Article
Geology
Ehsan Kosari, Matthias Rosenau, Sabrina Metzger, Onno Oncken
Summary: Understanding the seismogenic behavior of megathrusts is crucial for predicting seismic hazards in subduction zones. However, the relationship between frictional heterogeneity at depth and upper-plate deformation is not fully understood. Using a seismotectonic model, we found that the frictional locking heterogeneity generates segmented along-strike strain patterns in the short term but less pronounced permanent strain patterns in the long term. Our results suggest that along-strike upper-plate strain patterns can help interpret lateral variations in seismogenic behavior.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Inessa Vorobieva, Alexander Gorshkov, Prantik Mandal
Summary: The study discusses the geological features of the Indo-Burman arc, the possibility of active subduction, and the potential risk of large earthquakes in the region. The research findings suggest that the megathrust in the area is locked and capable of generating M8+ earthquakes, with an average return period exceeding one thousand years, posing a significant threat to the surrounding densely populated areas.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Zhi Wang, Jian Lin
Summary: The frequent occurrence of large thrust earthquakes and subsequent tsunamis in a subduction zone are attributed to multiple factors, including structural heterogeneity, fluid saturation, and topographic variations of the subducting oceanic plate. This study investigates the impact of these factors on the 2021 Mw 7.1 Fukushima-Oki earthquake and interplate seismic coupling in the northeastern Japan subduction zone. The results reveal that high-V zones with high-density thrust earthquakes indicate strong interplate seismic coupling, while low-V patches reflect weak interplate coupling or decoupling. Additionally, seamount subduction plays a significant role in seismography and the mechanical strength variation of interplate coupling in the forearc seismogenic zone.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Florian Petersen, Dietrich Lange, Bo Ma, Ingo Grevemeyer, Jacob Geersen, Dirk Klaeschen, Eduardo Contreras-Reyes, Sergio Barrientos, Anne M. Trehu, Emilio Vera, Heidrun Kopp
Summary: The aftershock distribution of the 2014 Mw 8.1 Iquique earthquake offshore northern Chile suggests that seismic activity updip of the main earthquake area reflects active subduction erosion processes. The lack of sediment accretion and subduction erosion over millions of years has resulted in a very weak and aseismic frontal wedge. This study links shallow subduction zone seismicity to subduction erosion processes controlling the evolution of the overriding plate.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Annika Greve, Myriam Kars, Mark J. Dekkers
Summary: Understanding the locus of fluid flow along thrust and splay faults is crucial for comprehending the hydraulic properties of accretionary systems and fault mechanics. In this study, rock magnetic techniques were used to identify enhanced magnetic mineral alteration within the Papaku fault, revealing changes within the main brittle fault zones and subsidiary fault zones. The secondary magnetic mineral diagenesis was likely driven by anaerobic methane oxidation, with sediments acting as a barrier to prevent upward fluid flow through the fault zone.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
I van Zelst, L. Rannabauer, A. -A Gabriel, Y. van Dinther
Summary: Detailed imaging of accretionary wedges reveals the potential tsunami hazard posed by splay fault networks. This study investigates the dynamics of splay fault activation during megathrust earthquakes and their effects on tsunami generation using a 2-D dynamic rupture model. The results highlight the importance of considering both tectonic and earthquake processes in understanding tsunamigenesis.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoran Lv, Falk Amelung, Yun Shao
Summary: InSAR time series data analysis reveals up to 20 cm of radar line-of-sight displacements in the area of the 2013 Mw 7.7 Balochistan earthquake in southwest Pakistan. This surface displacement is caused by a 5,500-km(2)-wide subhorizontal patch of the megathrust fault exhibiting about 80 cm of aseismic slip. The triggered aseismic slip suggests that this section of the megathrust is decoupled, and the seismic potential of the subduction zone is fully locked up to a distance of 220 km from the trench.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
I. Menichelli, F. Corbi, S. Brizzi, E. van Rijsingen, S. Lallemand, F. Funiciello
Summary: Analog models were used to study the influence of a single seamount on megathrust earthquakes. The results showed that the seamount acted as a barrier, reducing recurrence time, interseismic coupling, and fault strength.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jenny S. Nakai, Anne F. Sheehan, Rachel E. Abercrombie, Donna Eberhart-Phillips
