Step-over of strike-slip faults and overpressure fluid favor occurrence of foreshocks:Insights from the 1975 Haicheng fore-main-aftershock sequence,China

This study analyzed and summarized in detail the spatial and temporal distributions of earthquakes,tidal responses,focal mechanisms,and stress field characteristics for the M 7.3 Haicheng earthquake sequence in February 1975.The foreshocks are related to the main fault and the conjugate faults surrounding the extension step-over in the middle.The initiation timing of the foreshock clusters and the original time of the mainshock were clearly modulated by the Earth's tidal force and coincided with the peak of dilational volumetric tidal strain.As a plausible and testable hypothesis,we proposed a fluid-driven foreshock model,by which all observed seismicity features can be more reasonably interpreted with respect to the results of existing models.Together with some other known examples,the widely existing step-over along strike-slip faults and associated conjugate faults,especially for extensional ones in the presence of deep fluids,favor the occurrence of short-term foreshocks.Although clustered seismicity with characteristics similar to those of the studied case is not a sufficient and necessary condition for large earthquakes to occur under similar tectonic conditions,it undoubtedly has a warning significance for the criticality of the main fault.Subsequent testing would require quantification of true/false positives/negatives.

Formation and evolution of the strike-slip faults in the central Sichuan Basin, SW China

Based on 3D seismic and drilling data, the timing, evolution and genetic mechanism of deep strike-slip faults in the central Sichuan Basin are thoroughly examined by using the U-Pb dating of fault-filled carbonate cement and seismic-geological analysis. The strike-slip fault system was initially formed in the Late Sinian, basically finalized in the Early Cambrian with dextral transtensional structure, was overlaid with at least one stage of transpressional deformation before the Permian, then was reversed into a sinistral weak transtensional structure in the Late Permian. Only a few of these faults were selectively activated in the Indosinian and later periods. The strike-slip fault system was affected by the preexisting structures such as Nanhuanian rifting normal faults and NW-striking deep basement faults. It is an oblique accommodated intracratonic transfer fault system developed from the Late Sinian to Early Cambrian to adjust the uneven extension of the Anyue trough from north to south and matches the Anyue trough in evolution time and intensity. In the later stage, multiple inversion tectonics and selective activation occurred under different tectonic backgrounds.

Control of strike-slip faults on Sinian carbonate reservoirs in Anyue gas field, Sichuan Basin, SW China

The largest Precambrian gas field (Anyue gas field) in China has been discovered in the central Sichuan Basin. However, the deep ancient Ediacaran (Sinian) dolomite presents a substantial challenge due to their tightness and heterogeneity, rather than assumed large-area stratified reservoirs controlled by mound-shoal microfacies. This complicates the characterization of “sweet spot” reservoirs crucial for efficient gas exploitation. By analyzing compiled geological, geophysical and production data, this study investigates the impact of strike-slip fault on the development and distribution of high-quality “sweet spot” (fractured-vuggy) reservoirs in the Ediacaran dolomite of the Anyue gas field. The dolomite matrix reservoir exhibits low porosity (less than 4%) and low permeability (less than 0.5×10^(-3) μm^(2)). Contrarily, fractures and their dissolution processes along strike-slip fault zone significantly enhance matrix permeability by more than one order of magnitude and matrix porosity by more than one time. Widespread “sweet spot” fracture-vuggy reservoirs are found along the strike-slip fault zone, formed at the end of the Ediacaran. These fractured reservoirs are controlled by the coupling mechanisms of sedimentary microfacies, fracturing and karstification. Karstification prevails at the platform margin, while both fracturing and karstification control high-quality reservoirs in the intraplatform, resulting in reservoir diversity in terms of scale, assemblage and type. The architecture of the strike-slip fault zone governed the differential distribution of fracture zones and the fault-controlled “sweet spot” reservoirs, leading to wide fractured-vuggy reservoirs across the strike-slip fault zone. In conclusion, the intracratonic weak strike-slip fault can play a crucial role in improving tight carbonate reservoir, and the strike-slip fault-related “sweet spot” reservoir emerges as a unique and promising target for the efficient development of deep hydrocarbon resources. Tailored development strategies need to be implemented for these reservoirs, considering the diverse and differential impacts exerted by strike-slip faults on the reservoirs.

Strike-Slip Faults and Their Control on Differential Hydrocarbon Enrichment in Carbonate Karst Reservoirs: A Case Study of Yingshan Formation on Northern Slope of Tazhong Uplift, Tarim Basin

Objective Oil and gas are abundant in the Ordovician Yingshan Formation carbonate karst reservoirs on the northern slope of Tazhong uplift in the Tarim Basin, and have extremely complicated oil-gas-water distribution, however. The difference in burial depth of the reservoirs between east and west sides is up to 1000 m. Water-bearing formations exist between oil- and gas-bearing formations vertically and water-producing wells are drilled between oil- and gas-producing wells. Macroscopically, oil and gas occur at low positions, while water occurs at high positiona on the northern slope of Tazhong uplift. The mechanism of differential hydrocarbon enrichment in heterogeneous reservoirs is by far not clarified, which has affected the efficient exploration and development of oil and gas fields in this area.

