| 1. |
- Abdelmaksoud, Ahmed, et al.
(författare)
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Petroleum system of the fold-and-thrust belt of the United Arab Emirates : New insights based on 1D and 2D basin modeling
- 2023
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Ingår i: Marine and Petroleum Geology. - : Elsevier. - 0264-8172 .- 1873-4073. ; 158
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The hydrocarbon potential of the fold-and-thrust belt (FTB) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-Oman mountains has received limited attention to date, leading to a poor understanding of the petroleum systems in this region. Despite the existence of hydrocarbon fields within the FTB, the source rock potential has not been adequately studied. This study aims to address this knowledge gap using 1D and 2D basin modeling approaches to evaluate the petroleum system of the FTB. In addition, gas chromatographs are also used to correlate hydrocarbon occurrences with their source rock. This study's findings identify the Silurian, Upper Cretaceous, Paleocene-Eocene, and Oligocene formations as the primary source rocks in the study area. Silurian shales, encountered in a well in the northern UAE, are currently considered overmature. The Cenozoic source rocks exhibit a spectrum of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content, ranging from less than 1 to as high as 2 wt%, leading to variable degrees of expulsion efficiency. The maturity of these rocks varies based on their position in relation to the FTB and foredeep, with increasing maturity towards the north. The Upper Cretaceous sequences display low TOC and Hydrogen Index, indicating very low expulsion efficiency. The present-day distribution of maturity is largely influenced by Late Cretaceous and Oligocene-Miocene compressional events that affected the northern and northeastern Arabian Plate. This analysis shows that hydrocarbon expulsion from the Silurian source rocks was initiated during the Middle-Late Jurassic. These hydrocarbons are presumed to have migrated through Upper Permian, Jurassic, and Lower and middle Cretaceous reservoirs. Westward hydrocarbon migration, towards a regional bulge, may have also occurred following compressional events that resulted in lithospheric flexure and formation of the foreland basin. Notably, certain exceptions to migration towards the bulge include structural entrapment of hydrocarbons beneath the main frontal thrust zone of FTB and some structural traps beneath the Lower Fiqa Formation.
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| 2. |
- Ahmadi, Omid, et al.
(författare)
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Seismic signatures of complex geological structures in the Cue-Weld range area, Murchison domain, Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia
- 2016
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Ingår i: Tectonophysics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0040-1951. ; 689, s. 56-66
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Murchison domain forms the northwest part of the Youanmi Terrane, a tectonic unit within the Neoarchean Yilgarn Craton in Western Australia. In the Cue-Weld Range area the Murchison domain has experienced a complex magmatic and deformation history that resulted in a transposed array of greenstone belts that host significant iron, gold, and base metal deposits. In this study, we interpret the upper 2 s (about 6 km) of a deep crustal seismic profile TOGA-YU1, near the town of Cue, and correlate rock units and structures in outcrop with corresponding reflections. We performed 3D constant velocity ray-tracing and calculate the corresponding travel times for the reflectionsfor time domain pre-stack and post-stack seismic data. This allows us to link shallow reflections with mafic volcanic rocks of the Glen Group and basaltic rocks of the Polelle Group in outcrop. Based on our interpretation and published geological maps and data, we propose a model in which the local stratigraphy represents a refolded thrust system. To test our hypothesis, we applied 2D acoustic finite difference forward modeling. The corresponding synthetic data were processed in the same way as the acquired data. Comparisons between the acquired and the synthetic data show that the model is consistent with observations. We propose a new model for the subsurface of the Cue-Weld Range area and argue that some of the lithologies in the area are repeated structurally at different levels. Our approach highlights the benefit of imaging and modeling of deep seismic transects to resolve local structural complexity in Archean granite-greenstone terrains.
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| 3. |
- Al-Qayim, Basim, et al.
