The reflection Moho beneath the southern Canadian Cordillera

1995 ◽  
Vol 32 (10) ◽  
pp. 1520-1530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick A. Cook
Keyword(s):  
Tectonic Activity ◽  
Partial Explanation ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
North American Cordillera ◽  
Crustal Rocks ◽  
The North ◽  
Reflection Data ◽  
Structural Relief ◽  
Structural Levels ◽  
Structural Boundary

The transition from the crust to the mantle beneath the Canadian portion of the North American Cordillera varies in depth, geometry, and tectonic age across the orogen. These variations are rarely spatially related to the positions of morphologic or tectonic belts based on surface geology, nor to nearly 25 km of structural relief identified in outcrop and on seismic reflection data. The Moho in this region is thus interpreted to be a long-lived feature, perhaps as old as Proterozoic in the eastern part of the Cordillera, that probably has been active as a structural boundary during periods of crustal contraction and subsequent crustal stretching. Recognition of the Moho and lower crust as a zone of localized tectonic activity provides a partial explanation for the problem of where regional detachments that underlie the foreland thrust and fold belt go as they project westward to deep structural levels beneath the interior of the orogen: they likely project to the base of the crust, where they flatten and cause imbrication of crustal rocks.

Geochemical and isotopic (Nd, O, and Pb) constraints on granite sources in the Humber and Dunnage zones, Gaspésie, Quebec, and New Brunswick: implications for tectonics and crustal structure

1994 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 323-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph B. Whalen ◽  
George A. Jenner ◽  
Ernst Hegner ◽  
Clément Gariépy ◽  
Frederick J. Longstaffe
Keyword(s):  
Subduction Zone ◽  
Incompatible Element ◽  
Crustal Material ◽  
Early Paleozoic ◽  
Isotopic Data ◽  
Geologic History ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
Crustal Rocks ◽  
Isotopic Compositions ◽  
Reflection Data

Siluro–Devonian granitoids span a wide compositional range (~50–76% SiO2) and can be subdivided into two groups: (i) monzonitic or incompatible element enriched with affinities to within-plate magmatism (WPG); and (ii) calc-alkalic or incompatible element depleted with supra-subduction zone affinities (VAG). Granitoid εNd(T = 0.4 Ga) values range from −1 to +5.5; most lie between +3 and +5.5. 207Pb/204Pb isotopic compositions range from 15.52 to 15.61; most fall between ~15.55 and 15.59. Most δ18O values lie between +5.5 and +8‰. No well-established trends exist between SiO2 and isotopic composition, and isotopic compositions do not differ between the two trace element defined granitoid groups.Though Pb isotopic data are consistent with a major contribution to the granitoids from Proterozoic-aged Laurentian plate rocks (i.e., Grenville basement), Nd and O isotopic data are not. These isotopic data are consistent with major source components derived from early Paleozoic depleted or supra-subduction zone affected mantle and (or) crustal rocks derived from the early Paleozoic mantle(s). These protoliths would not have seen significant interaction with time-integrated old crustal material or surficial processes. Granitoid Pb isotopic data can be reconciled with an early Paleozoic mantle–crust origin, but it may also be that the Pb isotopes are decoupled from other isotopic systems. In either case, Nd and O isotopic data clearly prohibit the involvement of significant amounts of Grenville crust and suggest that seismic-reflection data do not define crustal blocks, or at least not blocks having a tectonic and geologic history easily related to the surface geology.

EXTENDED ARRAYS FOR MARINE SEISMIC ACQUISITION

Geophysics ◽  
1978 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. H. Lofthouse ◽  
G. T. Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Data Quality ◽  
Data Acquisition ◽  
Signal Amplitude ◽  
Eastern Canada ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
The North ◽  
Reflection Data ◽  
Formed Part ◽  
Marine Seismic ◽  
Receiver Arrays

