Deformation recorded in polyhalite from evaporite detachments revealed by ⁴⁰Ar ∕ ³⁹Ar dating

The Salt Range Formation is an extensive evaporite sequence in northern Pakistan that has acted as the primary detachment accommodating Himalayan orogenic deformation from the north. This rheologically weak formation forms a mylonite in the Khewra Mine, where it accommodates approximately 40 km displacement and is comprised of intercalated halite and potash salts and gypsiferous marls. Polyhalite [K2Ca2Mg(SO4)4⚫2H2O] grains taken from potash marl and crystalline halite samples are used as geochronometers to date the formation and identify the closure temperature of the mineral polyhalite using the 40Ar/39Ar step-heating laser and furnace methods. The diffusion characteristics measured for two samples of polyhalite are diffusivity (D0), activation energy (Ea), and %39Ar. These values correspond to a closure temperature of ca. 254 and 277 ∘C for a cooling rate of 10 ∘C Myr−1. 40Ar/39Ar age results for both samples did not return any reliable crystallisation age. This is not unexpected as polyhalite is prone to 40Ar* diffusion loss and the evaporites have experienced numerous phases of deformation resetting the closed K/Ar system. An oldest minimum heating step age of ∼514 Ma from sample 06-3.1 corresponds relatively well to the established early Cambrian age of the formation. Samples 05-P2 and 05-W2 have measured step ages and represent a deformation event that partially reset the K/Ar system based on oldest significant ages between ca. 381 and 415 Ma. We interpret the youngest measured step ages, between ca. 286 and 292 Ma, to represent the maximum age of deformation-induced recrystallisation. Both the youngest and oldest measured step ages for samples 05-P2 and 05-W2 occur within the time of a major unconformity in the area. These dates may reflect partial resetting of the K/Ar system from meteoric water infiltration and recrystallisation during this non-depositional time. Otherwise, they may result from mixing of Ar derived by radiogenic decay after Cambrian precipitation with partially reset Ar from pervasive Cenozoic deformation and physical recrystallisation.

Episodic transport of discrete magma batches beneath Aso volcano

Magma ascent, storage, and discharge in the trans-crustal magmatic system are keys to long-term volcanic output and short-term eruption dynamics. How a distinct magma batch transports from a deep reservoir(s) to a pre-eruptive storage pool with eruptible magma remains elusive. Here we show that repetitive very-long-period signals (VLPs) beneath the Aso volcano are preceded by a short-lived (~50–100 s), synchronous deformation event ~3 km apart from the VLP source. Source mechanism of a major volumetric component (~50–440 m3 per event) and a minor low-angle normal-fault component, together with petrological evidence, suggests episodic transport of discrete magma batches from an over-pressured chamber roof to a pre-eruptive storage pool near the brittle-ductile transition regime. Magma ascent velocity, decompression rate, and cumulative magma output deduced from recurrent deformation events before recent 2014 and 2016 eruptions reconcile retrospective observations of the eruption style, tephra fallouts, and plume heights, promising real-time evaluation of upcoming eruptions.

Posets pluton: a geochronological piece in the puzzle of the Axial Zone of the Pyrenees

A detailed geochronological study was conducted on zircons from a diorite sample of the Posets pluton (Axial Zone, Pyrenees). The extracted igneous zircons constrain the emplacement of the pluton to 302 ± 2 Ma and 301 ± 3 Ma, by means of U–Pb sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analyses, respectively. Considering the syn- to late-tectonic emplacement of the Posets pluton during the main Variscan deformation event (D2), the obtained ages constrain the long-lasting D2, associated with the dextral transpression registered through the Axial Zone of the Pyrenees.

Polyphase Deformation of the High-Grade Metamorphic Rocks along the Neusspruit Shear Zone in the Kakamas Domain: Insights into the Processes during the Namaquan Orogeny at the Eastern Margin of the Namaqua Metamorphic Province, South Africa

The central part of the Namaqua Metamorphic Province was subjected to intense deformation under high-grade metamorphic conditions up to granulite facies, but also shows greenschist facies overprints denoting the metamorphic nature during the 1.2–1.0 Ga Namaquan Orogeny. This study examines the structural development of the central Kakamas Domain of the eastern Namaqua Metamorphic Province, which has not been extensively studied previously. The compressional orogenic phase is associated with D1 and D2 deformation events during which northeast–southwest-directed shortening resulted in southwest-directed thrusting illustrated by an intra-domain thrust and southwest-verging isoclinal folds. The post-tectonic Friersdale Charnockite of the Keimoes Suite is emplaced during the D3 deformation event. Late reactivation of the intra-domain thrust in the Kakamas Domain to form the Neusspruit Shear Zone during the D4 event is of a monoclinic nature and is described as a deeply rooted structure with shear direction towards the east. This structure, together with the more local Neusberg Thrust Fault, forms part of an intensely flattened narrow basin in the eastern Namaqua Metamorphic Province. Strain and vorticity indices suggest a transpressional shearing across the Neusspruit Shear Zone and adjacent regions probably initiated during the reactivation of the intra-domain thrust. The ~1.2 to 1.8 km-wide, northwest–southeast striking dextral-dominated Neusspruit Shear Zone constitutes a western regional boundary for the supracrustal Korannaland Group and is composed of steep, narrow zones of relatively high strain, characterised by ductile deformation and penetrative strain.