(författare)
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Tectonostratigraphic overview of the Zagros Suture Zone, Kurdistan Region, Northeast Iraq
- 2012
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Ingår i: GeoArabia. - 1025-6059. ; 17:4, s. 109-156
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The northwestern segment of the Zagros Orogenic Belt of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq includes the Zagros Suture Zone which is consisting of allochthonous Tethyan Triassic-Eocene thrust sheets. The zone is bounded by the Zagros Main Reverse Fault in the northeast, and the Zagros Thrust Front in the southwest. Parts of this zone's rocks are represented by stacks of thrust mega-sheets obducted over the autochthonous Cretaceous-Cenozoic sequence of the Arabian Plate margin. Each sheet represents a specific Tethyan tectonostratigraphic facies, and includes (from older to younger): isolated Triassic carbonate platforms (Avroman Limestone), Jurassic carbonate imbricates (Chia Gara, Sargelu and other formations), radiolarites (Qulqula Group), sedimentary melange (sedimentary-volcanic units of the Qulqula Group), ophiolites (Mawat and Penjwin ultramafics complexes), and Cenozoic fore-arc volcano-sedimentary sequences (Walash Group). Petrography, facies interpretation and lithostratigraphic correlation of these allochthons along four traverses across the Zagros Suture Zone of the examined area indicate that they evolved during the closure of the Neo-Tethys Ocean. Their stacking pattern and tectonic association resulted from two important events: the Late Cretaceous obduction processes, and the Late Miocene Pliocene collision, uplift, folding and suturing between the Arabian Plate and the Sanandaj-Sirjan Block of Iran. Based on these field observations and by using the model of the Iranian Zagros evolution, a tectonic scenario is proposed to explain the history and evolution of the Zagros Suture Zone in this area.
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| 4. |
- Ali, Moamen, et al.
(författare)
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Geometry and kinematics of the Middle to Late Miocene salt tectonics, central Egyptian Red Sea margin
- 2023
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Ingår i: Journal of Structural Geology. - : Elsevier. - 0191-8141 .- 1873-1201. ; 176
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Red Sea basin includes a thick Middle to Late Miocene evaporitic succession that underwent halokinesis and caused intensive reshaping of the seafloor and the development of salt-tectonic structures. However, the ge-ometry and kinematics of these structures are still poorly understood. This study uses 2D and 3D seismic surveys and well data of the northern Egyptian Red Sea to systematically describe the distribution and morphology of salt structures, discuss their initiation, and construct a kinematic model for their origin. Our results indicate that the massive salt layer developed into five major NW-SE to NNE-SSW trending salt walls, characterized by relatively irregular crests and moderately dipping flanks. In addition, several symmetrical and asymmetrical folds and two categories of normal faults (subsalt and suprasalt) have been recognized. Based on our observations, salt mobilization in the study area started in the Late Miocene, during the precipitation of layered evaporites, and continued until the present day. In the northern Egyptian Red Sea, seismic interpretation indicates that hal-okinesis was triggered by a combination of thin-and thick-skinned systems, where the latter played a major role. The salt layer was welded during the Quaternary as several sags and grabens developed above the salt diapirs. Thick-skinned physical models are compatible with our observations, supporting the impact of basement faulting on Red Sea diapirism.
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| 5. |
- Almqvist, Bjarne, et al.
(författare)
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Bulk strain in orogenic wedges based on insights from magnetic fabrics in sandbox models
- 2018
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Ingår i: Geology. - 0091-7613 .- 1943-2682. ; 46:6, s. 483-486
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) analysis is used as a petrofabric indicator for a set of four identical-setup sandbox models that were shortened by different amounts and simulate contraction in a fold-and-thrust belt. During model shortening, a progressive reorientation of the initial magnetic fabric occurs due to horizontal compaction of the sand layers. At the early stages of shortening, magnetic lineation (k(1) axis) rotates parallel to the model backstop with subhorizontal orientation, whereas the minimum susceptibility (k(3) axis) is subvertical, which indicates a partial tectonic overprint of the initial fabric. With further shortening, the k(3) axis rotates to subhorizontal orientation, parallel to shortening direction, marking the development of a dominant tectonic magnetic fabric. A near-linear transition in magnetic fabric is observed from the initial bedding to tectonic fabric in all four models, which reflects a progressive transition in deformation from foreland toward hinterland. Model results confirm a long-held hypothesis where the AMS pattern and degree of anisotropy have been suggested to reflect the amount of layer-parallel shortening, based on field observations in many mountain belts. Results furthermore indicate that grain rotation may play a significant role in low-grade compressive tectonic regimes. The combination of analogue models with AMS enables the possibility to predict magnetic fabrics in different tectonic settings and to develop quantitative links between AMS and strain.
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| 6. |
- Amini, Samar, et al.
