear zone in a sense contrary to that predicted by ideal dextral simple shear, a feature thought to reflect significant flattening across the shear zone. Other ductile to brittle fabric elements in the mylonites are consistent with general noncoaxial strain, rather than ideal simple shear. Amount of displacement cannot be measured but indirect estimates suggest approximately 40 ± 20 km.The Needle Falls Shear Zone is too small and has developed too late in regional tectonic history to be considered a crustal suture. Rather, it is interpreted as either a late-tectonic oblique collisional structure or as the result of counterclockwise oroclinal rotation of the southern part of the orogen.

Wavelet Analysis on Eddy Structure in Micro Bubble Two Phase Flow Using PIV

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ling Zhen ◽  
Claudia del Carmen Gutierrez-Torres
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Turbulent Flow ◽  
Drag Reduction ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Turbulent Structures ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Multi Scale ◽  
Eddy Structures

The question of “where and how the turbulent drag arises” is one of the most fundamental problems unsolved in fluid mechanics. However, the physical mechanism responsible for the friction drag reduction is still not well understood. Over decades, it is found that the turbulence production and self-containment in a boundary layer are organized phenomena and not random processes as the turbulence looks like. The further study in the boundary layer should be able to help us know more about the mechanisms of drag reduction. The wavelet-based vector multi-resolution technique was proposed and applied to the two dimensional PIV velocities for identifying the multi-scale turbulent structures. The intermediate and small scale vortices embedded within the large-scale vortices were separated and visualized. By analyzing the fluctuating velocities at different scales, coherent eddy structures were obtained and this help us obtain the important information on the multi-scale flow structures in the turbulent flow. By comparing the eddy structures in different operating conditions, the mechanism to explain the drag reduction caused by micro bubbles in turbulent flow was proposed.

scholarly journals Two-phase late Paleozoic magmatism (~ 313–312 and ~ 299–298 Ma) in the Lusatian Block and its relation to large scale NW striking fault zones: evidence from zircon U–Pb CA–ID–TIMS geochronology, bulk rock- and zircon chemistry

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Käßner ◽  
M. Tichomirowa ◽  
M. Lapp ◽  
D. Leonhardt ◽  
M. Whitehouse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fault Zone ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Spatial Relation ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Igneous Rocks ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
Late Paleozoic ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Saxothuringian Zone

AbstractLate Paleozoic (Variscan) magmatism is widespread in Central Europe. The Lusatian Block is located in the NE Bohemian Massif and it is part of the Saxothuringian Zone of the Variscan orogen. It is bordered by two major NW-trending shear zones, the Intra-Sudetic Fault Zone towards NE and the Elbe Fault Zone towards SW. The scarce Variscan igneous rocks of the Lusatian Block are situated close to these faults. We investigated 19 samples from Variscan plutonic and volcanic rocks of the Lusatian Block, considering all petrological varieties (biotite-bearing granites from the Koenigshain and Stolpen plutons, amphibole-bearing granites from three boreholes, several volcanic dykes, and two volcanites from the intramontane Weissig basin). We applied whole-rock geochemistry (18 samples) and zircon evaporation dating (19 samples). From the evaporation data, we selected six representative samples for additional zircon SHRIMP and CA–ID–TIMS dating. For the Koenigshain pluton, possible protoliths were identified using whole-rock Nd-isotopes, and zircon Hf- and O-isotopes. The new age data allow a subdivision of Variscan igneous rocks in the Lusatian Block into two distinct magmatic episodes. The spatial relation of the two age groups to either the Elbe Fault Zone (298–299 Ma) or the Intra-Sudetic Fault Zone (312–313 Ma) together with reports on the fault-bound character of the dated intrusions suggests an interpretation as two major post-collisional faulting episodes. This assumption of two distinct magmatic periods is confirmed by a compilation of recently published zircon U–Pb CA–ID–TIMS data on further Variscan igneous rocks from the Saxothuringian Zone. New geochemical data allow us to exclude a dominant sedimentary protolith for the Koenigshain pluton as supposed by previous investigations. This conclusion is mainly based on new O- and Hf-isotope data on zircon and the scarcity of inherited zircons. Instead, acid or intermediate igneous rocks are supposed as the main source for these I-type granitoids from the Koenigshain pluton.

