3-D numerical models of viscous flow applied to fold nappes and the Rawil depression in the Helvetic nappe system (western Switzerland)     

《Journal of Structural Geology》2016

The Helvetic nappe system exhibits three-dimensional (3-D) features such as the lateral variation in geometry between the Morcles and Doldenhorn fold nappes or the Rawil depression. We perform 3-D finite element simulations of linear and power-law viscous flow to investigate fold nappe formation during shortening of a half graben with laterally varying thickness. 3-D ellipsoids and corresponding 2-D intersection ellipses are used to quantify finite strain. Fold nappes which formed above a thicker graben have (i) larger amplitudes, (ii) a less sheared and thinned overturned limb, and (iii) a larger thickness than fold nappes formed above a thinner graben. These results agree with observations for the Morcles and Doldenhorn nappes. We also perform 3-D simulations for a tectonic scenario suggested for the evolution of the Rawil depression. The basement is shortened and extended laterally and includes a graben which is oblique to the shortening direction and acts as mechanical weak zone. The graben causes laterally varying basement uplift generating a depression whose amplitude depends on the graben orientation and the stress exponent of basement and sediments. The axial plunge of the depression is smaller (approximately 10°) than the observed plunge (approximately 30°) indicating that additional processes are required to explain the geometry of the Rawil depression.  相似文献   

Mega arrowhead interference patterns in the central part of the Yanshan Orogenic Belt,North China     

《Journal of Structural Geology》2015

The Chengde-Pingquan region is located in the central part of the Yanshan Orogenic Belt (YOB). At Daheishan and Pingquan in the central YOB, thrusts and folds of variable trends are displayed in 2 km-scale fold interference patterns. Detailed field mapping was conducted to decipher the geometry of these two superimposed structures. Map-view geometry and stereonet plots for outcrop-scale folds indicate that the superimposed structures form arrowhead interference pattern where NW-SE-trending F₁ folds are refolded by later ENE-WSW F₂ folding. After remove the effects of later faulting, restored map-views of the superimposed structures show that when the F₁ folds have inclined axial surfaces but with no an overturned limb, an arrowhead interference pattern (here called modified type-2 pattern) can form. Our field data and reinterpretation of the findings of previous studies suggest that five major shortening phases have occurred in the Chengde-Pingquan region. The first two phases, which formed the superimposed folds, occurred earlier than the Late Triassic (D1) and during the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic (D2). These two phases were followed by three deformation phases that are mainly characterized by thrusting and strike-slip faulting, which strongly modified the large-scale fold interference patterns.  相似文献   

Geochemistry and geochronology of the Rathjen Gneiss: Implications for the early tectonic evolution of the Delamerian Orogen     

J. Foden  M. Sandiford  J. Dougherty-Page  I. Williams 《Australian Journal of Earth Sciences》2013,60(3):377-389

The Rathjen Gneiss is the oldest and structurally most complex of the granitic intrusives in the southern Adelaide Fold‐Thrust Belt and therefore provides an important constraint on the timing of the Delamerian Orogen. Zircons in the Rathjen Gneiss show a complex growth history, reflecting inheritance, magmatic crystallisation and metamorphism. Both single zircon evaporation (‘Kober’ technique) and SHRIMP analysis yield best estimates of igneous crystallisation of 514 ± 5 Ma, substantially older than other known felsic intrusive ages in the southern Adelaide Fold‐Thrust Belt. This age places an older limit on the start of the Delamerian metamorphism and is compatible with known stratigraphic constraints suggesting the Early Cambrian Kanmantoo Group was deposited, buried and heated in less than 20 million years. High‐U overgrowths on zircons were formed during subsequent metamorphism and yield a ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 503 ± 7 Ma. The Delamerian Orogeny lasted no more than 35 million years. The emplacement of the Rathjen Gneiss as a pre‐ or early syntectonic granite is emphasised by its geochemical characteristics, which show affiliations with within‐plate or anorogenic granites. In contrast, younger syntectonic granites in the southern Adelaide Fold‐Thrust Belt have geochemical characteristics more typical of granites in convergent orogens. The Early Ordovician post‐tectonic granites then mark a return to anorogenic compositions. The sensitivity of granite chemistry to changes in tectonic processes is remarkable and clearly reflects changes in the contribution of crust and mantle sources.  相似文献   

Sulfur isotope distribution in Late Silurian volcanic‐hosted massive sulfide deposits of the Hill End Trough,eastern Lachlan Fold Belt,New South Wales     