Summary: Using seismometers on the ocean floor and on land, seismic attenuation near the Hikurangi trench offshore New Zealand was investigated. The study revealed high attenuation above a recurring shallow slow-slip event and within the subducting Hikurangi Plateau. The presence of high temperatures, melt, fluids, and fractures in the region was inferred through the analysis of seismic attenuation.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Carl Tape, Anthony Lomax
Summary: This study revisits five earthquakes along the Aleutian-Alaska subduction plate boundary through probabilistic relocation of mainshocks and aftershocks. Significant differences in aftershock regions were found, shedding light on the relationship between seismic events and geological structures.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Shaoyang Li, Ling Chen
Summary: Earthquake-cycle deformation at subduction zones is influenced by both faulting processes and the structure/rheology of the Earth. Oversimplifying the Earth structure can lead to biased estimations of fault kinematics and rheology, resulting in misinterpretation of subduction-zone dynamics. This study investigates the impacts of an elastic slab on deformation and viscosity estimation, and finds that including a slab in models reduces viscoelastic deformation in the overriding plate. Real-world case studies support this finding, suggesting that the presence of a slab can be observed in geodetic data. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the slab in modeling earthquake-cycle deformation and exploring the sensitivities of surface deformation to deep Earth structures.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
J. Jara-Munoz, D. Melnick, S. Li, A. Socquet, J. Cortes-Aranda, D. Brill, M. R. Strecker
Summary: The first step in assessing hazards in seismically active areas is to map possible faults and estimate their recurrence times. This study focuses on the Pichilemu Fault in coastal Chile, which was unknown until it caused a magnitude 7.0 earthquake in 2010. By analyzing off-fault deformed marine terraces, researchers estimated the fault-slip rate and recurrence time, providing valuable insights for assessing the seismic potential of hidden faults.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Hao Guo, Jeffrey J. McGuire, Haijiang Zhang
Summary: The transition zone of the Cascadia megathrust has a lower porosity than the locked and slowly slipping regions, suggesting it may limit rupture propagation. This variation in porosity could inhibit onshore propagation of large earthquake ruptures.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Syed Tanvir Shah, A. Arda Ozacar, Zeynep Gulerce
Summary: Seismic source characterization in regions with subduction megathrust, such as the eastern Makran subduction zone, faces challenges due to lack of detailed data and uncertainties in fault models. Different magnitude distribution models can lead to variations in estimated PGA values, especially in gently dipping subduction zones. The geometry of the megathrust interface near the surface plays a crucial role in determining PGA values and their spatial distributions, with gentler and deeper extending subduction interfaces resulting in higher PGA values towards inland.
JOURNAL OF ASIAN EARTH SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jianke Fan, Dapeng Zhao
Summary: Mantle heterogeneity beneath subducting plates may influence giant megathrust earthquakes, with the seismic tomography revealing low-velocity anomalies that could reflect hot mantle upwelling. The hypocentres of giant earthquakes are generally located above the edges of these anomalies or above the gaps between them, suggesting that the extent of earthquake rupture may be constrained by these slow anomalies. Conducting seismic tomography to investigate the detailed subslab structure could help in predicting the potential location and damage zone of future giant earthquakes.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Pim Kaskes, Sietze J. de Graaff, Jean-Guillaume Feignon, Thomas Dehais, Steven Goderis, Ludovic Ferriere, Christian Koeberl, Jan Smit, Axel Wittmann, Sean P. S. Gulick, Vinciane Debaille, Nadine Mattielli, Philippe Claeys
Summary: This study presents a new classification of a similar to 100-m-thick crater suevite sequence, providing valuable insights into the formation and sedimentary processes of suevite on top of the Chicxulub peak ring. The data set obtained from this study sheds light on the dynamics and timing of proximal marine cratering processes following a large impact event.
GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
L. Hernandez-Terrones, L. Martinez, J. Szamotulski, E. Gonzalez-Partida, J. V. Morgan, C. M. Lowery, S. P. S. Gulick, M. Rebolledo-Vieyra, D. Kring
Summary: The aim of this study is to evaluate fluid circulation and determine the composition of hydrothermal fluids in the Chicxulub crater after the impact. The results show that the temperature and composition of the fluids changed as they migrated through the crater rocks, and post-impact fluid circulation modified the temperature distribution.
