Variation of singularity of earthquake-size distribution with respect to tectonic regime

Frequency-size relation of earthquakes in a region can be approximated by the Gutenberg-Richter law(GR). This power-law model involves two parameters: a-value measuring seismic activity or earthquake productivity, and b-value describing the relation between frequencies of small and large earthquakes.The spatial and temporal variations of these two parameters, especially the b-value, have been substantially investigated. For example, it has been shown that b-value depends inversely on differential stress. The b-value has also been utilized as earthquake precursor in large earthquake prediction.However, the physical meaning and properties of b-value including its value range still remain as an open fundamental question. We explore the property of b-value from frequency-size GR model in a new form which relates average energy release and probability of large earthquakes. Based on this new form of GR relation the b-value can be related to the singularity index(1-2/3 b) of fractal energy-probability power-law model. This model as applied to the global database of earthquakes with size M ≥ 5 from 1964 to 2015 indicates a systematic increase of singularity from earthquakes occurring on mid-ocean ridges, to those in subduction zones and in collision zones.

Voyage of the Indian subcontinent since Pangea breakup and driving force of supercontinent cycles: Insights on dynamics from numerical modeling

Recent advances in three-dimensional numerical simulations of mantle convection have aided in approximately reproducing continental movement since the Pangea breakup at 200 Ma. These have also led to a better understanding of the thermal and mechanical coupling between mantle convection and surface plate motion and predictions of the configuration of the next supercontinent. The simulations of mantle convection from 200 Ma to the present reveals that the development of large-scale cold mantle downwellings in the North Tethys Ocean at the earlier stage of the Pangea breakup triggered the northward movement of the Indian subcontinent. The model of high temperature anomaly region beneath Pangea resulting from the thermal insulation effect support the breakup of Pangea in the real Earth time scale, as also suggested in previous geological and geodynamic models. However, considering the low radioactive heat generation rate of the depleted upper mantle, the high temperature anomaly region might have been generated by upwelling plumes with contribution of deep subducted TTG(tonalite-trondhjemite-granite) materials enriched in radiogenic elements. Integrating the numerical results of mantle convection from 200 Ma to the present, and from the present to the future, it is considered that the mantle drag force acting on the base of continents may be comparable to the slab pull force, which implies that convection in the shallower part of the mantle is strongly coupled with surface plate motion.

Two-dimensional Numerical Modeling Research on Continent Subduction Dynamics

Continent subduction is one of the hot research problems in geoscience. New models presented here have been set up and two-dimensional numerical modeling research on the possibility of continental subduction has been made with the finite element software, ANSYS, based on documentary evidence and reasonable assumptions that the subduction of oceanic crust has occurred, the subduction of continental crust can take place and the process can be simplified to a discontinuous plane strain theory model. The modeling results show that it is completely possible for continental crust to be subducted to a depth of 120 km under certain circumstances and conditions. At the same time, the simulations of continental subduction under a single dynamical factor have also been made, including the pull force of the subducted oceanic lithosphere, the drag force connected with mantle convection and the push force of the mid-ocean ridge. These experiments show that the drag force connected with mantle convection is critical for continent subduction.

Geological Database for Plate Tectonic Reconstruction:A Conceptual Model

We all live on one planet and geology has no borders.Countries that reside on different continents share the same architecture beneath the surface;they were once neighbors with common foundations.Interoperable geological data are now freely available to everyone for the benefit of society,demonstrating that geoscience can address both global and regional problems.Whilst increasingly large datasets("Big Data")provide clear opportunities(e.g.,Spina,2018).

