Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Vaclav M. Kuna, John L. Nabelek
Summary: Fin whale calls are utilized to study the seismic properties of oceanic sediment, basaltic basement, and the lower crust beneath and around ocean bottom seismic stations. The recordings from ocean-bottom seismometers not only capture waterborne signals but also signals reflected and refracted from crustal interfaces. This study highlights the potential of using fin whale calls as a complementary method to traditional air-gun surveys in seismic research.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Gwenn Peron-Pinvidic, Tor Akermoen, Lars Ivar Leivestad
Summary: The Norwegian Continental Shelf is widely used for studying rifting processes and rifted margin architecture. However, there are still unanswered questions about the structural details and nature of rocks at depth due to limited imaging of the full basement. The Geoex MCG Regional Deep Imaging 2019 (RDI19) dataset provides regional seismic reflection profiles of high resolution and deep imaging, offering unprecedented imaging of the entire margin architecture. Gravity modelling experiments are used to discuss the acoustic basement in the distal margin. Based on the observations and interpretation, an updated map of the margin structural domains is proposed.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Gael Lymer, Conrad Childs, John Walsh
Summary: Low-angle detachments are important crustal structures in extensional systems and plate tectonic boundaries. Direct observations of their geometry are rare, so our understanding relies on proxy observations and simulations. A high-resolution seismic survey off the coast of Ireland reveals a complete corrugated detachment, providing insights into its development and evolution. The proposed conceptual model may be applicable to other detachments in rifted margins and mid-oceanic ridges.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Thomas B. Phillips, Ken McCaffrey, Luke Magarinos
Summary: This study examines how deep fault population influences the development of a younger fault system at shallow depths, finding that deep faults may reactivate and affect the shallow structures, while older faults may be buried and separated from newly developing faults. The degree of linkage between structural levels determines the influence that the deeper structures can exert over the geometry and evolution of the incipient fault system.
Article
Oceanography
Yunlong Liu, Vera Schlindwein, Lei Qiu, Minghui Zhao, Haijiang Zhang, Jianping Zhou, Jiazheng Zhang, Hanchuang Wang, Tao Wu, Xianming Deng
Summary: Hydrothermal processes differ between detachment settings at slow and ultraslow spreading ridges and melt-rich faster spreading ridges. Detachment faulting allows for off-axis high-temperature hydrothermal vents, while seismic data from slow spreading ridges reveal that hydrothermal fluids may exploit detachment faults to extract heat. However, knowledge of the subsurface structure and kinematic processes of detachment faults, and their interaction with hydrothermal fields at the slowest spreading ridges, is still insufficient.
DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART I-OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPERS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Y. Li, R. B. Li, P. T. Robinson, S. B. Yang, J. Zhang, J. S. Yang
Summary: The systematic mapping of the Xigaze ophiolite in South Tibet revealed a nearly intact structure of the ophiolitic sequence, with the identification of a serpentinized shear zone preserved within. The structural and petrological features of the shear zone are similar to detachment faults within modern oceanic core complexes, suggesting formation at a spreading ridge.
Review
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Youssef Biari, Frauke Klingelhoefer, Dieter Franke, Thomas Funck, Lies Loncke, Jean-Claude Sibuet, Christophe Basile, James A. Austin, Caesar Augusto Rigoti, Mohamed Sahabi, Massinissa Benabdellouahed, Walter R. Roest
Summary: Deep seismic data and plate kinematic reconstructions were used to analyze the mechanisms of rifting at the Atlantic margins, focusing on the development of magma-rich and magma-poor margins and the role of inheritance in break-up processes. The study also investigated the formation and origin of transform marginal plateaus, characterized by volcanic phases, along the border of two ocean basins of different ages. Results showed variations in crustal thickness, oceanic plate thickness, and the influence of volcanism along the Atlantic margins.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Adriano Vangone, Carlo Doglioni
Summary: The study reveals significant differences in the gross crustal structure of the Atlantic Ocean passive continental margins between the western and eastern sides, including the continental-ocean transition, MOHO dip angle, and continental crust width. These systematic asymmetries suggest the early stages of continental rifting driven by polarized westward motion of the plates.