(författare)
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Tomographic upper-mantle velocity structure beneath the Iranian Plateau
- 2012
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Ingår i: Tectonophysics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0040-1951 .- 1879-3266. ; 554-557, s. 42-49
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Iranian plateau is one of the most structurally complex and tectonically inhomogeneous regions in the world. In this study, we analyze Pn arrival-times from regional seismicity in order to resolve lateral velocity variations within the uppermost-mantle under the Iranian Plateau. More than 48,000 Pn first arrival times selected from the EHB catalog were used with epicentral distances of 200 to 1600 km. We used regularized isotropic and anisotropic damped least-squares inversion to image lateral velocity variations in the upper mantle. Our velocity model, with high lateral resolution, shows positive anomalies in the Zagros mountain belt with a distinct transition approximately along the Main Zagros Thrust to the lower mantle velocity zone of Central Iran. Anomalously low velocities are observed predominantly beneath NW Iran and eastern Turkey, suggesting a zone of relatively weak mantle. Low velocity region under the Damavand volcano reveals the hot upper mantle beneath the central Alborz mountains.
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| 7. |
- Amri, Zayneb, et al.
(författare)
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Mechanical relationship between strike-slip faulting and salt tectonics in the Northern Tunisian Atlas : The Bir-El-Afou salt structure
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Journal of Structural Geology. - : Elsevier. - 0191-8141 .- 1873-1201. ; 154
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Wide variety of salt structures -from typical diapirs to large allochthonous salt sheets- are recognized in the Northern Tunisian Atlas. In this study, we present for the first time the presence of a diapiric structure, Bir-ElAfou Salt Structure (BEASS), which has formed in response to strike-slip tectonics. Structural mapping, mesoscale field observations, fault kinematic analysis, and interpretation of gravity data are used to interpret BEASS, which is currently associated with a restraining bend. The present-day NNE- trending restraining stepover is formed as a result of E-W dextral fault system. We assume that the restraining stepover is a product of the inversion of a pre-existing pull-apart basin that formed during the Cretaceous South Tethyan extension. Tectono-sedimentary relationship is used to argue for an early Cretaceous NW-SE regional extension and local transtension. During the opening of the pull-apart basin, salt movement took place in the southwestern corner of the basin which must have thinned due to its extension facilitating diapiric emplacement. Diapir growth during Aptian was followed by brief salt flow from the diapir crest towards the basin forming a salt sheet. A period of Tertiary contraction resulted in the inversion of the pull-apart basin and consequently, squeezing of BEASS.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Aswad, Khalid J. A., et al.
(författare)
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Cr-spinel compositions in serpentinites, and their implications for the petrotectonic history of the Zagros Suture Zone, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
- 2011
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Ingår i: Geological Magazine. - 0016-7568 .- 1469-5081. ; 148:5-6, s. 802-818
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Accessory chrome spinels are scattered throughout the serpentinite masses in two allochthonous thrust sheets belonging to the Penjween–Walash sub-zone of the northwestern Zagros Suture Zone in Kurdistan. Based on field evidence, the serpentinites are divided into two groups: (1) highly sheared serpentinites (110–80 Ma), which occupy the lower contact of the ophiolitic massifs of the Upper Allochthonous sheet (Albian–Cenomanian age), and (2) ophiolitic mélange serpentinites of mixed ages (150 and 200 Ma) occurring along thrust faults on the base of the volcano-sedimentary segment (42–32 Ma) of the Lower Allochthonous sheet. The Cr-spinels of both groups show a wide range of YCr (Cr/(Cr + Al) atomic ratio) from 0.37 to 1.0, while the XMg (Mg/(Mg + Fe2+) atomic ratio) ranges from 0.0 to 0.75. Based on the Cr-spinel compositions of the entire dataset and in conjunction with back-scattered electron imaging, from core to rim, three spinel stages have been recognized: the residual mantle stage, a Cr-rich stage and a third stage showing a very narrow magnetite rim. These three stages are represented by primary Cr-spinel, pre-serpentinization metamorphosed spinel and syn- or post-serpentinization spinel, respectively. The chemical characteristics of primary (first-stage) Cr-spinels of both serpentinite groups indicate a tectonic affinity within a fore-arc setting of peridotite protoliths. The second stage indicates that Cr-spinels have undergone subsolidus re-equilibration as a result of solid–solid reaction during pre-serpentinization cooling of the host rock. Here the primary Cr-spinel compositions have been partly or completely obscured by metamorphism. During the third stage, the Cr-spinels have undergone solid–fluid re-equilibration during syn- or post-serpentinization processes. Both the second and third stages point to diachronous metamorphic paths resulting from continuous tectonic evolution influenced by either slow or fast uplift of mantle protoliths. In the fast metamorphic paths, the primary chrome spinels are flanked by a very narrow magnetite rim. The presence of two groups of distally separated serpentinites with different emplacement ages and fore-arc tectonic affinity could indicate that the closure of the Tethys Ocean culminated in two fortuitous subduction processes.