Model for Quantitatively Estimating Marine Biogeographic Provinciality——A Case Study of the Permian Marine Biogeography Provincialism

The relationship between the number, position and orientation of lithosphericplates and marine biogeographic provinciality may be quantified since the spatial distribution oforganisms is primarily controlled by latitude-related temperature gradients and geographicalbarriers-two dynamic biogeographic determinants whose variation is closely related to thespatial disposition of continents and oceans. This paper modifies Schopf s (1976) model forquantitatively estimating shallow marine provinciality in recognition of latitude-related tem-perature gradients as the primary biogeographical factor. A test of the modified model againstmodern marine zoogeography reveals high consistency between them. Using this modified mod-el and the Permian palaeogeographical reconstruction maps of Scotese and McKerrow (1990),fifteen shallow benthic marine provinces are estimated to be Early and Late Permian in agerespectively. A comparison of the estimated Permian marine provinciality with previouslyrecognised empirical provincial patterns reveals a high degree of congruity, which may implythat there existed moderate to high latitudinal thermal gradients during the Permian, a levelprobably similar to that of the present world.

Stress and Strain Accumulation Due to a Long Dip-Slip Fault Movement in an Elastic-Layer over a Viscoelastic Half Space Model of the Lithosphere-Asthenosphere System

Most of the earthquake faults in North-East India, China, mid Atlantic-ridge, the Pacific seismic belt and Japan are found to be predominantly dip-slip in nature. In the present paper a dip-slip fault is taken situated in an elastic layer over a viscoelastic half space representing the lithosphere-asthenosphere system. A movement of the dip-slip nature across the fault occurs when the accumulated stress due to various tectonic reasons e.g. mantle convection etc., exceeds the local friction and cohesive forces across the fault. The movement is assumed to be slipping in nature, expressions for displacements, stresses and strains are obtained by solving associated boundary value problem with the help of integral transformation and Green’s function method and a suitable numerical methods is used for computation. A detailed study of these expressions may give some ideas about the nature of stress accumulation in the system, which in turn will be helpful in formulating an earthquake prediction programme.

Structural Style and Hydrocarbon Prospectivity of the Growth Faults Related Structures in the Bengal Basin

The structural and tectonic evolution of the Bengal Basin is characterized by a complex interplay of factors, including sedimentation, the rise of the Himalayan Mountains, and the movements of Jurassic syn-rift faults. This study aims to comprehend the progression of growth faults inside the basin by examining fault geometry, basin development, and structural relief patterns. We used high-quality 2D seismic lines from the PK-MY-8403, classical seismic interpretation techniques and modeling were carried out to reveal the plate tectonic conditions, stratigraphy, and sedimentation history of the basin. The break-up unconformity, Paleocene and Eocene submerged conditions, and crucial geological formations including the Sylhet Limestone, Barail Group, and Surma Group were among the notable features recognized in seismic section. With an emphasis on growth strata and pre-growth strata, significant variations in layer thickness and relief were remarked in different stratigraphic levels. Basin development events like the evolution of the Miocene remnant ocean basin, sedimentation in Oligocene, Eocene Himalayan collision, and the Pliocene reverse fault development are analyzed. In the early the Pliocene compressional forces outpaced sedimentation rates and syn-depositional normal faults of Oligocene time began to move in opposite direction. Syn-depositional growth faults may have formed in the Bengal Basin as a result of this reversal. This research provides a detailed comprehensive knowledge of growth fault development in the Bengal Basin following the seismic interpretation, modelling, and thickness/relief analysis. The outcomes point to a substantial hydrocarbon potential, especially in regions like the Eocene Hinge Zone, where the prospectivity of the area is enhanced by carbonate reefs and Jalangi shale. However, the existence of petroleum four-way closure in the investigated region requires further investigation.

基于GPlates平台的“深时”板块构造重建:数据库现状与应用实例

板块构造重建是大地构造领域一项关键的研究工作,是构建"深时数字地球"(Deep-time Digital Earth, DDE)的重要途径。板块重建工作需要整合地球科学多个研究领域、海量的数据,同时又是地球动力学和气候模拟等研究的重要约束条件。因此,追踪目前国际主流的板块重建所需的数据库以及板块重建工具的最新进展和应用为了解板块重建研究的前沿提供全面的信息。文章系统介绍了支持板块构造重建研究的多个主流数据库,着重描述数据库的数据格式、数据获取方式及数据如何支持基于GPlates平台的板块构造重建。为了阐述大地构造研究相关数据库在板块重建研究中的应用,此次研究从板块构造重建的三个不同层次出发,列举了多个最新的板块重建模型及其在探索地球系统演化方面的意义。最后,结合DDE项目的相关任务,对250 Ma以来全球板块构造和变形的演化、量化大地构造在地球系统演化中的作用、超大陆旋回中的古大陆和古海洋构造重建以及前中生代(>250 Ma)全球板块运动模型重建这四个关键科学问题作出了新的展望。