GEOSCIENCE FRONTIERS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Ellis J. Vavra, Hongrui Qiu, Benxin Chi, Pieter-Ewald Share, Amir Allam, Matthias Morzfeld, Frank Vernon, Yehuda Ben-Zion, Yuri Fialko
Summary: The configuration of the Southern San Andreas Fault at seismogenic depths in the Coachella Valley has been a mystery. By analyzing space geodetic and seismic observations, it has been revealed that the straight southernmost section of the fault is dipping to the northeast, connecting with clusters of seismic activity. This dipping fault geometry has significant implications for fault slip rate, ground shaking intensity, and fault strength.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jack N. Williams, Luke N. J. Wedmore, Christopher A. Scholz, Folarin Kolawole, Lachlan J. M. Wright, Donna J. Shillington, Ake Fagereng, Juliet Biggs, Hassan Mdala, Zuze Dulanya, Felix Mphepo, Patrick R. N. Chindandali, Maximilian J. Werner
Summary: The Malawi Active Fault Database (MAFD) is an open-access geospatial database containing 113 fault traces in Malawi and neighboring Tanzania and Mozambique. It is used to understand the regional seismic hazard and tectonic evolution. The MAFD incorporates a multidisciplinary dataset including digital elevation models, geological mapping, seismic reflection surveys, and magnetic and gravity data. The study finds that the distribution of fault lengths in Malawi follows a power law.
GEOCHEMISTRY GEOPHYSICS GEOSYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Richard G. Davy, Laura Frahm, Rebecca Bell, Ryuta Arai, Daniel H. N. Barker, Stuart Henrys, Nathan Bangs, Joanna Morgan, Michael Warner
Summary: Full-waveform inversion (FWI) technology can resolve subsurface physical properties to high resolutions, and high-frequency FWI can directly generate high-fidelity reflection images, which are consistent with conventional reflection images and help to better resolve horizons.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
J. B. Russell, J. B. Gaherty
Summary: Researchers investigated the relict lithosphere offshore eastern North America, revealing features such as a low-velocity lid and typical oceanic mantle lithosphere characteristics. They propose that the Blake Spur Magnetic Anomaly marks the successful breakup and onset of seafloor spreading, occurring approximately 25 million years later than previously thought. Additionally, they observe margin-parallel Rayleigh-wave azimuthal anisotropy in the lithosphere that correlates with absolute plate motion during spreading.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Craig Magee, Corbin Kling, Paul Byrne, Christopher A. L. Jackson
Summary: Pit craters are depressions observed on planetary bodies, and their surface features may not accurately represent subsurface processes or properties. This study used seismic reflection data to analyze pit craters in a sedimentary basin offshore NW Australia, finding that they are typically funnel-like with an inverted conical upper section. Some pit craters were also found to connect to underlying igneous dikes or faults. Overall, the surface expression of pit craters may not be a reliable indicator of subsurface processes or properties.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Hongdan Deng, Ken McClay, Catherine Belgarde
Summary: In this study, high-resolution seismic data and well data are integrated to investigate the structural style and characteristics of the Mermaid fault system in the Late Paleozoic rifting of the NW Shelf of Australia. The fault is a large-scale, low-angle normal fault that formed through rotation and extension from early high-angle normal faulting.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Paula Burgi, Judith Hubbard, Syed Humayun Akhter, Dana E. Peterson
Summary: Eastern Bangladesh lies on the seismically active Chittagong-Myanmar fold and thrust belt, where earthquake hazards exist. By analyzing 28 seismic reflection profiles, the depth of the basal decollement and earthquake potential in the region are revealed. The study shows dual-failure modes within the CMFB, supporting the hypothesis that regions with ductile deformation may still experience seismic behavior.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Zhonglan Liu, Marta Perez-Gussinye, Lars Ruepke, Iskander A. Muldashev, Timothy A. Minshull, Gaye Bayrakci
Summary: The study focuses on the formation mechanisms of low-angle normal faults and their role in tectonic asymmetry and mantle hydration. During extreme extension, slip on active faults bifurcates into brittle and ductile deformation branches. Brittle deformation penetrates the Moho and leads to mantle hydration, while ductile deformation forms detachment-like structures in distal margin sections.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoyu Wang, Julia Morgan
Summary: This study examines the impact of megasplay faults on earthquake rupture and tsunami generation. By using the Discrete Element Method and modeling the upper plate, the study found that the width of the outer wedge and the dip and friction along the splay fault play crucial roles in earthquake rupture. The presence of a velocity-strengthening outer wedge is the primary constraint on rupture size and tsunami generation.
JOURNAL OF STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Maria De La Fuente, Sandra Arndt, Hector Marin-Moreno, Tim A. Minshull
Summary: This review examines the potential destabilization of marine methane hydrates due to anthropogenic ocean warming and the resulting release of methane to the ocean-atmosphere. The article highlights the need for quantifying the modulating effect of various processes on seafloor methane emissions and the impact of benthic methane consumption on ocean carbon chemistry. The limitations of current numerical models in assessing these effects and the recommendation for future modeling improvements are also discussed.