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| 11. |
- Aziz, Nabaz R. H., et al.
(författare)
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Contrasting Settings of Serpentinite Bodies in Northwestern Zagros Suture Zone, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
- 2011
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Ingår i: Geological Magazine. - 0016-7568 .- 1469-5081. ; 148:5-6, s. 819-837
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Protrusions and lenses of serpentinite–matrix mélanges occur at several places along the thrust faults of the Zagros Suture Zone. They separate the lower allochthonous thrust sheet, the ‘Lower Allochthon’ (i.e. Walash–Naopurdan nappe), of Paleocene–Eocene age from sediments of the Arabian platform and the upper thrust sheet of Mesozoic, ophiolite-bearing terranes termed the ‘Upper Allochthon’ (i.e. Gemo–Qandil nappe). The serpentinite–matrix mélanges occur mostly as stretched bodies (slices) on both sides of the Lower Allochthon (Hero, Halsho and Pushtashan (HHP) and Galalah, Qalander and Rayat (GQR)). Their overall chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns form two main groups. Group One exhibits enrichment in the total REEs (> 1 × chondrite) whereas the Group Two pattern shows depletion (i.e. < 1 × chondrite). Bulk-rock MORB-normalized profiles of Group Two are almost flat in the MREE–HREE region with flattening profiles in the Gd–Lu range (> 3 times the MORB composition). In comparison with Group One, Group Two has extremely high REE content and displays variable depletions in the moderately incompatible high-field-strength elements (HFSEs) (Zr, Hf, Y) relative to their adjacent REEs. The REEs in the GQR serpentinite–matrix mélanges have a noticeably high LREE content, and a positive Eu anomaly, and their HREE content never reaches more than 1 × chondrite (i.e. < 0.01 to 1 × chondrite). The latter indicates that the hemipelagic sedimentary, melt-like components (i.e. high LREE, U/La, La/Sm and low Ba/Th) control the geochemical peculiarities of this type of serpentinite. The HHP serpentinite–matrix mélanges, however, are either equally divided between the two REE pattern groups (e.g. Hero, Halsho) or inclined towards Group One (e.g. Pushtashan). Contrary to GQR serpentinites, the variation in HHP serpentinite–matrix mélanges spans a compositional spectrum from U/La-rich to more Ba/Th-rich. Such ratio variations reflect the large variation in these two subducted sedimentary components (i.e. carbonate and hemipelagic sediment mix). The obvious differences in the trace element signatures of the GQR and HHP serpentinite–matrix mélanges might be related to plate tectonic parameters such as convergence rate, subduction age and thickness and type of subducted slab. It is more likely that the influx of subducted components to the mantle wedge relied heavily on the composition of the sedimentary inputs. These vary considerably with time from the relatively deepwater hemipelagic sediments (Qulqula Radiolarite Formation) to platform carbonate sediments (Balambo limestone). The trace element signatures of the GQR and HHP serpentinite–matrix mélanges might suggest multi-staging of the allochthonous sheet emplacement on the Arabian platform sediments.