In‐line arrays for both source and receiver have been implemented for marine seismic reflection data acquisition. The in‐line array dimensions (variable within limits) are considerably greater than any previously used system of which we are aware. The arrays were designed to attenuate extremely strong sea‐bottom multiples during the data acquisition phase. The source comprised 25 airguns arranged in five identical in‐line subarrays. Each subarray produced a signal of better than 6 barmeters acoustic intensity with a primary‐to‐bubble ratio of approximately 4.4 from guns totaling 297 cu in. When this source was delivered in 1973, it constituted the most powerful production airgun source for which we had seen calibration measurements. Receiver arrays were implemented by a “weighting‐mixing” box (which formed part of the DFS IV instrument), the input to which comprised 53 channels of data each from a 50 m live section in the streamer cable. Processing techniques which are complementary to the field procedures have been developed. Comparisons with “conventional” data (and such data processed to simulate field arrays) show significant improvements in “data quality” from the new field techniques, that is, the new data are easier to interpret geologically because interfering multiples have been attenuated relative to desired energy. Whilst the large outgoing signal amplitude will have made some contribution to the data quality, the major improvement is believed to result from the use of arrays in the recording phase. This system, first used for production in August 1973, was subsequently used successfully during recording of 17,000 km of offshore seismic data from Eastern Canada, the North Sea, and the Mediterranean.

Structural variation along the Devil's Mountain fault zone, northwestern Washington

2006 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 433-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan Hayward ◽  
Mladen R Nedimović ◽  
Matthew Cleary ◽  
Andrew J Calvert
Keyword(s):  
Fault Zone ◽  
Structural Variation ◽  
Puget Sound ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
Juan De Fuca Plate ◽  
The North ◽  
Reflection Data ◽  
Juan De Fuca ◽  
Main Fault ◽  
Juan De Fuca Strait

The eastern Juan de Fuca Strait is subject to long-term, north–south-oriented shortening. The observed deformation is interpreted to result from the northward motion of the Oregon block, which is being driven north by oblique subduction of the oceanic Juan de Fuca plate. Seismic data, acquired during the Seismic Hazards Investigation in Puget Sound survey are used, with coincident first-arrival tomographic velocities, to interpret structural variation along the Devil's Mountain fault zone in the eastern Juan de Fuca Strait. The Primary fault of the Devil's Mountain fault zone developed at the northern boundary of the Everett basin, during north–south-oriented Tertiary compression. Interpretation of seismic reflection data suggests that, based on their similar geometry including the large magnitude of pre-Tertiary basement offset, the Primary fault of the Devil's Mountain fault west of ~122.95°W and the Utsalady Point fault represent the main fault of the Tertiary Devil's Mountain fault zone. The Tertiary Primary fault west of ~122.95°W was probably kinematically linked to faults to the east (Utsalady Point, Devil's Mountain, and another to the south), by an oblique north–northeast-trending transfer zone or ramp. Left-lateral transpression controlled the Quaternary evolution of the Devil's Mountain fault zone. Quaternary Primary fault offsets are smaller to the east of ~122.95°W, suggesting that stress here was in part accommodated by the prevalent oblique compressional structures to the north. Holocene deformation has focussed on the Devil's Mountain, Utsalady Point, and Strawberry Point faults to the east of ~122.8° but has not affected the Utsalady Point fault to the west of ~122.8°W.

scholarly journals Sevier Fault at Red Canyon

Geosites ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Robert Biek
Keyword(s):  
Lava Flow ◽  
Fault Zone ◽  
Hanging Wall ◽  
Slip Rate ◽  
Normal Fault ◽  
Coarse Grained ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
The North ◽  
Total Displacement ◽  
Reflection Data

The Sevier fault is spectacularly displayed on the north side of Utah Highway 12 at the entrance to Red Canyon, where it offsets a 500,000-year-old basaltic lava flow. The fault is one of several active, major faults that break apart the western margin of the Colorado Plateau in southwestern Utah. The Sevier fault is a “normal” fault, a type of fault that forms during extension of the earth’s crust, where one side of the fault moves down relative to the other side. In this case, the down-dropped side (the hanging wall) is west of the fault; the upthrown side (the footwall) lies to the east. The contrasting colors of rocks across the fault make the fault stand out in vivid detail. Immediately south of Red Canyon, the 5-million-year-old Rock Canyon lava flow, which erupted on the eastern slope of the Markagunt Plateau, flowed eastward and crossed the fault (which at the time juxtaposed non-resistant fan alluvium against coarse-grained volcaniclastic deposits) (Biek and others, 2015). The flow is now offset 775 to 1130 feet (235-345 m) along the main strand of the fault, yielding an anomalously low vertical slip rate of about 0.05 mm/yr (Lund and others, 2008). However, this eastern branch of the Sevier fault accounts for only part of the total displacement on the fault zone. A concealed, down-to-the-west fault is present west of coarse-grained volcaniclastic strata at the base of the Claron cliffs. Seismic reflection data indicate that the total displacement on the fault zone in this area is about 3000 feet (900 m) (Lundin, 1987, 1989; Davis, 1999).