四川盆地涪陵南地区奥陶系五峰组—志留系龙马溪组页岩古构造应力场及裂缝特征

通过岩石力学实验、声发射实验和地震资料综合解释,利用有限元数值模拟方法,对涪陵南地区奥陶系五峰组—志留系龙马溪组海相页岩古构造应力场进行了数值模拟,并结合岩心实测结果,预测了构造裂缝的发育特征。研究结果表明:①涪陵南地区裂缝主要形成期(燕山晚期)构造应力和裂缝的分布受断层、岩石力学性质和构造应力的影响,断层广泛发育的区域容易出现应力集中,并引起较大的应力梯度。②利用库伦-莫尔破裂准则预测了研究区构造裂缝的发育,同时引入剪切破裂指数R定量表征裂缝发育的强度,其值越大反映裂缝发育程度越高。窄陡断背斜和断层附近裂缝发育,以高角度剪切裂缝为主,而在宽缓向斜部位裂缝发育程度最弱,研究区五峰组—龙马溪组底部硅质页岩应力集中,裂缝最发育。③涪陵南地区海相页岩气保存有利区主要为3个区带:远离大断层的凤来向斜内部,主要构造变形期未遭受大的破坏作用,其位于应力低值区,具有良好的保存条件,为Ⅰ类有利区;白马向斜内部小断层发育,应力值位于中等水平,保存条件中等,为Ⅱ类较有利区;石门—金坪断背斜遭受到强烈改造作用,容易产生大规模剪切裂缝,破坏了保存条件,为Ⅲ类不利区。

新疆北部古生代构造演化的几点认识

最近的地质调查和研究资料揭示,新疆北部古生代存在"三块两带"的构造格局,并经历了复杂的洋陆转换过程。地质、地球物理和碎屑锆石年龄结果显示,准噶尔盆地南部应存在一个至少发育前震旦系的古老陆块;初步认为东准噶尔北自额尔齐斯构造带东南的玛依鄂博地区至南部的卡拉麦里构造带南界,整体为一增生杂岩体,西准噶尔自额尔齐斯构造带南缘至谢米斯台南缘亦为一增生杂岩体。提出新疆北部加里东运动表现为准噶尔-吐哈陆块、中天山陆块群、伊犁地块等拼合形成哈萨克斯坦板块的一部分。从新疆北部泥盆系建造组合和沉积环境演变视角,探讨了早古生代形成的哈萨克板块北部洋盆从早泥盆世开始,至晚泥盆世拼合,洋盆经历了逐渐变浅直至消亡的演化过程。结合区域地质调查资料,提出南天山为一巨大的增生杂岩体,代表了哈萨克斯坦板块与塔里木板块最后增生拼合的位置,亦是古亚洲洋在中国境内最后闭合的位置,闭合的时限为早石炭末期。在以上认识的基础上,提出新疆北部晚古生代构造演化的"三块两带"基本框架:即在统一哈萨克斯坦板块形成后,自北而南依次存在西伯利亚板块、哈萨克斯坦板块、塔里木板块及其间的准噶尔洋盆和南天山洋盆。晚泥盆世哈萨克斯坦板块与西伯利亚板块完成增生拼贴;早石炭世末,塔里木板块与西伯利亚-哈萨克斯坦联合板块完成增生拼贴,古亚洲洋结束洋陆转换;晚石炭世至早二叠世,新疆北部进入后碰撞伸展至大陆裂谷演化阶段。