Article
Geology
Luan C. Nguyen, Alan Leyander, Fenglin Niu, Julia Morgan, Guoliang Li
Summary: The continental rifting that precedes the formation of a new ocean basin exhibits significant variations along strike. By studying the continental rifting process that formed the margins of the Gulf of Mexico, researchers have discovered variations in seismic velocity in the mantle lithosphere. They found that mantle refertilization and lithosphere thickness control deformation style and along-strike variations in continental rifting.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
XiaoZhuo Wei, Yang Shull, Jacqueline Caplan-Auerbach, Julia K. Morgan
Summary: This study investigates the mechanisms of volcanic and earthquake activity by simultaneously recording onshore and offshore seismic activities during the eruption of Kilauea volcano in Hawaii. By analyzing publicly available seismic data, a more comprehensive earthquake catalog during the eruption period is created. The research reveals intense seismic activity during caldera collapses and near the volcano vent, indicating increased magma intrusion after the eruption.
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Bhargav Boddupalli, Tim A. Minshull, Gaye Bayrakci, Gael Lymer, Tim J. Reston, Dirk Klaeschen
Summary: High-resolution velocity models developed using full-waveform inversion (FWI) can reveal fine details of the subsurface structure. The study in DGM shows that there is no distinct upper and lower crustal layer within the hyper-thinned crust, and exhumation of the lower crust is observed at fault block footwalls. The morphology of the S-reflector appears to be influenced by the volume-increasing process of serpentinization and deformation of the overlying crust.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Julia K. Morgan, Evan A. Solomon, Ake Fagereng, Heather M. Savage, Maomao Wang, Francesca Meneghini, Philip M. Barnes, Rebecca E. Bell, Melodie E. French, Nathan L. Bangs, Hiroko Kitajima, Demian M. Saffer, Laura M. Wallace
Summary: The study of drilling results from IODP Site U1518 reveals that the Papaku fault has a large offset and exhibits intense tectonic ductile deformation and asymmetric distribution of structures. The tectonic ductile deformation within the fault zone can be explained by seafloor overthrusting. Interstitial pore water geochemical profiles indicate the repetition of near-seafloor diagenetic sequences below the fault, suggesting recent overthrusting within the last 50-100 kyr. Therefore, the Papaku fault may define a low-permeability seal that maintains locally high pore fluid pressures and low fault strength, which could be favorable for the occurrence of slow slip events.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Akash Trivedi, Sudipta Sarkar, Hector Marin-Moreno, Timothy A. Minshull, Pippa L. Whitehouse, Utpal Singh
Summary: This study investigates the impact of temperature and sea level changes on methane hydrates on the upper continental slope west of Svalbard. Two contrasting hypotheses are tested, and it is concluded that recent ocean warming plays a critical role in hydrate dissociation in this area.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ellen L. White, Paul R. White, Jonathan M. Bull, Denise Risch, Suzanne Beck, Ewan W. J. Edwards
Summary: The effective analysis of Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) data has the potential to determine variations in ecosystem health and species presence in the marine environment. In this study, a deep learning model using cloud computing is trained to extract multi-class marine sound sources, providing support for the conservation of marine mammals and ecosystem monitoring.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Gael Lymer, Conrad Childs, John Walsh
Summary: Low-angle detachments are important crustal structures in extensional systems and plate tectonic boundaries. Direct observations of their geometry are rare, so our understanding relies on proxy observations and simulations. A high-resolution seismic survey off the coast of Ireland reveals a complete corrugated detachment, providing insights into its development and evolution. The proposed conceptual model may be applicable to other detachments in rifted margins and mid-oceanic ridges.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Luan C. Nguyen, Alan Levander, Fenglin Niu, Julia Morgan, Guoliang Li
Summary: In this study, we used cross-correlation of ambient noise records to extract dispersion data of Rayleigh surface wave. Our findings reveal variations in the crustal and lithospheric structures of the greater Gulf of Mexico region, attributed to extensional deformation and melt-induced weakening. We also observed an asymmetry between the US Gulf Coast and the Yucatan margin, suggesting different patterns of deformation prior to breakup.
