Comparing the results of lineament analysis with isotope geochemistry data

This article presents the results of a geochemical survey carried out in the southwestern part of the Siberian platform, within the Sayan-Yenisei (Angara) syneclise (a superorder Riphean-Middle Paleozoic structure). The object of research was hydrocarbon gases contained in the subsoil rocks (clays). The subsoil samples were taken from the bottom of boreholes (40 mm in diameter) made with an electric drill. The sampling depth was 0.6–1 m. Further laboratory studies included chromatographic and isotope analysis. Lineament analysis of the digital elevation model was carried out as a complementary study. One of the lineament analysis results was a lineament density map, which reflects the permeability (macro-fracture density) of the sedimentary cover. This allowed a comparison of the macro-fracture density with the gas content and isotopic composition. The study revealed that gases with a high content of heavy isotopes tend to gather in the low permeability areas. This can be explained by the fact that the gases disperse quickly within fractured zones, and deep gases should be expected only in the areas with strong cap rocks, i.e. in the areas with low macrofracture density where stable hydrocarbon deposits have already formed. Keywords: hydrocarbons; geochemical survey; isotope geochemistry; lineament analysis.

Identification of disjunctive dislocations as one of the parameters for estimating a territory seismicity of North Sakhalin

The north of Sakhalin Island is characterized by frequent earthquakes and many disjunctive dislocations. One of the catastrophic earthquakes occurred in the settlement of Neftegorsk. The level of modern technologies makes it possible to track the change in environmental parameters accompanying dangerous natural processes with a high degree of certainty. The article proposes an interpretating technology for disjunctive dislocations detecting, which differs from the existing ones with the complex use and summation of satellite image data using image processing methods widely applied in “computer vision”. The study aims to compile and describe a map of discontinuous faults of the village of Neftegorsk, located in the northern part of Sakhalin Island, using the developed decoding technology and geophysical data. Methods: Identification methods used in the work: 1) methods of primary image processing (correction, transformation, resolution change, cropping, visualization); 2) a set of “contextual” and “autonomous” methods of lineament analysis, with the help of which a series of images is processed (canny, erosion, Hough’s algorithm); 3) methods for constructing maps of discontinuous faults (summation, sequential linking). Results. Using the developed technology, a map of discontinuous faults in the area of the Neftegorsk earthquake was constructed. The implementation of the technology makes it possible to provide the monitoring data on discontinuous faults to organizations that are engaged in seismic zoning, construction and operation of objects for various purposes, including mineral deposits.

Interdisciplinary Fracture Network Characterization in the Crystalline Basement: A case study from the Southern Odenwald, SW Germany

The crystalline basement is considered a ubiquitous and almost inexhaustible source of geothermal energy in the Upper Rhine Graben and other regions worldwide. The hydraulic properties of the basement, which are one of the key factors for the productivity of geothermal power plants, are primarily controlled by hydraulically active faults and fractures. While the most accurate in situ information about the general fracture network is obtained from image logs of deep boreholes, such data are generally sparse, costly and thus often not openly accessible. To circumvent this problem, an outcrop analogue study with interdisciplinary geoscientific methods was conducted in the Tromm Granite, located in the southern Odenwald at the northeastern margin of the URG. Using LiDAR scanning, the key characteristics of the fracture network were extracted in a total of five outcrops, additionally complemented by lineament analysis of two different digital elevation models. Based on this, discrete fracture network (DFN) models were developed to calculate equivalent permeability tensors under assumed reservoir conditions. The influence of different parameters, such as fracture orientation, density, aperture and mineralization was investigated. In addition, extensive gravity and radon measurements were carried out in the study area, allowing for more precise localization of fault zones with naturally increased porosity and permeability. Gravity anomalies served as input data for a stochastic density inversion, through which areas of increased open porosity were identified. A laterally heterogeneous fracture network characterizes the Tromm Granite, with the highest natural permeabilities expected at the pluton margin, due to the influence of large shear and fault zones.

