Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Michael G. Frothingham, Kevin H. Mahan, Vera Schulte-Pelkum, Jonathan Saul Caine, Frederick W. Vollmer
Summary: The deep continental crustal structures have always been a mystery due to lack of direct exposures and limited tools for remote investigation. By analyzing structural data from geologic maps and combining them with bulk rock elastic tensors, this study investigates the crustal seismic anisotropy in Colorado, and reveals the close correlation between crystalline fabrics, predicted seismic properties, tectonic structures and the observed crustal seismic signals.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sebastian Buntin, Irina M. Artemieva, Alireza Malehmir, Hans Thybo, Michal Malinowski, Karin Hoegdahl, Tomasz Janik, Stefan Buske
Summary: The study reveals the presence of lower crustal eclogite in the Paleoproterozoic Fennoscandian Shield, challenging traditional models and impacting the long-term stability of lithosphere evolution and cratonic crust.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Geology
Dong Fu, Bo Huang, Tim E. Johnson, Simon A. Wilde, Fred Jourdan, Ali Polat, Brian F. Windley, Zhaochu Hu, Timothy Kusky
Summary: This study reports the discovery of early Paleozoic boninitic blueschists and associated greenschists from the eastern Proto-Tethyan North Qilian orogenic belt in northeastern Tibet. These rocks provide important insights into the initiation and subsequent subduction processes of an intra-oceanic subduction zone. The findings also highlight the role of former upper plate island arc/forearcs in reducing the preservation of initial subduction-related rock records in ancient orogenic belts.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jiaqi Li, Caroline Beghein, James Wookey, Paul Davis, Philippe Lognonne, Martin Schimmel, Eleonore Stutzmann, Matthew Golombek, Jean-Paul Montagner, William Bruce Banerdt
Summary: By analyzing the recorded broadband and low-frequency events on Mars, we have made the first detection of horizontally polarized shear wave reflections, which provide insights into the crustal structure of Mars. The analysis of marsquake signals indicates the presence of a crustal interface at a depth of approximately 8 km and a significant velocity contrast across it. Furthermore, our findings suggest the existence of seismic anisotropy within the top crustal layer at the lander site.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Michael G. Frothingham, Kevin H. Mahan, Vera Schulte-Pelkum, Philippe Goncalves, Michele Zucali
Summary: Seismic anisotropy is primarily controlled by aligned rock-forming minerals, and previous studies have focused on solid-state shear as the main cause, neglecting the magmatic fabric in plutonic rocks. In this study, we investigate the contributions of magmatic fabric to seismic anisotropy through the analysis of samples from different tectonic settings. Results show that magmatic fabric can lead to significant anisotropy comparable to solid-state deformation, and magmatically aligned feldspar can cause a unique foliation-perpendicular fast velocity. This highlights the importance of considering magmatic fabric in understanding crustal seismic anisotropy.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Yong Park, Haemyeong Jung
Summary: This study investigates the seismic properties of minerals in epidote blueschist and their impact on seismic low-velocity layers and seismic anisotropy of subducting oceanic crust. The results show that the lattice preferred orientation (LPO) of minerals in epidote blueschist is one of the causes of seismic low-velocity layers, and the volume proportion and LPO types of glaucophane and epidote, as well as the subducting angle of the slab, play important roles in controlling the seismic velocity and anisotropy of subducting oceanic crust in warm subduction zones.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andrew J. Calvert, Michael P. Doublier, Samantha E. Sellars
Summary: Reprocessed seismic reflection profiles from the northwest Archaean Yilgarn Craton and the Palaeoproterozoic Capricorn Orogen of western Australia reveal the existence of a similar to 4 km thick south-dipping band of seismic reflectors, interpreted as a relict suture zone within the lithosphere. These reflectors could have been created by subduction of an oceanic plate or underthrusting of continental crust deep into the lithosphere during different geological periods.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jorge Acevedo, Gabriela Fernandez-Viejo, Sergio Llana-Funez, Carlos Lopez-Fernandez, Javier Olona, Diego Perez-Millan