板块构造对海相钾盐矿床分布与成矿模式的控制

表生钾盐矿床主要沉积于陆壳板块上的陆表海盆地中,其沉积受制于全球板块运动,具体影响表现在板块的规模、边界特征、漂移历史与古纬度、古气候等的控制作用。在巨型稳定克拉通上,出现巨型陆表海盆,沉积分布广、厚度大的巨型钾盐矿床或矿集区,矿床沉积类型属于化学岩型即碳酸盐岩型钾盐矿;板块汇聚区域,如特提斯造山带,出现较多的小陆块并形成较小规模的海相及海陆交互相盆地,也形成了一些厚度大的巨型-超大型钾盐矿床或矿床群,沉积类型有化学岩型及碎屑岩型钾矿两类;而大陆板块边缘及其内部,出现裂谷盆地成钾,沉积环境可以从海相到非海相及过渡类型,钾盐沉积规模不等,也可出现超大型矿床,基本属于碎屑岩型钾矿;最后,在大陆板块内部出现典型陆相钾盐沉积。从时代上看,稳定巨型克拉通板块成钾,主要出现于古生代;而板块汇聚时期成钾,主要发生在中生代;裂谷成钾则主要出现在新生代,典型陆相钾盐矿床则出现在第四纪。由此可见,从古生代到新生代,地球表生成钾模式发生了重大转换。从成钾物质来源看,稳定克拉通海盆主要以海水补给为主,特提斯小陆块的海相盆地成钾物质,以海水补给为主,可能存在非海相(以火山活动带来深部物质等)的补给;而裂谷成钾物质补给,则是海相与非海相混合型,甚至一些盆地以非海相物质补给为主。从古生代到中生代,再到新生代,成钾盆地规模快速变小;所形成的钾盐资源量也呈相应递减变化规律。中国小陆块的漂移演化历史受控于全球主要板块的构造演化,其海相盆地成钾作用也应符合世界主要钾盐成矿的基本规律,因此,掌握全球板块对钾盐成矿基本约束规律,有助于研究中国小陆块海相成钾规律,指导中国海相找钾勘查突破。

抽拉构造——岩石圈板块重要的运动方式

抽拉构造是继地槽回返、板块俯冲、碰撞造山以后的第三种造山模式 ,是合理表现大陆构造变形、造山、造盆的的新理论 。

郯庐断裂带的平移运动与成因

在华北、华南板块碰撞期间,郯庐断裂带究竟是何种边界仍是没有解决的重大地学问题,许多学者对此提出了不同的构造解释模式。关于郯庐断裂的平移距离仍存在着较大的分歧与有待深入研究之处。在华北、华南板块拼合之后,郯庐断裂带发生了一次大规模的左行平移,其糜棱岩的40Ar/39Ar年龄为132～119Ma,指示为早白垩世的平移活动,平移活动中伴生了强烈的岩浆活动。这期左行平移标志着中国东部构造的重大转折,是滨太平洋构造对前期古特提斯构造的叠加,其动力学机制为太平洋区伊佐奈岐板块突然出现的高速斜向俯冲。

全球大地热流研究进展

大地热流是表征地球热状态的重要地球物理参数,它记录了发生在地球深部各种作用过程和能量平衡的信息。大地热流的测量与汇编是固体地球物理学领域的基础性工作。本文对最近20年来全球大地热流研究的相关进展进行了综述,包括介绍近年来全球大地热流数据库建立和汇编情况,据此阐述了全球大地热流的分布规律及主控因素。继而重点对大陆和大洋热流研究中的若干重要概念或关键问题(如热流省、热流一生热率关系、壳幔热流配分系数、大洋岩石圈热演化模型和地下水循环等)、全球热量收支及其时空变化等方面进行了分析。最后,就全球热流汇编研究中需注意的问题以及今后的研究方向做了一些讨论。

关于板块运动启动时间的争论

"板块运动何时启动?"是当前重大和争议较大的科学问题。文章从超大陆研究、板块运动的地质学标志和热动力学数据模拟等3方面的研究进展介绍国际地学界对这一问题的不同认识。在分析各种不同观点的基础上,作者阐述了对该问题的倾向性认识,赞同地球板块构造不是在一个特定时期出现的独立全球"事件",即不是一个等时的重大热-构造事件的认识。但从新太古代开始,地球上已出现具有板块水平运动特征的俯冲作用。由于地幔温度的差异,早期的板块运动缺少深俯冲形成的高压和超高压变质记录,而从新元古代开始,出现与现代板块一致的动力学机制。因此,赞同大致以新元古代作为"原板块样式"和"现代样式"板块运动的转换时间。