Kinematic partitioning in the Southern Andes (39° S–46° S) inferred from lineament analysis and reassessment of exhumation rates

The Southern Andes are often viewed as a classic example for kinematic partitioning of oblique plate convergence into components of continental margin-parallel strike-slip and transverse shortening. In this regard, the Liquiñe-Ofqui Fault Zone, one of Earth’s most prominent intra-arc deformation zones, is believed to be the most important crustal discontinuity in the Southern Andes taking up margin-parallel dextral strike-slip. Recent structural studies, however, are at odds with this simple concept of kinematic partitioning, due to the presence of margin-oblique and a number of other margin-parallel intra-arc deformation zones. However, knowledge on the extent of such zones in the Southern Andes is still limited. Here, we document traces of prominent structural discontinuities (lineaments) from the Southern Andes between 39° S and 46° S. In combination with compiled low-temperature thermochronology data and interpolation of respective exhumation rates, we revisit the issue of kinematic partitioning in the Southern Andes. Exhumation rates are maximal in the central parts of the orogen and discontinuity traces, trending predominantly N–S, WNW–ESE and NE–SW, are distributed across the entire width of the orogen. Notably, discontinuities coincide spatially with large gradients in Neogene exhumation rates and separate crustal domains characterized by uniform exhumation. Collectively, these relationships point to significant components of vertical displacement on these discontinuities, in addition to horizontal displacements known from published structural studies. Our results agree with previously documented Neogene shortening in the Southern Andes and indicate orogen-scale transpression with maximal vertical extrusion of rocks in the center of the transpression zone. The lineament and thermochronology data call into question the traditional view of kinematic partitioning in the Southern Andes, in which deformation is focused on the Liquiñe-Ofqui Fault Zone.

Microcontinent cleaving and enigmatic proto subduction events (?): The role of transpressional transforms in plate tectonics of the Indian and North Atlantic Oceans

<p>Recent advances in knowledge have led to the recognition of continental crust beneath the Comoros islands offshore East Africa and conflicting fracture zone patterns in isolated regions of the Indian ocean. Furthermore, whilst the presence of continental crust within the Davis Straight has been known for some time, its origin remains debated.</p><p>Here, using gravity lineament analysis, plate kinematic modelling, seismic reflection interpretations, and 3D crustal thickness inversions (constrained by a new composite sedimentary thickness dataset), we investigate the origin of microcontinents and proto-subduction events in the Western Somali Basin, Indian Ocean, and the Labrador Sea. We find the role of plate motion changes, which induce transpression along active transform faults, play a critical role in the cleaving of the Comoros microcontinent and inducing previously poorly understood plate convergence and missing crustal sections along the Chain and Owen ridges. Furthermore, the temporal and spatial patterns of thrust and normal faulting in the Davis Straight indicates an analogous mechanism emplaced continental crust in this region, suggesting a generic and predictable mechanism may be applicable to the production of this type of microcontinent around the globe. The Davis Straight proto microcontinent (i.e., incompletely rifted microcontinent) began development during the 53 Ma spreading axis reorientation and ceased separation at 33 Ma, when the basin became extinct. We postulate that the extinction of ocean spreading in the Labrador Sea, and possibly also the Western Somali Basin, may have been influenced by increasing transpression across long-offset fracture zones and suggest further study of this phenomenon.</p>

Identifikasi Sesar Aktif di Pulau Bali dengan Menggunakan Data Pemetaan Geologi Permukaan dan Morfologi Tektonik