Summary: The cross-correlation of ambient noise records provides valuable insights into the crustal structure of the Variscan orogen in NW Iberia. The study presents high-resolution shear wave velocity and radial anisotropy variation models of the upper crust, revealing the geological domains and major structures associated with the orogeny. The results also indicate variations in elastic properties and anisotropy patterns with depth.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Xuran Liang, Dapeng Zhao, Yuanyuan Hua, Yi-Gang Xu
Summary: We present high-resolution 3-D tomographic models of the mantle dynamics beneath the central and eastern United States (CEUS). The models reveal the layered North American Craton, strong anisotropy related to the deeply subducted Farallon slab and passage of the Bermuda hotspot, as well as low-velocity anomalies and seismic anisotropy beneath intraplate seismic zones. The deep subduction of the Farallon plate and the passage of the Bermuda hotspot are the most critical dynamic processes that have contributed to the formation of the seismic zones in the CEUS.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jingjing Zong, Jizhong Yang, Arthur Cheng, Yunyue Elita Li, Yukai Wo, Yue Du
Summary: Fractured basements have the potential to be reservoirs for hydrocarbon resources and storage for carbon dioxide sequestration and radioactive waste disposal. However, seismic imaging of fractured basements is challenging due to the complexities in fault and fracture networks, heterogeneity, structural dip variations, and impedance contrasts. This study presents a field case in China where a walkaway vertical seismic profiling survey was conducted using advanced random-space-shift reverse time migration, resulting in a high-resolution image of the highly faulted dipping basement. Proper wavefield separation using 3C recordings was found to be crucial for ensuring image quality. The enhanced image can support geological interpretations and development decisions.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Judith M. Confal, Paola Baccheschi, Silvia Pondrelli, Foivos Karakostas, Brandon P. Vanderbeek, Zhouchuan Huang, Manuele Faccenda
Summary: Measurements of seismic anisotropy provide valuable information on the Earth's interior, especially the upper mantle. However, most standard teleseismic body-wave tomography studies ignore P- and S-wave anisotropy, leading to erroneous tomographic models. To overcome this, tomographic methods based on shear wave splitting data have been developed to image upper mantle anisotropy. This study demonstrates the potential of using splitting intensity (SI) tomography to accurately image anisotropy in a synthetic subduction setting. Importance rating: 8/10.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xinji Xu, Panlong Zhang, Xu Guo, Bin Liu, Lei Chen, Qingsong Zhang, Lichao Nie, Yi Zhang
Summary: This study conducted seismic forward-prospecting research in the Gaoligongshan Tunnel, combined with geological conditions to determine appropriate excavation strategies for safe and efficient tunnel construction.
BULLETIN OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Mingye Feng, Ling Chen, Shengji Wei, Xin Wang, Xu Wang, Zimu Wu
Summary: Researchers developed a new method called Dip Direction Searching (DDS) to estimate the dip direction of slabs more accurately. The method was used in the Sumatran subduction zone and provided important insights into the thickness and dip direction of the slabs in that area.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Martin Schimmel, Eleonore Stutzmann, Philippe Lognonne, Nicolas Compaire, Paul Davis, Melanie Drilleau, Raphael Garcia, Doyeon Kim, Brigitte Knapmeyer-Endrun, Vedran Lekic, Ludovic Margerin, Mark Panning, Nicholas Schmerr, John Robert Scholz, Aymeric Spiga, Benoit Tauzin, Bruce Banerdt
Summary: This study employs state-of-the-art approaches to investigate the Martian crustal structure, determining a robust reflection response through autocorrelation studies while avoiding bias from unfavorable environmental conditions. The research reveals a likely strong reflection signal from the base of the Martian crust, along with the identification of a P-wave reflection from the mid-crust.