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| 12. |
- Bahroudi, A, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of ductile and frictional decollements on style of extension
- 2003
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Ingår i: Journal of Structural Geology. - 0191-8141 .- 1873-1201. ; 25:9, s. 1401-1423
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Scaled analogue models were used to study the effect of frictional and ductile detachments on thin-skinned extension. Models consisted of two halves; one half is the ductile and the other has a frictional detachment. Extension occurred above two different basal configurations: a stretchable rubber sheet and a folded, banded sheet intended to produce homogeneous and heterogeneous extension, respectively. Model parameters varied systematically and included the brittle/ductile thickness ratio, rheologies, and bulk strain. Structures in the two halves are compared in profiles and plan views. A series of graben developed above both halves of models extended above a banded sheet, although there were differences in style, propagation rate and width of the deformation zone between the two halves. Different rates of propagation of structures in the two halves led to the formation of an accommodation or transfer zone parallel to the extension direction. Most relay ramps and inflection of normal faults in this zone indicate differential extension between the two halves.In contrast, in models extended above a stretchable rubber sheet, extensional structures such as horst and graben developed only above the ductile detachment. Model results indicate that heterogeneous mechanical stratigraphy and displacement rate have no effect on extensional structure above a rubber sheet. However, above 20% bulk extension, deformation becomes heterogeneous along multiple sets of conjugate faults oblique to the extension direction.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Buntin, Sebastian, et al.
(författare)
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Emplacement and 3D geometry of crustal-scale saucer-shaped intrusions in the Fennoscandian Shield
- 2019
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Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Saucer-shaped intrusions of tens of meters to tens of kilometres across have been observed both from surface geological mapping and geophysical observations. However, there is only one location where they have been reported to extend c. 100 km laterally, and emplaced both in a sedimentary basin and the crystalline basement down to 12 km depth. The legacy BABEL offshore seismic data, acquired over the central Fennoscandian Shield in 1989, have been recovered and reprocessed with the main goal of focusing on this series of globally unique crustal-scale saucer-shaped intrusions present onshore and offshore below the Bothnian Sea. The intrusions (c. 1.25 Ga), emplaced in an extensional setting, are observed within both sedimentary rocks (<1.5 Ga) and in the crystalline basement (>1.5 Ga). They have oval shapes with diameters ranging 30-100 km. The reprocessed seismic data provide evidence of up-doming of the lower crust (representing the melt reservoir) below the intrusions that, in turn, are observed at different depths in addition to a steep seismically transparent zone interpreted to be a discordant feeder dyke system. Relative age constraints and correlation with onshore saucer-shaped intrusions of different size suggest that they are internally connected and fed by each other from deeper to shallower levels. We argue for a nested emplacement mechanism and against a controlling role by the overlying sedimentary basin as the saucer-shaped intrusions are emplaced in both the sedimentary rocks as well as in the underlying crystalline basement. The interplay between magma pressure and overburden pressure, as well as the, at the time, ambient stress regime, are responsible for their extensive extent and rather constant thicknesses (c. 100-300 m). Saucer-shaped intrusions may therefore be present elsewhere in the crystalline basement to the same extent as observed in this study some of which are a significant source of raw materials.
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| 15. |
- Burchardt, Steffi, et al.
(författare)
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Erupted frothy xenoliths may explain lack of country-rock fragments in plutons
- 2016
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Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Magmatic stoping is discussed to be a main mechanism of magma emplacement. As a consequence of stoping, abundant country-rock fragments should occur within, and at the bottom of, magma reservoirs as "xenolith graveyards", or become assimilated. However, the common absence of sufficient amounts of both xenoliths and crustal contamination have led to intense controversy about the efficiency of stoping. Here, we present new evidence that may explain the absence of abundant country-rock fragments in plutons. We report on vesiculated crustal xenoliths in volcanic rocks that experienced devolatilisation during heating and partial melting when entrained in magma. We hypothesise that the consequential inflation and density decrease of the xenoliths allowed them to rise and become erupted instead of being preserved in the plutonic record. Our thermomechanical simulations of this process demonstrate that early-stage xenolith sinking can be followed by the rise of a heated, partially-molten xenolith towards the top of the reservoir. There, remnants may disintegrate and mix with resident magma or erupt. Shallow-crustal plutons emplaced into hydrous country rocks may therefore not necessarily contain evidence of the true amount of magmatic stoping during their emplacement. Further studies are needed to quantify the importance of frothy xenolith in removing stoped material.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Burchardt, Steffi, et al.