Pulau Bali dan sekitarnya berada dekat dengan zona subduksi sehingga rawan terhadap bencana gempa bumi. Struktur utama yang menyebabkan gempa bumi di Bali umumnya berada di zona subduksi di bagian selatan dan di zona sesar naik belakang busur di utara yang dikenal dengan sesar naik Flores. Selain potensi gempa dari kedua zona sesar ini, gempa yang berasal dari zona sesar di darat juga bisa menimbulkan bahaya yang signifikan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melakukan pemetaan sesar aktif di darat dengan menggunakan kombinasi antara metode penginderaan jauh dengan survey lapangan. Data yang digunakan sebagai peta dasar adalah data digital elevation (DEM) model DEMNAS beresolusi 8 m serta data DEM beresolusi 0.5 m yang dihasilkan melalui proses fotogrametri dari foto udara. Analisis kelurusan menunjukkan adanya pola berarah baratlaut-tenggara dan timulaut-baratdaya. Validasi di lapangan menunjukkan bahwa kelurusan ini berasosiasi dengan keberadaan sesar-sesar geser, sesar oblique dan sesar turun. Sesar-sesar ini memotong batuan berumur Kuarter hingga endapan masa kini. Selain itu, data sebaran seismisitas menunjukkan adanya zona kegempaan dangkal yang berada pada area di sekitar kelurusan yang dipetakan. Kedua indikator ini menunjukkan bahwa sesar-sesar yang teridentifikasi dalam penelitian ini bisa dikategorikan sebagai sesar aktif. Hasil dari penelitian ini memberikan pemahaman baru mengenai geometri sesar aktif yang ada di Pulau Bali dan potensi kegempaan di masa yang akan datang yang memberikan kontribusi terhadap upaya mitigasi bencana gempa bumi di Pulau Bali. Bali and its surrounding region are located within proximity of the Sunda-Banda subduction zone making it prone to earthquake hazards. The structures that caused earthquakes in Bali are mainly from the front subduction faults and from the back-arc thrust fault known as the Flores Fault. In addition, earthquakes are frequently occur in the inland fault system. This study aims to map the inland active faults in Bali using a combination of remotely-based and field-mapping methods. We use the 8-m resolution digital elevation model (DEM) of DEMNAS and the 0.5 m resolution DEM from photogrammetry processing of aerial photo as our base maps. Our lineament analysis identifies northwest-southeast and northeast-southwest lineaments. Our field observation confirms these lineaments to be associated with strike-slip, oblique and normal faults. These faults dissect Quarternary to recent rock units. In addition, seismicity data indicate the occurrence of shallow earthquakes in the vicinity of these structures. All of these indicate that these structures are active. Results from this study provide a new understanding of the inland active fault geometry in Bali, useful in the seismic hazard analysis and may contribute to the earthquake mitigation efforts in Bali.

Recent faulting along Gorontalo fault based on seismicity data analysis and lineament mapping

We focused our study to characterize the geometry and activity of Gorontalo fault. We analysed reviewed the ISC seismic catalogue and the BMKG relocated earthquake events available for the time period of 1960 to 2021, located along the expected location of this fault. In addition, we analysed continuous record from local seismic observatory available for the same period. Further, we mapped the lineaments using 8.3-m resolution DEMNAS data. Tens on shallow earthquakes occurred in the vicinity of this fault with a range magnitude of M 2 to 3. Our lineament analysis however does not reveal distinctive pattern that may indicate the fault manifestation at the surface. The NW-SE trending lineaments are coincidence with the mapped trace of Gorontalo Fault. The weak surface manifestation of the fault scarp may be related to the tropical climatic condition of the area which may obliterate the faulting topography. However, we observed alignment of the seismicity distribution with the mapped NW-SE lineament, indicating that the lineament is likely representing active fault and these earthquakes are associated with faulting along this fault. Our study provide indication that the Gorontalo Fault is active and further study is necessary to investigate subsurface geometry and mitigate its seismic hazards.

TECTONIC EVOLUTION OF THE WEST-PACIFIC REGION: FORMATION OF LITHOSPHERIC VORTEXES

Using the example of the West Pacific Segment of the Earth, the interrelation of vertical and horizontal tectonic movements is considered – the most important and far from being solved at present problem of geotectonics. An overview of the concept of the global ordering of various forms of the earth's surface as an end result of the action of geodynamic forces is given. The author's developments concern the issues of the origin of structures associated with the interaction and influence of endogenous forces on the formation of a regional relief. The main tools for its study were structural-geomorphological methods and lineament analysis. It has been established that: 1) all tectonic dislocations contain both horizontal and vertical components of the velocity of movement, and the former dominate in the structure formation of the region; 2) the end result of their interaction is vortex and other nonlinear (ring, spiral, arc, etc.) deformations of the lithosphere, which constitute the main type of structural elements of the region; 3) they are often accompanied by magmatic activation of the tectonosphere in the form of convective movements and / or «floating» of plumes; 4) the sea and oceanic depressions of the Western Pacific are, in essence, funnels of convective cells, which, under the conditions of shear velocities of the movement of interacting geoblocks of the lithosphere, were structured into the form of tectonospheric eddies. A model of convection of a three-layer tectonosphere is proposed, the movement of which in the gravity field is caused by local decompaction and a decrease in the viscosity of a piecewise inhomogeneous medium. The outlined concepts allow us to consider the tectonic evolution of the West Pacific region as the formation of a lithospheric mega-vortex in the continent-ocean junction zone. Its development is associated with the energy interaction of the mantle and the upper shells (tectonospheres) of the Earth, which is due to the unstable regime of the planet's rotational dynamics.