Geological-structural mapping and geocronology of shear zones: A methodological proposal

The deformation registered in rocks in the field can be characterized based on the structures preserved in outcrops, which can related be to wide discontinuity zones named faults and shear zones. The geological-structural mapping and the geochronology of these tectonic structures are a topic of great interest not only for tectonic modeling but also for reconstruction of the geological evolution of the national territory. The methodology suggest for the analysis of faults and shear zones is based on eight steps, including: 1) definition of the geological context in which the structure was developed; 2) photointerpretation, image geoprocessing, and geological-structural mapping of the structural and lithological characteristics of the faults and shear zones; 3) petrographic analysis of field-oriented samples; 4) quantification of strain orientation and geometry through 3D finite strain analyses and quantification of non-coaxiliaty of deformation through vorticity analyses; 5) SEM-TEM-EBSD microanalysis; 6) quantification of the P-T conditions of deformation through phase-equilibria modeling or conventional geothermobarometry; 7) dating of syn-kinematic minerals phases and mylonitic rocks through Ar-Ar analyses, in order to determine the reactivation and deformation ages of the structure, respectively, as well as the implementation of the U-Pb technique in syn-kinematic calcite crystals developed in the fault planes; and 8) dating of geological elements adjacent to the structure, such as syn-kinematic intrusive bodies associated with the deformation event using zircon U-Pb dating, rocks hydrothermally altered through Ar-Ar method, and zircon and apatite fission-tracks dating of the blocks adjacent to the faults for determining exhumation ages.

Deformation recorded in polyhalite from evaporite detachments revealed by ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating

The Salt Range Formation is an extensive evaporite formation in northern Pakistan that has acted as the primary detachment accommodating Himalayan orogenic deformation from the north. This rheologically weak formation forms a mylonite in the Khewra mines, where it accommodates approximate 40 km displacement and is comprised of intercalated halite and potash salts and gypsiferous marls. Polyhalite [K2Ca2Mg(SO4)4•2H2O] grains taken from potash marl and crystalline halite samples are used as geochronometers to date the formation and identify the closure temperature of the mineral polyhalite using the 40Ar/39Ar step heating method. The diffusion characteristics measured for two samples of polyhalite are diffusivity (D0), activation energy (Ea), and %39Ar. These values correspond to a closure temperature of ca. 281 and 296 °C for a cooling rate of 10 °C/Ma. 40Ar/39Ar age results for both samples did not return any reliable crystallization age. This is not unexpected as polyhalite is prone to 40Ar* diffusion loss and the evaporites have experienced numerous phases of deformation resetting the closed K/Ar system. An oldest minimum heating step age of 514 ± 3 Ma from sample 06-3.1 corresponds relatively well to the established early Cambrian age of the formation. Samples 05-P2 and 05-W2 have apparent step ages and represent a deformation event that partially reset the K/Ar system based on oldest significant ages between ca. 381 Ma and 415 Ma. We interpret the youngest apparent step ages, between ca. 286 Ma and 292 Ma, to represent the maximum age of deformation-induced recrystallisation. Both the youngest and oldest apparent step ages for Samples 05-P2 and 05-W2 occur within the time of a major unconformity in the area. These dates may reflect partial resetting of the K/Ar system from meteoric water infiltration and recrystallisation during this non-depositional time. Else, they may result from mixing of Ar derived by radiogenic decay after Cambrian precipitation with partially reset Ar from pervasive Cenozoic deformation and physical recrystallisation.