(författare)
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Sinking of anhydrite blocks within a Newtonian salt diapir : modelling the influence of block aspect ratio and salt stratification
- 2012
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Ingår i: Geophysical Journal International. - 0956-540X .- 1365-246X. ; 188:3, s. 763-778
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- 2-D Finite Differences models are used to analyse the strain produced by gravity-driven sinking of dense rectangular inclusions through homogeneous and vertically stratified Newtonian salt. We systematically modelled the descent of dense blocks of different sizes and initial orientations (aspect ratios) representing the Main Anhydrite fragments documented within, for example, the Gorleben salt diapir. Model results demonstrate that size of the blocks is a governing parameter which dictates the amount of strain produced within the block and in the surrounding host salt. Initial block orientation (aspect ratio), on the other hand, causes fundamental differences in block deformation, while the resulting structures produced in the salt are principally the same in all models with homogeneous salt, covering shear zones and folding of passive markers. In models with vertically stratified salt with different viscosities, block descent takes place along complex paths. This results from greater strain accommodation by the salt formation with the lowest viscosity and an asymmetrical distribution of initial vertical shear stresses around the block. Consequently, in these models, block strain is lower compared with the models with homogeneous salt (for the same viscosity as the high-viscosity salt), and sinking is accompanied by block rotation. The latter causes diapir-scale disturbance of the pre-sinking salt stratigraphy and complex sinking paths of the blocks. In particular, vertically oriented blocks sink into high-viscosity salt and drag with them some low-viscosity salt, while horizontal blocks sink in the low-viscosity salt. The resultant sinking velocities vary strongly depending on the sinking path of the block. Based on model results and observed structural configuration within the Gorleben salt diapir, we conclude that the internal complexity of a salt diapir governs its post-ascent deformation. Salt structure and its interaction with dense blocks should hence be considered in the assessment of the long-term stability of storage sites for hazardous waste.
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| 18. |
- Burchardt, Steffi, et al.
(författare)
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Strain pattern within and around denser blocks sinking within Newtonian salt structures
- 2011
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Ingår i: Journal of Structural Geology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0191-8141 .- 1873-1201. ; 33:2, s. 145-153
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Blocks of dense material, such as anhydrite, entrained in salt structures have been proposed to sink through their host material. Here, we present the results of numerical models that analyse strain patterns within and around initially horizontal anhydrite blocks (viscosity 10(21) Pa s) sinking through Newtonian salt with a viscosity of 10(17) Pa s. In addition, the influence of the block aspect ratio (thickness to width ratio; AR) is analysed. The model results show that the blocks are folded and marginally sheared to approach streamlined shapes. The effectiveness of this process is a function of the block AR and influences the sinking velocity of the blocks significantly. Final sinking velocities are in the range of ca. 1.7 -3.1 mm/a. Around the block in the salt, an array of folds and shear zones develops during block descent, the structure of which is principally the same independent of the block AR. However, the size and development of the structures is a function of the block size. Monitoring of strain magnitudes demonstrates that the salt is subject to extremely high strains with successively changing stress regimes, resulting in closely-spaced zones of high adjacent to low strain. In comparison to the anhydrite blocks, strain magnitudes in the salt are up to one order of magnitude higher.
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| 19. |
- Burchardt, Steffi, et al.
(författare)
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The influence of viscosity contrasts on the strain pattern and magnitude within and around dense blocks sinking through Newtonian salt
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of Structural Geology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0191-8141 .- 1873-1201. ; 35, s. 102-116
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Dense inclusions in salt cover a wide range of materials and therefore material properties, depending on their origin. We have modelled the deformation associated with gravity-driven sinking of horizontal, initially rectangular blocks of dense material through Newtonian salt. Our two-dimensional Finite Differences models analyse the influence and interaction of two parameters: (1) the size, i.e. the aspect ratio (AR), of the block and (2) the viscosity contrast between the salt and the more viscous block over four orders of magnitude. The results demonstrate that during gravity-driven sinking the blocks are folded and sheared. The strain magnitude within the block increases with increasing block AR and decreases with increasing viscosity contrast. Sinking velocities of the blocks are in the range of <2 and >6 mm a−1 and are a function of block and salt deformation that depend on the block mass and AR, as well as on the viscosity contrast. Salt deformation is characterised by the development of an array of characteristic structures that include folds and shear zones, as well as a zone characterised by extreme vertical stretching above the block, termed entrainment channel. Strain in the salt is locally more than two orders of magnitude higher than in the block and increases with increasing block AR and viscosity contrast. Salt deformation is distributed in closely-spaced high- and low-strain zones concentrated in the block vicinity and the entrainment channel.