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Shengsi Sun, Yunpeng Dong, Yixi Li, Yihai Yang, Chao Cheng, Bo Hui, Bin Zhang, Rutao Zang
Summary: This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current research progress in rock rheology, including the rheological mechanisms and seismic properties of main rock-forming minerals at different depths of continental lithosphere. It introduces the latest advances in high-pressure and high-temperature experiments and natural deformation observations, and discusses the application of rock rheology in interpreting seismic anisotropy data.
SCIENCE CHINA-EARTH SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Steffen Wiers, Ian Snowball, Matt O'Regan, Bjarne Almqvist
GEOCHEMISTRY GEOPHYSICS GEOSYSTEMS
(2019)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Quinn C. Wenning, Claudio Madonna, Takeshi Kurotori, Ronny Pini
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2019)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Steffi Burchardt, Tobias Mattsson, J. Octavio Palma, Olivier Galland, Bjarne Almqvist, Karen Mair, Dougal A. Jerram, Oyvind Hammer, Yang Sun
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2019)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Benoit Petri, Bjarne S. G. Almqvist, Mattia Pistone
COMPUTERS & GEOSCIENCES
(2020)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Judith Elger, Christian Berndt, Felix Kaestner, Simona Pierdominici, Jochem Kueck, Bjarne S. G. Almqvist, Christopher Juhlin, Henning Lorenz
Summary: Continental collision leads to deformation in the crust along shear zones, with challenges in imaging due to the depth and conditions. This study combines data from the COSC-1 borehole with seismic measurements to understand lithological and textural arrangement in the Seve Nappe Complex. Results suggest that reflections in the borehole are caused by compositional changes, indicating the Seve Nappe Complex consists of remnants of a volcanic continental margin.
GEOCHEMISTRY GEOPHYSICS GEOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Quinn C. Wenning, Claudio Madonna, Takeshi Kurotori, Claudio Petrini, Junyoung Hwang, Alba Zappone, Stefan Wiemer, Domenico Giardini, Ronny Pini
Summary: The study conducted direct-shear experiments on Opalinus claystone to investigate the impact of fluid injection on mechanical fracture deformation, fluid sorption, and flow. The results showed that fluid sorption reduced the mechanical aperture of the fracture, and swelling played a dominant role in sealing the fracture.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Quinn C. Wenning, Claudio Madonna, Alba Zappone, Melchior Grab, Antonio P. Rinaldi, Michael Plotze, Christophe Nussbaum, Domenico Giardini, Stefan Wiemer
Summary: This study focuses on the structural and petrophysical characterization of the Opalinus Clay host rock and fault core, with implications for geological carbon sequestration and nuclear waste disposal. The research suggests similarities in matrix permeability and seismic velocity measurements between the host rock and Main Fault.
JOURNAL OF STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Tobias Mattsson, Benoit Petri, Bjarne Almqvist, William McCarthy, Steffi Burchardt, J. Octavio Palma, Oyvind Hammer, Olivier Galland
Summary: AMS and AARM/AIRM techniques are efficient in determining rock fabrics. Using X-ray micro-computed tomography, this study compared mineral shapes and distribution with magnetic fabrics in trachyandesite samples, revealing the significant impact of magnetite distribution anisotropy on magnetic fabrics in igneous rocks.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Chet Hopp, Yves Guglielmi, Antonio Pio Rinaldi, Florian Soom, Quinn Wenning, Paul Cook, Michelle Robertson, Maria Kakurina, Alba Zappone
Summary: Distributed Strain Sensing (DSS) through Brillouin scattering measurements is used to characterize the reactivation of a fault zone in shale. The results show that slow slip may activate at weak faults within a shale series, and fault shear is concentrated at the top and bottom interfaces of the fault zone.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Melchior Grab, Antonio P. Rinaldi, Quinn C. Wenning, Sebastian Hellmann, Clement Roques, Anne C. Obermann, Hansruedi Maurer, Domenico Giardini, Stefan Wiemer, Christophe Nussbaum, Alba Zappone