Statherian (ca. 1714–1680 Ma) Extension-Related Magmatism and Deformation in the Southwestern Korean Peninsula and Its Geological Significance: Constraints from the Petrological, Structural, Geochemical and Geochronological Studies of Newly Identified Granitoids

In this study, petrological, structural, geochemical, and geochronological analyses of the Statherian alkali feldspar granite and porphyritic alkali feldspar granite in the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula were conducted to examine petrogenesis of the granitoids and their tectonic setting. Zircon U-Pb dating revealed that the two granites formed around 1.71 Ga and 1.70–1.68 Ga, respectively. The results of the geochemical analyses showed that both of the granites have a high content of K2O, Nb, Ta, and Y, as well as high FeOt/MgO and Ga/Al ratios. Both granites have alkali-calcic characteristics with a ferroan composition, indicating an A-type affinity. Zircon Lu-Hf isotopic compositions yielded negative εHf(t) values (−3.5 to −10.6), indicating a derivation from ancient crustal materials. Both granite types underwent ductile deformation and exhibited a dextral sense of shear with a minor extension component. Based on field relationships and zircon U-Pb dating, it was considered that the deformation event postdated the emplacement of the alkali feldspar granite and terminated soon after the emplacement of the porphyritic alkali feldspar granite in an extensional setting. These data indicated that there were extension-related magmatic activities accompanying ductile deformation in the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula during 1.71–1.68 Ga. The Statherian extension-related events are well correlated with those in the midwestern part of the Korean and eastern parts of the North China Craton.

Mesozoic compressional to extensional tectonics in the Central East Iranian Microcontinent: evidence from the Boneh Shurow Metamorphic Core Complex

The Boneh Shurow metamorphic core complex (BSMCC) in the Central East Iranian Microcontinent (CEIM) provides a good example of the Mesozoic succession of nonsynchronous compressional and extensional deformation events attributed to the transitional Cimmerian events. The D1 compression developed subvertical dextral ductile shear zones and corresponds to continental accretion and crustal thickening producing kyanite- and sillimanite-grade rocks and migmatites in the Early Cimmerian orogeny in the CEIM. The D2 deformation event is marked by extension during the mid-Cimmerian orogeny. It is characterized by top-to-the-NE normal sense of shear along a low angle detachment surface. Field evidence for cross cutting relationships of D1- by D2-related structures reveal that the occurrence of Barrovian facies metamorphism and associated partial melting in the core of BSMCC formed during compressional tectonic events. These structures formed before the initiation of extension and the formation of the low-angle detachment shear zone. Finally, during the Late Cimmerian D3 event, the east and west Boneh Shurow reverse faults ruptured on both sides of the MCC. Recognition of the complicated origin and exhumation mechanisms of the BSMCC provide crucial constraints on the prolonged evolution of Paleo- and Neo-Tethys ocean basins and collisional and post-collisional events in this region.

Implications of pericline geometries on 3D fold shape analysis, stress distribution and fracture analysis

<p>The characterization of folds is often limited to two-dimensional cross-sectional views where folds are approximated as cylindrical. This enables simplification of fold shape analysis (using principles such as dip isogons, stereographs, tangent diagrams, and Bezier curve analysis), allows for a simplified analysis of the distribution of stress and strain, and enables and the analysis and visualization of folding associated fractures. However, in a heterogenous medium folds have to terminate somewhere, resulting in more complex three-dimensional geometries. In this study, a 3D finite element modeling approach using a Maxwell visco-elastic rheology is utilized to simulate 3D periclinal folds resulting from single layer buckle folding. With respect to fold shape analysis, we use the forward modeled pericline geometries to demonstrate that geometrical attitude data collected for various cross sections and plotted using traditional 2D methods such as stereographs and tangent diagrams may lead to the misinterpretation of the fold shape as conical. In contrast 3D geometric data such as Gaussian curvature can describe and quantify the 3D fold geometry in its entirety. With respect to folding associated fracture analysis, the 3D modeling results show that shear fractures of various orientations in the fold limb, which cannot be intuitively explained by the strain/stress regimes during 2D buckling and require unrealistic boundary conditions, are feasible to occur during a single deformation event during the development of a pericline. In summary, accounting for the true 3D geometry of buckle fold structures will lead to a better classification of folds, a better understanding of the processes and parameters affecting their development, and enable post-folding failure analysis.</p>

Slow deformation event between large intraslab earthquakes at the Tonga Trench inferred from geodetic and seismological data

<p>Slow deformations associated with a subducting slab can affect quasi-static displacements and seismicity over a wide range of depths. Here, we analyse the seismotectonic activities at the Tonga-Trench subduction zone, which is the world’s most active area with regard to deep earthquakes, using data from GNSS and an earthquake catalogue. We find that trenchward transient displacements and quiescence of deep earthquakes, in terms of background seismicity, were bounded in time by large intraslab earthquakes in 2009 and 2013. We call this event as "slow deformation event”. It may have been triggered by a distant and shallow M8.1 earthquake, which implies a slow slip event at the plate interface or a temporal acceleration of the subduction of the Pacific Plate.</p>