GEOCHEMISTRY GEOPHYSICS GEOSYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Xiongwei Niu, T. A. Minshull, Jiabiao Li, Aiguo Ruan, Zhenli Wu, Xiaodong Wei, Wei Wang, Yan Li, G. Bayrakci, Chongzhi Dong, Weiwei Ding, Yinxia Fang, Jie Zhang
Summary: Shear wave velocities can provide important information about crustal lithology. By analyzing observations from ocean-bottom seismometer data, we have determined variations in crustal P-wave velocity, S-wave velocity, Vp/Vs, and Poisson's ratio along the Southwest Indian Ridge. Our findings suggest that there are similar layered structures beneath both magmatically robust segment centers and the non-transform discontinuity between them.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Maomao Wang, Philip M. Barnes, Julia K. Morgan, Rebecca E. Bell, Gregory F. Moore, Ming Wang, Ake Fagereng, Heather Savage, Davide Gamboa, Robert N. Harris, Stuart Henrys, Joshu Mountjoy, Anne M. Trehu, Demian Saffer, Laura Wallace, Katerina Petronotis
Summary: Calcareous rocks are commonly found in subduction zones, but little is known about their consolidation and compactive deformation prior to subduction and the potential effects on subduction and accretionary processes. This study investigates the structure, growth history, and slip rates of normal faults in the pelagic sedimentary sequences of the Hikurangi Margin using drilling data and seismic reflection data. The faults exhibit a polygonal structure and are closely spaced and layer-bound within sequences dominated by pelagic carbonate and calcareous mudstone. Kinematic modeling and displacement analysis show that fault throws decrease toward the upper and lower tipline, and there are lateral variations in physical properties. The polygonal fault system likely formed due to diagenetically induced shear failure and volumetric contraction of the pelagic unit associated with fluid escape.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Farid Jedari-Eyvazi, Gaye Bayrakci, Timothy A. Minshull, Jonathan M. Bull, Timothy J. Henstock, Calum Macdonald, Adam H. Robinson
Summary: By analyzing the ocean bottom seismometer data from Scanner Pockmark in the North Sea, this study identified and characterized a complex fluid escape structure including a chimney. The tomographic velocity model revealed the distribution of gas migration and accumulation, indicating the sustainability of methane flux at Scanner Pockmark.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Lingyu Zhang, Kristoffer Szilas
Summary: This study presents new petrological and geochemical data for the Narssaq Ultramafic Body (NUB) in the Itsaq Gneiss Complex of SW Greenland. The results indicate that the ultramafic rocks of NUB are not mantle residues, but instead represent crustal cumulates derived from high-Mg magmas.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Rong Xu, Sarah Lambart, Oliver Nebel, Ming Li, Zhongjie Bai, Junbo Zhang, Ganglan Zhang, Jianfeng Gao, Hong Zhong, Yongsheng Liu
Summary: This study investigated the iron isotope compositions of Cenozoic basalts in Southeast China, finding significant variations related to different types of basalts and their respective sources.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
C. J. Ebinger, Miriam C. Reiss, Ian Bastow, Mary M. Karanja
Summary: The East African rift system is formed above mantle upwellings and the formation of rifts is related to lithospheric thinning and magmatic activity. The amount of splitting varies spatially and the fast axes are predominantly parallel to the orientation of the rifts. Thick lithospheric modules have less splitting and different orientations, which may indicate mantle plume flow. Splitting rotates and increases in strength as it enters the rift zones, suggesting that the anisotropy is mainly present at shallow depths.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Correction
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Ekaterina Rojas-Kolomiets, Owen Jensen, Michael Bizimis, Gene Yogodzinski, Lukas Ackerman
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Robert W. Nicklas, Igor S. Puchtel, Ethan F. Baxter
Summary: Oxygen fugacity is a fundamental parameter for understanding redox processes in igneous systems. This study compares the Fe-XANES oxybarometry method with the V-in-olivine method for evaluating fO(2) in MORB lavas. The results show that the V-in-olivine method is not applicable to samples with low MgO content, and that the majority of Archean komatiite sources have lower fO(2) than modern MORB.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Chunfei Chen, Stephen F. Foley, Sebastian Tappe, Huange Ren, Lanping Feng, Yongsheng Liu
Summary: The volatile components CO2 and H2O play a major role in mantle melting and heterogeneity. In this study, Ca isotopes were used to trace the lithological heterogeneity in alkaline magmatic rocks. The results revealed the presence of K-richterite and carbonate components as the source of alkaline magmas with low delta 44/40Ca values. These findings highlight the importance of Ca isotopes as a robust tracer of lithological variation caused by volatiles in the Earth's upper mantle.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Timothee Jautzy, Gilles Rixhon, Regis Braucher, Romain Delunel, Pierre G. Valla, Laurent Schmitt, Aster Team
Summary: Although the current approach to estimate catchment-wide denudation rates using only 10Be concentrations has made significant progress in geomorphology, this study argues for the inclusion of 26Al measurements and testing of steady-state assumptions in slow eroding, formerly glaciated landscapes. The study conducted measurements of both 10Be and 26Al in stream sediments from the Vosges Massif in France and found that elevation, slope, channel steepness, and precipitation were the primary factors controlling denudation rates. The study also revealed a significant relationship between the extent of past glaciation and the cosmogenic (un-)steadiness in the stream sediments.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Erik van der Wiel, Douwe J. J. van Hinsbergen, Cedric Thieulot, Wim Spakman
Summary: Numerical models of Earth's mantle dynamics can predict the vigour and mixing of mantle flow, and the average slab sinking rates are an unexplored parameter that can provide intrinsic information on these characteristics. Through numerical experiments, it has been found that slab sinking rates are strongly correlated with mantle convection and mixing, and may explain geochemical observations from hotspot volcanoes.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)