含油气盆地地球动力学模式

文章讨论了含油气盆地地球动力学模式,其中着重讨论了以下几个问题:(1)沉积盆地地球动力学研究的进展,使得能够提出一种根据盆地所处的板块位置和地球动力学模型进行划分的含油气盆地分类;(2)尽管我们有一些古生代克拉通盆地的地球动力学模式,但其成因机制仍缺乏令人信服的解释;(3)通过大陆内裂谷火山岩化学成分、地温场、构造变形、岩石圈结构以及区域板块构造背景综合分析,我们建立了六种大陆裂谷形成的地球动力学模式;(4)前陆盆地的形成与其周缘造山带密切相关,其地球动力学模式是大陆岩石圈对褶皱冲断带构造负载的挠曲响应;(5)走滑伸展盆地与被走滑断层改造的伸展盆地十分相似,许多伸展盆地被认为是拉分盆地,因此需要综合平面和剖面标志可靠地鉴别它们。

现今板块运动模型的发展及其比较

从地质数据的不断完善到空间大地测量数据的广泛应用,现今板块运动模型的发展有了质的飞跃。评述了其现状与发展趋势;利用ITRF2005的速度场建立了一个完全基于现代空间大地测量实测结果的现今全球板块运动模型ITRF2005VEL,并与地质模型NNR-NUVEL1A进行了比较。结果表明,从整体上看ITRF2005VEL与NNR-NUVEL1A模型有较好的一致性,且较以往的ITRF序列的模型精度更高,但同时也存在着一定的差异性,这与观测台站、板块本身等相关因素都有关。

热点研究述评

热点假说在创立之初曾被拒绝发表，如今却是地学研究的前沿和热点课题，它给我们认识全球构造动力学机制提供了新思路。本文介绍了热点与地幔柱理论研究中的一些新认识及其存在争论的热点问题，如热点既有热的，也有不那么热的；既有干的，也有湿的；既有已达地表而出露的，也有正在上升而暂时隐伏的；既有热量的也有化学的，等等；认为它对于认识地球结构与深层次物质运动具有重要意义。板块学说主要涉及地球表层的水平运动，而热点不仅涉及表层更主要地提供了一种深部地幔物质上升的垂直运动机制。该理论在解释大陆溢流玄武岩、生物大灭绝、全球气候变化、海底滑坡、古陆再造等方面也取得重要进展，但也存在许多问题尚待深入研究。

印度与欧亚大陆碰撞构造变形数值分析

在全面考虑了大陆构造变形三重非线性特征的基础上，用动态有限元法研究了藏东对印度与欧亚大陆碰撞作用的大变形响应。数值模拟结果显示了明显的纵向收缩变形，变形主轴多具有顺时针转动的趋势，但横向位移在总体上并不显著。其最大值正位于红河和鲜水河断裂之间，这一结果论证了印度板块对欧亚大陆的碰撞可能是川滇菱形块体向南东运动的动力来源。红河、鲜水河、昆仑及阿尔金活断层在碰撞作用下发生了顺时针的旋转变形；而且，计算结果模拟出了红河断裂由左旋变为右旋，另３条断裂始终左旋的运动特征。

板块边界模型PB2002与建立中国板块边界模型的设想

介绍全球板块边界模型———PB2002的研究方法及其取得的成果。PB2002模型以海洋板块研究为主,在确定中国及周边地区边界时对中国地学界的研究成果参考很少。由于中国大陆地区地壳运动的复杂性,导致国内板块边界划分方法多样,考虑到边界模型多为小比例尺图或示意图的现实,提出了建立中国构造地块数字化边界模型的设想。思路是:针对不同的板块划分方法,分别建立相应边界模型。