P. M. Downes  P. K. Seccombe 《Australian Journal of Earth Sciences》2013,60(1):123-139

Volcanic‐hosted massive sulfide (VHMS) deposits of the eastern Lachlan Fold Belt of New South Wales represent a VHMS district of major importance. Despite the metallogenic importance of this terrane, few data have been published for sulfur isotope distribution in the deposits, with the exception of previously published studies on Captains Flat and Woodlawn (Captains Flat‐Goulburn Trough) and Sunny Corner (Hill End Trough). Here is presented 105 new sulfur isotope analyses and collation of a further 92 analyses from unpublished sources on an additional 12 of the VHMS systems in the Hill End Trough. Measured δ³⁴S values range from ‐7.4% to 38.3%, mainly for massive and stockwork mineralisation. Sulfur isotope signatures for polymetallic sulfide mineralisation from the Lewis Ponds, Mt Bulga, Belara and Accost deposits (group 1) are all very similar and vary from ‐1.7% to 5.9%. Ore‐forming fluids for these deposits were likely to have been reducing, with sulfur derived largely from a magmatic source, either as a direct magmatic contribution accompanying felsic volcanism or indirectly through dissolution and recycling of rock sulfide in host volcanic sequences. Sulfur isotope signatures for sulfide mineralisation from the Calula, Commonwealth, Cordillera and Kempfield deposits, Peelwood mine and Sunny Corner (group 2) are similar and have average δ³⁴S values ranging from 5.4% to 8.1%. These deposits appear to have formed from ore fluids that were more oxidising than group 1 deposits, representing a mixed contribution of sulfur derived from partial reduction of seawater sulfate, in addition to sulfur from other sources. The δ³⁴S values for massive sulfides from the John Fardy deposit are the highest in the present study and have a range of 11.9–14.5%, suggesting a greater component of sulfur of seawater origin compared to other VHMS deposits in the Hill End Trough. For barite the sulfur isotope composition for samples from the Commonwealth, Stringers and Kempfield deposits ranges from 12.6% to 38.3%. More than 75% of barite samples have a sulfur isotope composition between 23.4 and 30.6%, close to the previously published estimates of the composition of seawater sulfate during Late Silurian to earliest Devonian times, providing supporting evidence that these deposits formed concurrently with the Late Silurian volcanic event. Sulfur isotope distribution appears to be independent of the host rock unit, although there appears to be a relation linking the sulfur isotope composition of different deposits to defined centres of felsic volcanism. The Mt Bulga, Lewis Ponds and Accost systems are close to coherent felsic volcanic rocks and/or intrusions and have sulfur isotope signatures with a stronger magmatic affinity than group 2 deposits. By contrast, group 2 deposits (including John Fardy) are characterised by ³⁴S‐enrichment and a lesser magmatic signature, are generally confined to clastic units and reworked volcanogenic sediments with lesser coherent volcanics in the local stratigraphy, and are interpreted to have formed distal from the magmatic source. An exception is the Belara deposit, which is hosted by reworked felsic volcanic rocks and has a more pronounced magmatic sulfur isotope signature.  相似文献   

Cyclic sedimentation in the Permian coal measures of New South Wales     

S. E. Bryan  R. J. Holcombe  C. R. Fielding 《Australian Journal of Earth Sciences》2013,60(2):293-316

Statistical analysis of borehole sections through the Illawarra and Newcastle Coal Measures of the Sydney Basin shows that cyclic sedimentation is present. The composite sequence for the Southern Coalfield (Illawarra Coal Measures) is (in ascending order): sandstone—sandstone/siltstone alternations—shale—coal, whereas that for the Newcastle Coalfield is: shale—sandstone/siltstone alternations—sandstone, often conglomeratic, or conglomerate—sandstone/siltstone alternations—shale —coal.

The environment of deposition is discussed. It is suggested that in the Southern Coalfield cyclicity is due to sedimentational processes inherent in the deltaic and alluvial conditions envisaged during Permian times. Periodic influxes of glacial meltwaters, although not essential, are not ruled out.

In the Newcastle Coalfield, however, the composite sequence does not match easily the ideal cycles expected in deltaic and/or alluvial regimes. Contemporary volcanism and tectonism complicated matters and lack of sedimentological details makes it impossible at present to give preference to any one mechanism of cycle formation.  相似文献   

Spores from a carboniferous section in the hunter valley,New South Wales     

Geoffrey Playford  Robin Helby 《Australian Journal of Earth Sciences》2013,60(1):103-119

In this initial systematic study of Carboniferous spores from New South Wales, Australia, fifteen species (all but one of them new) are formally described and are distributed among eight established genera and two new genera (Rattiganispora, a distally annulate trilete form, and Psomospora, an inaperturate or proximally hilate form). The species were selected as being the most characteristic and distinctive forms found in the Italia Road Formation at its well‐exposed type section in the Hunter Valley, east‐central New South Wales. The formation is a cyclical non‐marine unit, over 300 metres (1,000 ft) thick, consisting of lithic arenites together with carbonaceous shales, claystones, and siltstones; its age is regarded as West‐phalian‐Stephanian. The microfiora is compared with those known from sediments of similar age elsewhere and its place in the Australian Palaeozoic palynostratigraphic record is discussed.