Synsedimentary submarine slope failure and tectonic deformation in deep-water carbonates, Cow Head Group, western Newfoundland

1986 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 476-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Coniglio
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Slope Failure ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Tectonic Deformation ◽  
Head Group ◽  
Shallow Subsurface ◽  
Deformation Structures ◽  
Lenticular Bedding ◽  
Basin Morphology

The Cow Head Group, interpreted as a southeast-dipping base-of-slope carbonate apron, contains intraformational truncation surfaces and slide masses. Synsedimentary shear zones are formed (1) below intraformational truncation surfaces; (2) in the basal parts of slide masses; and (3) in the shallow subsurface because of downslope creep. Shear zones are characterized by a variety of synsedimentary deformation structures. Limestones are subject to folding, brecciation, rotation of fragmented beds, and the development of fitted-lenticular bedding. In the interbedded shales, there is both disruption of fine laminations and small-scale isoclinal folding and faulting. Outcrops characterized by these features and the lack of truncation surfaces or slide masses may reflect minor downslope creep. The presence of truncation surfaces, slide masses, and shear zones indicates deposition on an unstable sloping surface.The recognition of intraformational truncation surfaces and slide masses usually requires extensive strike exposure, which when lacking, (e.g., drill cores), limits the potential of these large-scale features as useful indicators of slope deposition. In the Cow Head Group, the recognition and proper interpretation of the common, small-scale deformation structures of synsedimentary shear zones provides evidence for slope deposition that is independent of other sedimentologic, stratigraphic, and regional data.In some parts of the Cow Head Group, "wrinkled" limestones characterized by a prominent dome-and-basin morphology reflect layer-parallel shortening related to tectonic deformation. The deformation of these limestones was previously considered to be synsedimentary, but their association with late-diagenetic precipitates and tectonic stylolites, in conjunction with their continuity and regularity, distinguishes these folds from those produced during synsedimentary deformation.

A model for the spreading and compaction of two-phase viscous gravity currents

2009 ◽  
Vol 630 ◽  
pp. 299-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
CHLOÉ MICHAUT ◽  
DAVID BERCOVICI
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Gravity Current ◽  
Fluid Phase ◽  
Gravity Currents ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Fluid Loss ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Finite Radius ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Mixture Density

Two-phase viscous gravity current theory has numerous applications in the natural sciences, from small-scale lava, sedimentary and glacial flows, to large-scale flows of partially molten mantle. We develop the general equations for two-phase viscous gravity currents composed of a high viscosity matrix and low viscosity fluid for both constant volume and constant flux conditions. A loss of fluid phase is taken into account at the current's upper boundary and corresponds to the degassing of a lava flow or loss of water in sedimentary flows. As the current spreads, its surface increases and fluid loss is facilitated, which modifies the mixture density and viscosity and thus the current's shape; hence spreading of the flow affects fluid loss and vice-versa. Our results show that two-phase gravity currents retain and transport the fluid out to large distances, but the fluid is almost entirely lost within a region of finite radius. This ‘loss radius’ depends on the flow's volume or flux, fluid and matrix properties as well as on the size of fluid parcels or matrix permeability. Application to lava flows shows that degassing occurs over a large area, which affects gas release and transport in the atmosphere.

scholarly journals Syn-kinematic hydration reactions, dissolution-precipitation creep and grain boundary sliding in experimentally deformed plagioclase-pyroxene mixtures

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sina Marti ◽  
Holger Stünitz ◽  
Renée Heilbronner ◽  
Oliver Plümper ◽  
Rüdiger Kilian
Keyword(s):  
Grain Boundary ◽  
Confining Pressure ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Grain Boundary Sliding ◽  
Deformation Mechanisms ◽  
Dislocation Creep ◽  
Crystallographic Preferred Orientation ◽  
Mafic Rocks ◽  
Boundary Sliding ◽  
Crustal Shear Zones