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| 20. |
- Burliga, Stanislaw, et al.
(författare)
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Modelling cover deformation and decoupling during inversion, using the Mid-Polish Trough as a case study
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of Structural Geology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0191-8141 .- 1873-1201. ; 42, s. 62-73
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Seismic sections across the NW part of the Polish Basin show that thrust faults developed in the sedimentary units above the Zechstein evaporite layer during basin inversion. These cover thrust faults have formed above the basement footwall. Based on the evolution of the basin, a series of scaled analogue models was carried out to study interaction between a basement fault and cover sediments during basin extension and inversion. During model extension, a set of normal faults originated in the sand cover above the basement fault area. The distribution and geometry of these faults were dependent on the thickness of a ductile layer and pre-extension sand layer, synkinematic deposition, the amount of model extension, as well as on the presence of a ductile layer between the cover and basement. Footwall cover was faulted away from the basement only in cases where a large amount of model extension and hanging-wall subsidence were not balanced by synkinematic deposition. Model inversion reactivated major cover faults located above the basement fault tip as reverse faults, whereas other extensional faults were either rotated or activated only in their upper segments, evolving into sub-horizontal thrusts. New normal or reverse faults originated in the footwall cover in models which contained a very thin pre-extension sand layer above the ductile layer. This was also the case in the highly extended and shortened model in which synkinematic hanging-wall subsidence was not balanced by sand deposition during model extension. Model results show that inversion along the basement fault results in shortening of the cover units and formation of thrust faults. This scenario happens only when the cover units are decoupled from the basement by a ductile layer. Given this, we argue that the thrusts in the sedimentary infill of the Polish Basin, which are decoupled from the basement tectonics by Zechstein evaporites, developed due to the inversion of the basement faults during the Late Cretaceous-Early Tertiary. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 21. |
- Carboni, F., et al.
(författare)
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Modelling the 4D kinematics of extensional structures developed above discontinuous inclined ductile basal detachments
- 2022
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Ingår i: Journal of Structural Geology. - : Elsevier. - 0191-8141 .- 1873-1201. ; 157
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A series of scaled analogue models were used to a preliminary study on the influence of the basal detachment configuration on the evolution of extensional systems, developed above an inclined basal ductile detachment. Three different basal configurations were aimed to test extension above: i) a homogeneously distributed ductile detachment; ii) two sectors with a different distribution of the ductile detachment, separated by an abrupt, transversal boundary; ii) a laterally variable width of the ductile detachment, driven by an abrupt oblique boundary. Fault activity was monitored through a series of digital elevation models obtained from the laser scanning of the models' surface. Results of the models analysis show how the geometry, the distribution, the kinematic, and the timing of faulting is strongly controlled by the geometry and orientation of the ductile-brittle interface in respect to the extension direction. Faults close to the brittle-ductile interface develop following the interface geometry, whose effect is reduced moving away from it. In addition, we observe a major number of faults which accommodates lower amount of extension and are less closely spaced above longer ductile detachments. Our results can be compared with natural case-histories along continental passive margins, where extension occurs above a dipping salt detachment, with inhomogeneous distribution (e.g., the northern Gulf of Mexico, central Brazilian margin, Angola margin).
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| 22. |
- Carrillo, Emilio, et al.