Summary: This study conducted an injection experiment in a faulted caprock analog and monitored the integrity of the caprock using seismic techniques. The results showed that seismic velocity monitoring can detect rock deformation caused by injection, which may not be sensed by microseismic monitoring. This highlights the importance of seismic velocity monitoring as a complement to the monitoring system.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
T. Schofisch, H. Koyi, B. Almqvist
Summary: This study reports the results of three analog models that simulate the development of a thrust imbricate in fold-and-thrust belts at different stages. The analysis shows the presence of different types of magnetic fabric, with the fabric changing as a function of distance towards the localized deformation zone. The study also finds that strain changes with distance towards the deformation zones with characteristic magnetic fabrics.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Thorben Schofisch, Hemin Koyi, Bjarne Almqvist
Summary: Magnetic fabric analysis is a useful tool for studying deformation in natural and model systems. This study used sandbox models to simulate basin inversion and conducted magnetic fabric analysis on samples taken from different parts of the models. The results showed that different magnetic fabrics were developed in different stages of basin formation and inversion, with thrusts showing a stronger alignment of magnetic foliation compared to normal faults. The study highlights the potential of magnetic fabric analysis in understanding fabric development in inverted tectonic regimes.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Henning Lorenz, Jan-Erik Rosberg, Christopher Juhlin, Iwona Klonowska, Rodolphe Lescoutre, George Westmeijer, Bjarne S. G. Almqvist, Mark Anderson, Stefan Bertilsson, Mark Dopson, Jens Kallmeyer, Jochem Kuck, Oliver Lehnert, Luca Menegon, Christophe Pascal, Simon Rejkjaer, Nick N. W. Roberts
Summary: The COSC project aims to characterize the structure and orogenic processes of a collisional mountain belt in Sweden through multidisciplinary geological research. Two deep boreholes have been drilled into the bedrock of the Early Paleozoic Caledonide Orogen, providing valuable insights into the geological history of the region.
SCIENTIFIC DRILLING
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Xiaodong Ma, Marian Hertrich, Florian Amann, Kai Broeker, Nima Gholizadeh Doonechaly, Valentin Gischig, Rebecca Hochreutener, Philipp Kaestli, Hannes Krietsch, Michele Marti, Barbara Naegeli, Morteza Nejati, Anne Obermann, Katrin Plenkers, Antonio P. Rinaldi, Alexis Shakas, Linus Villiger, Quinn Wenning, Alba Zappone, Falko Bethmann, Raymi Castilla, Francisco Seberto, Peter Meier, Thomas Driesner, Simon Loew, Hansruedi Maurer, Martin O. Saar, Stefan Wiemer, Domenico Giardini
Summary: The increased interest in subsurface development and associated seismicity requires a better understanding of hydro-seismo-mechanical coupling in fractured rock masses. In order to bridge the knowledge gap between laboratory and reservoir scales, controllable in situ experiments are necessary. The BedrettoLab provides a testing ground for studying the hydro-seismo-mechanical response of fractured crystalline rock masses.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Alba Zappone, Antonio Pio Rinaldi, Melchior Grab, Quinn C. Wenning, Clement Roques, Claudio Madonna, Anne C. Obermann, Stefano M. Bernasconi, Matthias S. Brennwald, Rolf Kipfer, Florian Soom, Paul Cook, Yves Guglielmi, Christophe Nussbaum, Domenico Giardini, Marco Mazzotti, Stefan Wiemer
Summary: This study presents an ongoing injection experiment in a fault hosted in clay, aiming to enhance understanding of CO2 migration, rock interaction, and injection impact, bridging the knowledge gap between laboratory and reservoir scales. Various monitoring systems are utilized to study the mobility of CO2 within the fault at decameter scale over an extended duration. Preliminary characterization results including borehole logging analysis, injection test estimation, and active seismic tomography are presented.