Abstract. While it is widely observed that mafic rocks are able to exeprience high strains by viscous flow, details on their rheology and deformation mechanisms are poorly constrained. Here, rock deformation experiments on four different, water-added plagioclase-pyroxene mixtures are presented: (i) plagioclase(An60-70) – clinopyroxene – orthopyroxene, (ii) plagioclase(An60) – diopside, (iii) plagioclase(An60) – enstatite and (iv) plagioclase(An01) – enstatite. Samples were deformed in general shear at strain rates of 3 × 10−5 to 3 × 10−6 s−1, 800 °C and confining pressure of 1.0 or 1.5 GPa. Results indicate that dissolution-precipitation creep (DPC) and grain boundary sliding (GBS) are the dominant deformation mechanisms. Coinciding with sample deformation, syn-kinematic mineral reactions yield abundant nucleation of new grains; the resulting intense grain size reduction is considered crucial for the activity of DPC and GBS. In high strain zones dominated by plagioclase, a weak, non-random and geometrically consistent crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) is observed. Usually, a CPO is considered a consequence of dislocation creep, but the experiments presented here demonstrate that a CPO can develop during DPC and GBS. This study provides new evidence for the importance of DPC and GBS in mid-crustal shear zones within mafic rocks, which has important implications on understanding and modelling of mid-crustal rheology and flow.

scholarly journals Geodynamic modeling of the process of formation and evolution of lithospheric structures: experience of Schmidt institute of physics of the earth RAS

2019 ◽  
pp. 122-133
Author(s):  
V. O. Mikhailov ◽  
E. P. Timoshkina
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Sedimentary Basins ◽  
Geophysical Data ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Tectonic Structures ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Basin Formation ◽  
Formation And Evolution ◽  
Geodynamic Models

Key results of numerical geodynamic modeling of the structures of the lithosphere at the Institute of Physics of the Earth of the Russian Academy of Sciences are presented. Even in the very first models, the aim of these studies was to describe the time evolution of the boundaries of the layers composing the geological structures which is required for correlating the modeling results to the geological and geophysical data. In 1983, the equation of motion for the upper boundary of the model was complemented by the allowance of sedimentation and erosion. This equation provided the basis for building the geodynamic models of the formation of various types of sedimentary basins and made it possible to mathematically analyze the problem of estimating the rates of paleotectonic movements from thickness, age, and facies composition of sedimentary layers. New data on the formation and evolution processes of large-scale tectonic structures are obtained in the model of a rheologically stratified Earth’s boundary layer, asymptotically linked to mantle convection model. In particular, the role of the small-scale convection in the formation of lithospheric structures in the tectonic settings of extension and compression has been explored. The numerical results clearly demonstrate the key role of the small-scale asthenospheric convection in sedimentary basin formation (post-rift, on passive continental margins, in foredeep basins). The constructed models served as the basis for interpretation of heterogeneous geological and geophysical data in the context of geodynamic models. The examples of statement of inverse problems are presented and the relevant bibliography is provided.

Transient 3D Simulation of the Turbulent Gas Solid Flow in Large Scale Risers Using a Density Based Solution Algorithm

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asit K. Das ◽  
Gorik Van Engelandt ◽  
Guy B. Marin ◽  
Geraldine J. Heynderickx
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Cluster Formation ◽  
Large Diameter ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Solution Algorithm ◽  
3D Simulation ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Solid Flow ◽  
Real Time Scale

Transient 3D simulation of the gas-solid flow in large diameter (> 0.3 m) risers is performed using a new density based solution algorithm. Unlike the conventional pressure based algorithm used so far for riser simulation, the density based solution method uses the pre-conditioning of time derivatives, does not have the internal pressure and velocity correction loop and hence provides a much faster convergence speed. The two phase flow is highly oscillatory with many small scale high frequency (10Hz) fluctuations and a few dominating low frequency (0.02 Hz) oscillations. The transient simulation of a case belonging to a fast fluidized regime with Geldart B particles, demonstrated the density inversion phenomena, experimentally observed before. Cluster formation is simulated on a real time scale for a dilute phase riser having solid fraction < 0.0007, although the time averaged flow fields still resemble a core-annular flow structure.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document