Decadal Seismicity before Great Earthquakes—Strike-Slip Faults and Plate Interiors: Major Asperities and Low-Coupling Zones

Decadal forerunning seismic activity is examined for very large, shallow earthquakes along strike-slip and intraplate faults of the world. It includes forerunning shocks of magnitude Mw ≥ 5.0 for 21 mainshocks of Mw 7.5 to 8.6 from 1989 to 2020. Much forerunning activity occurred at what are interpreted to be smaller asperities along the peripheries of the rupture zones of great mainshocks at transform faults and subduction zones. Several great asperities as ascertained from forerunning activity agree with the areas of high seismic slip as determined by others using geodetic, mapping of surface faulting, and finite-source seismic modeling. The zones of high slip in many great earthquakes were nearly quiescent beforehand and are identified as the sites of great asperities. Asperities are strong, well-coupled portions of plate interfaces. Different patterns of forerunning activity on time scales of up to 45 years are attributed to the sizes and spacing of asperities (or lack of). This permits at least some great asperities along transform faults to be mapped decades before they rupture in great shocks. Rupture zones of many great mainshocks along transform faults are bordered either along strike, at depth or regionally by zones of lower plate coupling including either fault creep forerunning activity, aftershocks and/or slow-slip events. Forerunning activity to transforms in continental areas is more widespread spatially than that adjacent to oceanic transforms. The parts of the San Andreas fault themselves that ruptured in great California earthquakes during 1812, 1857 and 1906 have been very quiet since 1920;moderate to large shocks have been concentrated on their peripheries. The intraplate shocks studied, however, exhibited few if any forerunning events, which is attributed to the short period of time studied compared to their repeat times. The detection of forerunning and precursory activities for various time scales should be sought on the peripheries of great asperities and not just along the major faults themselves. This paper compliments that on decadal forerunning activity to great and giant earthquakes along subduction zones.

Origin and growth mechanisms of strike-slip faults in the central Tarim cratonic basin, NW China

Through fault structure analysis and chronology study, we discuss the origin and growth mechanisms of strike-slip faults in the Tarim Basin.(1) Multiple stages strike-slip faults with inherited growth were developed in the central Tarim cratonic basin. The faults initiation time is constrained at the end of Middle Ordovician of about 460 Ma according to U-Pb dating of the fault cements and seismic interpretation.(2) The formation of the strike-slip faults was controlled by the near N-S direction stress field caused by far-field compression of the closing of the Proto-Tethys Ocean.(3) The faults localization and characteristics were influenced by the pre-existing structures of the NE trending weakening zones in the basement and lithofacies change from south to north.(4) Following the fault initiation under the Andersonian mechanism, the strike-slip fault growth was dominantly fault linkage, associated with fault tip propagation and interaction of non-Andersonian mechanisms.(5) Sequential slip accommodated deformation in the conjugate strike-slip fault interaction zones, strong localization of the main displacement and deformation occurred in the overlap zones in the northern Tarim, while the fault tips, particularly of narrow-deep grabens, and strike-slip segments in thrust zones accumulated more deformation and strain in the Central uplift. In conclusion, non-Andersonian mechanisms, dominantly fault linkage and interaction, resulted in the small displacement but long intraplate strike-slip fault development in the central Tarim Basin. The regional and localized field stress, and pre-existing structures and lithofacies difference had strong impacts on the diversity of the strike-slip faults in the Tarim cratonic basin.

Strain analysis of buried steel pipelines across strike-slip faults

Existing analytical methods of buried steel pipelines subjected to active strike-slip faults depended on a number of simplifications.To study the failure mechanism more accurately,a refined strain analytical methodology was proposed,taking the nonlinear characteristics of soil-pipeline interaction and pipe steel into account.Based on the elastic-beam and beam-on-elastic-foundation theories,the position of pipe potential destruction and the strain and deformation distributions along the pipeline were derived.Compared with existing analytical methods and three-dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis,the maximum axial total strains of pipe from the analytical methodology presented are in good agreement with the finite element results at small and intermediate fault movements and become gradually more conservative at large fault displacements.The position of pipe potential failure and the deformation distribution along the pipeline are fairly consistent with the finite element results.