(författare)
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Structural significance of an evaporite formation with lateral stratigraphic heterogeneities (Southeastern Pyrenean Basin, NE Spain)
- 2017
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Ingår i: Marine and Petroleum Geology. - : Elsevier. - 0264-8172 .- 1873-4073. ; 86, s. 1310-1326
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We run a series of analogue models to study the effect of stratigraphic heterogeneities of an evaporite formation on thin-skinned deformation of the Southeastern Pyrenean Basin (SPB; NE Spain). This basin is characterized by the existence of evaporites, deposited during the Early-Middle Eocene with lateral variations in thickness and lithological composition. These evaporites are distributed in three lithostratigraphic units, known as Serrat Evaporites, Vallfogona and Beuda Gypsum formations and acted as decollement levels, during compressional deformation in the Lutetian. In addition to analogue modeling, we have used field data, detailed geological mapping and key cross-sections supported by seismic and well data to build a new structural interpretation for the SPB. In this interpretation, it is recognized that the basal and upper parts of the Serrat Evaporites acted as the main decollement levels of the so-called Cadi thrust sheet and Serrat unit. A balanced restoration of the basin indicates that thrust faults nucleated at the stratigraphic transition of the Serrat Evaporites (zone with lateral variations of thickness and lithological composition), characterized by a wedge of anhydrite and shale. The analogue models were setup based on information extracted from cross-sections, built in two sectors with different lithology and stratigraphy of the evaporites, and the restored section of the SPB. In these models, deformation preferentially concentrated in areas where thickness change, defined by wedges of the ductile materials, was inbuilt. Based on the structural interpretation and model results, a kinematic evolution of the SPB is proposed. The kinematic model is characterized by the generation of out-of-sequence structures developed due to lateral stratigraphic variations of the Serrat Evaporites. The present work shows a good example of the role of stratigraphic heterogeneities of an evaporite formation which acts as decollement level on structural deformation in a fold-thrust belt. The results of this work have implications for hydrocarbon exploration and are relevant for studying structural geometry and mechanics in shortened evaporite basins. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 23. |
- Chemia, Zurab, 1979-
(författare)
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Modeling internal deformation of salt structures targeted for radioactive waste disposal
- 2008
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This thesis uses results of systematic numerical models to argue that externally inactive salt structures, which are potential targets for radioactive waste disposal, might be internally active due to the presence of dense layers or blocks within a salt layer.The three papers that support this thesis use the Gorleben salt diapir (NW Germany), which was targeted as a future final repository for high-grade radioactive waste, as a general guideline.The first two papers present systematic studies of the parameters that control the development of a salt diapir and how it entrains a dense anhydrite layer. Results from these numerical models show that the entrainment of a dense anhydrite layer within a salt diapir depends on four parameters: sedimentation rate, viscosity of salt, perturbation width and the stratigraphic location of the dense layer. The combined effect of these four parameters, which has a direct impact on the rate of salt supply (volume/area of the salt that is supplied to the diapir with time), shape a diapir and the mode of entrainment. Salt diapirs down-built with sedimentary units of high viscosity can potentially grow with an embedded anhydrite layer and deplete their source layer (salt supply ceases). However, when salt supply decreases dramatically or ceases entirely, the entrained anhydrite layer/segments start to sink within the diapir. In inactive diapirs, sinking of the entrained anhydrite layer is inevitable and strongly depends on the rheology of the salt, which is in direct contact with the anhydrite layer. During the post-depositional stage, if the effective viscosity of salt falls below the threshold value of around 1018-1019 Pa s, the mobility of anhydrite blocks might influence any repository within the diapir. However, the internal deformation of the salt diapir by the descending blocks decreases with increase in effective viscosity of salt.The results presented in this thesis suggest that it is highly likely that salt structures where dense and viscous layer/blocks are present undergo an internal deformation processes when these dense blocks start sinking within the diapir. Depending on size and orientation of these blocks, deformation pattern is significantly different within the diapir. Furthermore, model results applied to the Gorleben diapir show that the rate of descent of the entrained anhydrite blocks differs on different sides of the diapir. This suggests that if the anhydrite blocks descent within the Gorleben diapir, they initiate an asymmetric internal flow within it.
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| 24. |
- Chemia, Zurab, et al.
(författare)
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The control of salt supply on entrainment of an anhydrite layer within a salt diapir
- 2008
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Ingår i: Journal of Structural Geology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0191-8141 .- 1873-1201. ; 30:9, s. 1192-1200
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The influence of four parameters (sedimentation rate, viscosity of salt, stratigraphic location of the anhydrite layer within the salt layer, and the perturbation width) on salt supply to down-built diapirs and its entrainment capacity are studied systematically in numerical models. Model results show that these four parameters affect salt supply, and the evolution history of a salt diapir. As such, these parameters strongly influence the style and the amount of entrainment of dense inclusions into a diapir. In active diapirs (i.e. unburied diapirs), salt supply increases with increasing sedimentation rate whereas it decreases with an increase in salt viscosity. Diapirs initiating from wide perturbation provide more salt supply to feed the diapir. Presence and initial stratigraphic location of any denser layer (e.g. an anhydrite layer) within a salt layer also affects salt supply. When lateral forces are negligible, salt supply into a diapir depends on these four parameters, which directly control the entrainment of any embedded anhydrite layer into the diapir.
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| 25. |
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