APPLIED GEOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
C. G. Nixon, D. R. Schmitt, R. Kofman, J. Lofi, S. P. S. Gulick, S. Saustrup, G. L. Christeson, D. A. Kring
Summary: This study conducted a vertical seismic profile in a borehole to better understand the seismic reflectivity and in situ seismic properties of the Chicxulub impact structure peak ring. The results showed that the strong seismic reflection event observed in the seismic reflection data was caused by discontinuities in the elastic impedance. The seismic wavefield below the reflection event was chaotic, indicating high levels of scattering. Shear wave speeds and damage parameters were also determined, which can aid in calibrating impact models and assessing levels of fracturing.
GEOCHEMISTRY GEOPHYSICS GEOSYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Brandon Shuck, Sean P. S. Gulick, Harm J. A. Van Avendonk, Michael Gurnis, Rupert Sutherland, Joann Stock, Erin Hightower
Summary: This study reveals the spatial-temporal evolution of stress during subduction initiation and suggests an accelerated transition to self-sustaining subduction. In contrast to previous hypotheses, the study proposes a four-dimensional evolution where horizontal forces initially dominate but vertical forces accelerate over time and facilitate the development of self-sustaining subduction.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Adrien F. Arnulf, Dan Bassett, Alistair J. Harding, Shuichi Kodaira, Ayako Nakanishi, Gregory Moore
Summary: The structures in the upper plate have a significant impact on the geometry, hydration state, and segmentation of large megathrust earthquakes at subduction zones. High forearc wavespeeds and dense, high-rigidity plutons play a crucial role in forcing the subduction of incoming plates. Reduced mantle velocities beneath the region of maximum curvature and faulting may indicate serpentinization of the subducting mantle. The study also highlights the occurrence of large earthquakes originating from the flanks of these plutons.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Maureen A. L. Walton, Sean P. S. Gulick, Peter J. Haeussler
Summary: This study presents an improved tectonic framework for the Yakutat area in southeastern Alaska, based on marine geophysical data collected in 2012. By combining various data sources, the researchers were able to update the fault map, develop a structural model of Yakutat Bay, and assess the uncertainties of previous geologic coseismic uplift measurements. The results provide valuable insights into earthquake hazards in the region.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Francisco J. Rodriguez-Tovar, Pim Kaskes, Jens Ormo, Sean P. S. Gulick, Michael T. Whalen, Heather L. Jones, Christopher M. Lowery, Timothy J. Bralower, Jan Smit, David T. King, Steven Goderis, Philippe Claeys
Summary: Researchers have reconstructed the macrobenthic tracemaker community and marine paleoenvironment in the Chicxulub impact area prior to the large impact event using paleoichnology and micropaleontology. The study shows that the K-Pg impact event did not have significant effects on the composition of the macroinvertebrate tracemaker community in the Chicxulub region.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Uisdean Nicholson, Veronica J. Bray, Sean P. S. Gulick, Benedict Aduomahor
Summary: Evidence of marine target impacts is rare on Earth. Seismic reflection data from the Guinea Plateau suggest the presence of a complex impact crater that formed approximately 66 million years ago, similar to the age of the Chicxulub impact crater. The crater may have formed as part of a closely timed impact cluster or through the breakup of a common parent asteroid.