New specific institutions are as follows: Punctatisporites lucidulus, P. sub‐tritus, Verrucosisporites aspratilis, V. italiaensis, Raistrickia accincta, R. radiosa, Reticulatisporites asperidictyus, R. magnidictyus, Foveosporites pellucidus, Rattiganispora apiculata (type species), Kraeuselisporites kuttungensis, Grandispora maculosa, Psomospora detecta (type species), and Wilsonites australiensis.  相似文献   

The Bivalves Megadesmus Sowerby and Astartila Dana from the Permian of Eastern Australia     

Bruce Runnegar 《Australian Journal of Earth Sciences》2013,60(2):227-252

Megadesmus Sowerby 1838 and Astartila Dana 1847 are bivalves from the Australian Permian, which belong to a group that Newell has termed “primitive desmodonts”. Both genera have a single blunt tooth in the right valve and a corresponding socket in the left. The tooth and socket are derived from folds in the valve margin and are not related to the teeth of heterodonts. Differences in shape, size, and pedal musculature separate Astartila from Megadesmus. Cleobis Dana 1847 differs only in having slightly different dentition and a small siphonal gape and is retained as a subgenus of Megadesmus. Astartila (Pleurikodonta) n. subgen. has been proposed for a small Astartila‐like species with well‐developed radial ornament.  相似文献   

Granitic and monzonitic rocks dredged from the southeast Australian continental margin     

T. C. T. Hubble  G. H. Packham  D. A. F. Hendry  I. McDougall 《Australian Journal of Earth Sciences》2013,60(5):619-630

Four Middle Devonian (381 Ma) granodiorite samples have been recovered from two dredge sites approximately 65 km east of Green Cape, New South Wales. The granodiorite samples are similar in age and composition to members of the Moruya Suite and probably form an along‐strike extension of that suite. The location of granodiorite on the southeastern margin requires that a piece of continental lithosphere was located to the present east of the study area in the Devonian. This piece of lithosphere may now be located somewhere on the western Lord Howe Rise.

A sample of Early Cretaceous leuco‐quartz monzodiorite was also recovered from a dredge site approximately 45 km north‐northeast of Dalmeny, New South Wales. It represents a body that was intruded at essentially the same time as, and is inferred to be of similar origin to, the syenite rocks of the nearby Mt Dromedary and Montague Island complexes.  相似文献   

Timing of emplacement and deformation of the Tia Granodiorite,southern New England Fold Belt,NSW: Implications for the metamorphic history     

P. H. G. M. Dirks  R. Offler  W. J. Collins 《Australian Journal of Earth Sciences》2013,60(2):103-108

The Tia Granodiorite, a Hillgrove Suite pluton in the southern New England Fold Belt, intruded complexly deformed metasediment and metabasite belonging to the Tia Complex, which at the time of intrusion had already been affected by two deformation events at low‐T moderate‐P metamorphic conditions and two overprinting deformation events at high‐T low‐P metamorphic conditions. Emplacement took place during D₅ thrusting associated with limited uplift as low‐P amphibolite facies metamorphism prevailed. Large‐scale warping during D₆ was followed by a second penetrative thrusting event (D₇) that caused further uplift and was initiated under lower amphibolite facies conditions.

The granodiorite has been dated at ～ 300 Ma using magmatic zircon, an age which is thought to approximate the emplacement age and thus D₅. Biotite grains associated with D₇ uplift yield a Rb/Sr age of 264±1.3 Ma. D₅ and D₇ appear to have formed during one extended high‐T metamorphic event because intervening retrogression is lacking in spite of extensive hydrous fluxing, as indicated by numerous syn‐D₆ quartz veins. This thermal event coincided with the opening of the extensional Permian basins.  相似文献   

Thick‐skinned folding in the eastern Lachlan Fold Belt,Shoalhaven River Gorge,New South Wales     

C. L. Fergusson 《Australian Journal of Earth Sciences》2013,60(5):677-686

In the Shoalhaven River Gorge, in the eastern Lachlan Fold Belt, the Ordovician quartz‐turbidite succession (Adaminaby Group) is affected by one major phase of deformation with northerly trending, gently plunging, upright, close to tight folds (F₁) characterised by a range in half wavelengths up to 3 km. Several anticlinoria and synclinoria are developed and folds occur in at least four orders; these characteristics are consistent with buckling occurring at several scales and are controlled by the thickness of competent units in the multilayered succession. F₁ folding is thick‐skinned in style with the whole crust probably having been affected by deformation. D₁ occurred during the Silurian to Middle Devonian interval and was associated with crustal thickening and the shallowing of depositional environments over time. Locally, F₁ is overprinted by south‐southeast‐trending, steeply to moderately inclined F₂ that reorients F₁ to recumbent attitudes. D₂ is of Early to Middle Carboniferous age. Both deformations are related to convergence in an intra‐arc to backarc region and occurred inboard of a subduction zone, remnants of which occur in the New England Fold Belt.  相似文献