scholarly journals Stratigraphic and tectonic framework of Late Cretaceous and Paleogene strata of southern Aotea Basin, northwest New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Callum Skinner
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Late Cretaceous ◽  
System Analysis ◽  
Plate Boundary ◽  
Petroleum Exploration ◽  
Tectonic Activity ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Southern Boundary ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
Reflection Data

<p>Seismic reflection data reveal thick sediment sequences of Late Cretaceous to Paleogene age in the region northwest of Taranaki Basin. A new stratigraphic framework for latest Cretaceous and Paleogene strata is created based on stacking patterns and stratal termination relationships of seismic reflectors. Sequence-bounding reflectors are tied to petroleum exploration wells, including recently-drilled Romney-1, to assign age and paleoenvironment interpretation. I identify the following sequences: (1) a late Haumurian to Teurian (68 – 56 Ma) aggradational shelf sequence, with at least two regressional events linked to eustatic sea-level falls; (2) a diachronous deepening of the basin that progressed from north to south during the late Waipawan to Heretaungan (53 – 46 Ma); (3) small-scale volcanism at the southern boundary with Taranaki Basin is contemporaneous with this deepening; (4) a prograding delta on Challenger Plateau during the Porangan to Runangan (46 – 35 Ma) that is evidence for tectonic uplift of the basin margins; and (5) an onlapping sequence from latest Runangan to present (35 – 0 Ma) that indicates Challenger Plateau subsided 1,300 m. A revised set of paleogeography maps and generalised stratigraphic chart summarise these observations. The Eocene phase (52-46 Ma) of tectonic subsidence and diffuse volcanism is one of the earliest signs of tectonic activity associated with development of the Cenozoic plate boundary through New Zealand. Petroleum system analysis reveals that southern Aotea Basin is prospective for petroleum exploration, with 3 plays identified in the Late Haumurian to Teurian (79 – 56 Ma) strata, in spite of Romney-1 proving unsuccessful.</p>

scholarly journals Late Quaternary Tectonic Activity of the Udine-Buttrio Thrust, Friulian Plain, NE Italy

Geosciences ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 84
Author(s):  
Andrea Viscolani ◽  
Christoph Grützner ◽  
Manuel Diercks ◽  
Klaus Reicherter ◽  
Kamil Ustaszewski
Keyword(s):  
Late Quaternary ◽  
Tectonic Setting ◽  
Surface Expression ◽  
Vertical Surface ◽  
Fault System ◽  
Tectonic Activity ◽  
Morphological Evidence ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
Reflection Data ◽  
Ne Italy

The NW-SE trending Udine-Buttrio Thrust is a partly blind fault that affects the Friulian plain southeast of Udine in NE Italy. It is part of a wider fault system that accommodates the northward motion of the Adriatic plate. Although seismic reflection data and morphological evidence show that the fault was active during the Quaternary, comparably little is known about its tectonic activity. We used high-resolution digital elevation models to investigate the surface expression of the fault. Measured vertical surface offsets show significant changes along strike with uplift rates varying between 0 and 0.5 mm/yr. We then analyze a topographic scarp near the village of Manzano in more detail. Field mapping and geophysical prospections (Georadar and Electrical Resistivity Tomography) were used to image the subsurface geometry of the fault. We found vertical offsets of 1–3 m in Natisone River terraces younger than 20 ka. The geophysical data allowed the identification of deformation of the fluvial sediments, supporting the idea that the topographic scarp is a tectonic feature and that the terraces have been uplifted systematically over time. Our findings fit the long-term behaviour of the Udine-Buttrio Thrust. We estimate a post-glacial vertical uplift rate of 0.08–0.17 mm/yr recorded by the offset terraces. Our results shed light on the Late Quaternary behaviour of this thrust fault in the complicated regional tectonic setting and inform about its hitherto overlooked possible seismic hazard.

