On the Kinematic Characteristics and Dynamic Process of Boundary faults of the Nansha Ultra-crust Layer-Block

Abstract The Nansha ultra-crust layer-block is confined by ultra-crustal boundary faults of distinctive features, bordering the Kangtai-Shuangzi-Xiongnan extensional faulted zone on the north, the Baxian-Baram-Yoca-Cuyo nappe faulted zone on the south, the Wan'an-Natuna strike-slip tensional faulted zone on the west and the Mondoro-Panay strike-slip compressive faulted zone on the east. These faults take the top of the Nansha asthenosphere as their common detachmental surface. The Cenozoic dynamic process of the ultra-crust layer-block can be divided into four stages: K2-E21, during which the northern boundary faults extended, this ultra-crust layer-block was separated from the South China-Indosinian continental margin, the Palaeo-South China Sea subducted southwards and the Sibu accretion wedge was formed; E22-E31, during which the Southwest sub-sea basin extended and orogeny was active due to the collision of the Sibu accretion wedge; E32-N11, during which the central sub-sea basin extended, the Miri accretion wedge was formed and “A-type” subduction of the southern margin of the north Balawan occurred; N12-the present, during which large-scale thrusting and napping of the boundary faults in the south and mountain-building have taken place and the South China Sea stopped its extension.

Sandbox Modeling of the Fault-increment Pattern in Extensional Basins

Three series of sandbox modeling experiments were performed to study the fault-increment pattern in extensional basins. Experimental results showed that the tectonic action mode of boundaries and the shape of major boundary faults control the formation and evolution of faults in extensional basins. In the process of extensional deformation, the increase in the number and length of faults was episodic, and every ＇episode＇ experienced three periods, strain-accumulation period, quick fault-increment period and strain-adjustment period. The more complex the shape of the boundary fault, the higher the strain increment each ＇episode＇ experienced. Different extensional modes resulted in different fault-increment patterns. The horizontal detachment extensional mode has the ＇linear＇ style of fault-increment pattern, while the extensional mode controlled by a listric fault has the ＇stepwise＇ style of fault-increment pattern, and the extensional mode controlled by a ramp-flat boundary fault has the ＇stepwise-linear＇ style of fault-increment pattern. These fault-increment patterns given above could provide a theoretical method of fault interpretation and fracture prediction in extensional basins.

Seismotectonic environment of occurring the February 3, 1996 Lijiang M=7.0 earthquake, Yunnan Province

Lijiang-Daju fault, the seismogenic fault of the 1996 Lijiang M=7.0 earthquake, can be divided into Lijiang-Yuhu segment in the south and Yuhu-Daju segment in the north. The two segments show clear difference in geological tectonics, but have the similar dynamic features. Both normal dip-slip and sinistral strike-slip coexist on the fault plane. This kind of movement started at the beginning of the Quaternary (2.4~2.5 Ma B.P.). As to the tectonic types, the detachment fault with low angle was developed in the Early Pleistocene and the normal fault with high angle only after the Mid-Pleistocene (0.8 Ma B.P.). Based on the horizontal displacements of gullies and the vertical variance of planation surfaces cross the Lijiang-Daju fault at east piedmont of Yulong-Haba range, the average horizontal and vertical slip rates are calculated. They are 0.84 mm/a and 0.70 mm/a since the Quaternary and 1.56 mm/a and 1.69 mm/a since the Mid-Pleistocene. The movements of the nearly N-S-trending Lijiang-Daju fault are controlled not only by the regional stress field, but also by the variant movement between the Yulong-Haba range and Lijiang basin. The two kinds of dynamic processes form the characteristics of seismotectonic environment of occurring the 1996 Lijiang earthquake.

Twin boundary： Controllable interface to fatigue cracking

Twin boundaries（TBs） are key factors influencing the mechanical properties of crystalline materials. We have investigated the intrinsic fatigue cracking mechanisms of TBs during the past decade. The effects of TB orientations on the fatigue cracking mechanisms were revealed via cyclic deformation of a series of grown Cu bicrystals with a sole TB. Furthermore, the combined effects of crystallographic orientation and stacking fault energy（SFE） on the fatigue cracking mechanisms were clarified through cyclic deformation of polycrystalline Cu and Cu alloys. Both developments were reviewed in this report which will provide implications to optimize the interfacial design for the improvement of fatigue performance of metallic materials.