Article
Geology
Cole M. Speed, John M. Swartz, Sean P. S. Gulick, John A. Goff
Summary: This study reveals the preservation and stratigraphic expression of coastal geomorphic features through the analysis of seismic reflection data. It also proposes recognition criteria for the seismic stratigraphic expression of coastal floodplain channels.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Dan Bassett, Adrien Arnulf, Shuichi Kodaira, Ayako Nakanishi, Alistair Harding, Gregory Moore
Summary: By integrating two-decades of onshore-offshore, ocean-bottom seismometer, and passive-source data, this study provides high-resolution 3-D constraints on the architecture of the Nankai subduction zone. The results reveal significant variability in the width of the outer-forearc and the location of the crustal backstop, which have implications for shallow slow-earthquakes and co-seismic slip. The study also highlights the influence of crustal-scale architecture on the width and behavior of the seismogenic zone at Nankai Trough.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Sietze J. de Graaff, Catherine H. Ross, Jean-Guillaume Feignon, Pim Kaskes, Sean P. S. Gulick, Steven Goderis, Thomas Dehais, Vinciane Debaille, Ludovic Ferriere, Christian Koeberl, Nadine Mattielli, Daniel F. Stockli, Philippe Claeys
Summary: The study presents the first ages of pre-impact magmatic dikes preserved in Chicxulub's peak ring, providing insights into the subsurface composition and evolutionary history of the Yucatan Peninsula. The dating results reveal two age groups, Carboniferous dacites (328-318 Ma) and Jurassic dolerites (169-159 Ma), suggesting the presence of previously unsampled magmatic phases. The investigation of isotopic compositions further indicates that the dolerites contributed significantly to the Chicxulub impact melt rock, representing a pervasive Jurassic magmatic phase associated with the opening of the Gulf of Mexico.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jacob T. Burstein, John A. Goff, Sean P. S. Gulick, Christopher Lowery, Patricia Standring, John Swartz
Summary: Understanding the role of antecedent topography in the evolution of barrier islands is valuable for preparing coastal communities for future impacts of climate change. This study investigates the stratigraphic framework of the Trinity River incised valley offshore Galveston, Texas to examine the influence of antecedent topography on the evolution of an early Holocene barrier island system. The findings highlight the central role of the geometry and elevation of the underlying antecedent topography in promoting both initiation and stabilization of the barrier island system.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Nathan L. Bangs, Julia K. Morgan, Rebecca E. Bell, Shuoshuo Han, Ryuta Arai, Shuichi Kodaira, Andrew C. Gase, Xinming Wu, Richard Davy, Laura Frahm, Hannah L. Tilley, Daniel H. N. Barker, Joel H. Edwards, Harold J. Tobin, Tim J. Reston, Stuart A. Henrys, Gregory F. Moore, Dan Bassett, Richard Kellett, Valerie Stucker, Bill Fry
Summary: When large seamounts collide with the overriding plate at subduction zones, it causes permanent deformation and creates structural and compositional heterogeneities that can control megathrust slip behavior. Subducting seamounts can either temporarily lock plates, leading to large earthquakes, or redistribute stress to reduce seismic slip. Three-dimensional seismic data from the Hikurangi Plateau off the coast of New Zealand's North Island reveals that the presence of seamounts uplift the overriding plate and leave sediment lenses in their wake, with low seismic velocities and overpressured fluid-rich sediments. These sediment lenses create zones that enable slow slip, as seen in the 2014 slow-slip earthquake event. This study suggests that sediment lenses left behind by subducting seamounts can maintain long-lasting fluid pressures and support slow-slip behavior at sediment-rich subduction zones.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Christina M. Verhagen, Ji-In Jung, Sonia M. Tikoo, Axel Wittmann, David A. Kring, Stefanie Brachfeld, Laying Wu, Dale H. Burns, Sean P. S. Gulick
Summary: Using advanced microscopy techniques, this study investigated the nature and occurrence of primary and secondary Fe-oxide and Fe-sulfide minerals in the suevite of the Chicxulub impact crater. The results showed decomposition and dissolution patterns of large primary Fe-oxides and the presence of sub-micrometer Fe-oxide crystals concentrated within clay. Secondary Fe-sulfide minerals, associated with Ni- and Co-rich phases, were also found. These findings provide insights into hydrothermal trends and the remobilization of Fe and associated elements in suevites.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andrew C. Gase, Nathan L. Bangs, Demian M. Saffer, Shuoshuo Han, Peter K. Miller, Rebecca E. Bell, Ryuta Arai, Stuart A. Henrys, Shuichi Kodaira, Richard Davy, Laura Frahm, Daniel H. N. Barker
Summary: This article investigates the relationship between slow slip, fluid content, and hydrogeology in subduction zones. Through seismic imaging and ocean drilling, a widespread and previously unknown fluid reservoir was discovered at the Hikurangi margin. The research suggests that the volcaniclastic-rich upper crust at volcanic plateaus and seamounts is a major source of water that contributes to fluid budgets in subduction zones and may drive fluid overpressures along the megathrust that give rise to frequent shallow slow slip.
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)