Rift processes in the Westralian Superbasin, North West Shelf, Australia: insights from 2D deep reflection seismic interpretation and potential fields modelling

2015 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Belgarde ◽  
Gianreto Manatschal ◽  
Nick Kusznir ◽  
Sonia Scarselli ◽  
Michal Ruder
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
Potential Fields ◽  
Moho Depth ◽  
Late Permian ◽  
Forward Modelling ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
North West ◽  
Reflection Seismic ◽  
The North ◽  
Reflection Data

Acquisition of long-offset (8–10 km), long-record length (12–18 sec), 2D reflection seismic and ship-borne potential fields data (WestraliaSpan by Ion/GXT and New Dawn by PGS) on the North West Shelf of Australia provide the opportunity to study rift processes in the context of modern models for rifted margins (Manatschal, 2004). Basement and Moho surfaces were interpreted on seismic reflection data. Refraction models from Geoscience Australia constrain Moho depth and initial densities for gravity modelling through standard velocity-density transformation. 2D joint inversion of seismic reflection and gravity data for Moho depth and basement density constrain depth to basement on seismic. 2D gravity and magnetic intensity forward modelling of key seismic lines constrain basement thickness, type and density. Late Permian and Jurassic-Early Cretaceous rift zones were mapped on seismic reflection data and constrained further by inversion and forward modelling of potential fields data. The Westralian Superbasin formed as a marginal basin in Eastern Gondwana during the Late Permian rifting of the Sibumasu terrane. Crustal necking was localised along mechanically-weak Proterozoic suture belts or Early Paleozoic sedimentary basins (such as Paterson and Canning). Mechanically-strong cratons (such as Pilbara and Kimberley) remained intact, resulting in necking and hyper-extension at their edges. Late Permian hyper-extended areas (such as Exmouth Plateau) behaved as mechanically-strong blocks during the Jurassic to Early Cretaceous continental break-up. Late Permian necking zones were reactivated as failed-rift basins and localised the deposition of the Jurassic oil-prone source rocks that have generated much of the oil discovered on the North West Shelf.

A NORTH WEST SHELF TRIASSIC REEF PLAY: RESULTS FROM ODP LEG 122

1989 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 328 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.E. Williamson ◽  
N.F. Exon ◽  
B. ul Haq ◽  
U. von Rad
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
Upper Triassic ◽  
Seismic Facies ◽  
Late Triassic ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
Reef Complex ◽  
North West ◽  
Exmouth Plateau ◽  
The North ◽  
Reflection Data

Site 764 of the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP), drilled during Leg 122 in the Exmouth Plateau region, cored 200 m of Upper Triassic (Rhaetian) reef complex. This site, on the northern Wombat Plateau (northernmost Exmouth Plateau) represents the first discovery of Triassic reefal material near the Australian North West Shelf. Seismic reflection data through Site 764 show that the reef itself corresponds predominantly to a seismically poorly reflective zone. A number of regional unconformities appear to correspond, however, to traceable seismic horizons which pass with reduced amplitude through the reef, indicating stages of reef growth separated by erosion or non- deposition. Seismic facies around the edges of the reef are consistent with the deposition of wedges of prograding reef- derived detritus.Application of the seismic criteria for reef recognition established at ODP Site 764, to other seismic reflection data on the Wombat Plateau, demonstrates that a major Upper Triassic reef complex fringes the margins of the Wombat Plateau. The Wombat Plateau lies at the western end of the North West Shelf, which was part of the southern margin of a warm Tethys Ocean in the Late Triassic, at a palaeolatitude of 25- 30°S. Upper Triassic reefs are known from southeast Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, and now the Wombat Plateau, and may be common elsewhere along the outer margin of the North West Shelf. Upper Triassic reef complexes, with their associated reservoir, source and seal facies, could represent an exciting new petroleum exploration play for the entire North West Shelf. Facies analysis suggests that they are likely only on the outer shelf and slope. Shallow Triassic reef complexes are clearly identifiable using high resolution seismic reflection data. Seismic reflection data of lower resolution may well reveal the associated detrital carbonate wedges, which are more laterally extensive than the reefal core, deeper in the section.

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