Decomposition and Evolution of Intracontinental Strike-Slip Faults in Eastern Tibetan Plateau

Little attention had been paid to the intracontinental strike-slip faults of the Tibetan Plateau. Since the discovery of the Longriba fault using re-measured GPS data in 2003, an increasing amount of attention has been paid to this neglected fault. The local relief and transverse swath profile show that the Longriba fault is the boundary line that separates the high and flat tomography of the Tibet plateau from the high and precipitous tomography of Orogen. In addition, GPS data shows that the Longriba fault is the boundary line where the migratory direction of the Bayan Har block changed from eastward to southeastward. The GPS data shows that the Longriba fault is the boundary fault of the sub-blocks of the eastern Bayan Har block. We built three-dimensional models containing the Longriba fault and the middle segment of the Longmenshan fault, across the Bayan Har block and the Sichuan Basin. A nonlinear finite element method was used to simulate the fault behavior and the block deformation of the Eastern Tibetan Plateau. The results show that the low resistivity and low velocity layer acts as a detachment layer, which causes the overlying blocks to move southeastward. The detachment layer also controls the vertical and horizontal deformation of the rigid Bayan Har block and leads to accumulation strain on the edge of the layer where the Longmenshan thrust is located. After a sufficient amount of strain has been accumulated on the Longmenshan fault, a large earthquake occurs, such as the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. The strike slip activity of the Longriba fault, which is above the low resistivity and low velocity layer, partitions the lateral displacements of the Bayan Har block and adjusts the direction of motion of the Bayan Har block, from the eastward moving Ahba sub-block in the west to southeastward moving Longmenshan sub-block in the east. Four models with different depths to the Longriba fault were constructed： （1） a shallow fault with a depth of only 4 km, （2） a deeper fault that is half as deep as the Longmenshan fault, （3） a deep fault that is 2 km shallower than the low resistivity and low velocity layer, and （4） a fault that is as deep as the low resistivity and low velocity layer. The activity and influence of the Longriba fault with different development stage under this tectonic system were shown： in one Earthquake recurrence period, the rupture region of the fault increases with the depth of the fault, and the lateral slip partition by the fault also changes with the fault depth. It suggests that the Longriba fault is a newly generated fault that developed after the quick uplift in Late Cenozoic along this tectonic setting and gradually extended from the northwest to southeast. The calculations provide the characteristic of block deformation and fault behaviors of intra-continental strike-slip fault and major boundary thrust faults in the eastern margin of the Tibet plateau. Although the low resistivity and low velocity layer controls the deformation of the Bayan Hat block and the uplift of the Longmenshan thrust, the partition of the Longriba fault has an important influence on the intra-plate deformation and modern geomorphic evolution.

On the faults of western Hexi Corridor and its nearby regions, northwestern China: Thrust faults and strike-slip faults of Late Cenozoic

The structural analysis based on the explanation of seismic profiles indicates that a lot of thrust faults and strike-slip faults of Late Cenozoic occur in western Hexi Corridor and its nearby regions. They can be divided into two types. One is thrust faults dipping southwards and extending NWwards, which was mainly correlated with the thrusting of northern Qilianshan and located at the NE margin of Qilianshan and the southwestern Hexi Corridor, the other is thrust faults and strike-slip faults that were related to the strike-slipping of Altun fault and located mainly at the regions of Hongliuxia, Kuantaishan, and Helishan that are close to the Altun fault. All these faults, which were related to the remote effects of collision between the two continents of India and Tibet during the Late Eocene and later, started to develop since the Late Tertiary and presented the features of violent thrust or strike-slip movement in Quaternary. Many of them are still active up to now and thus belong to the active faults that are the potential inducement of earthquakes in the Hexi Corridor. Moreover, a lot of intense structural deformation and many morphology phenomena such as tectonic terrace and river offset were formed under the control of these faults in Quaternary.

Superimposed characteristics and genetic mechanism of strike-slip faults in the Bohai Sea, China

Based on the 3 D seismic structure interpretation of Bohai Sea, combined with physical modeling of structure, structural style analysis and apatite fission track simulation, the structural characteristics and genetic mechanism of the Cenozoic strike-slip faults in Bohai Sea were investigated. The results show that Tanlu strike-slip fault experienced three stages of strike-slip activities in the Cenozoic,and the transition from left-lateral strike to right-lateral strike-slip was completed at the end of the fourth member of the Shahejie Formation. The strike-slip faults in the Bohai Sea have the characteristics of multi-stage and multi-strength stress superposition. According to the superimposed forms of different strengths, different properties and different ratios, they can be divided into three major genetic types,extension and strike-slip superimposition, extension and extrusion superimposition, extrusion and strike-slip superimposition, and fifteen typical structure patterns. Affected by multiple changes in the direction and rate of subduction of the Cenozoic Pacific plate, the difference between the Cenozoic extension and the strike-slip in the Bohai Sea area leads to the diversity of the fault system and the zoning of the depression structure. According to superimposition features of faults, the Bohai Sea area can be divided into the Liaoxi S-type weak strike-slip zone, Liaodong braided strong strike-slip zone, Boxi conjugated medium strike-slip zone, Bodong brush structure medium strike-slip zone and Bonan parallel strong strike-slip zone. These zones differ in oil and gas accumulation features.

Seismic damage zone and width-throw scaling along the strike-slip faults in the Ordovician carbonates in the Tarim Basin

Understanding the scaling relation of damage zone width with displacement of faults is important for predicting subsurface faulting mechanisms and fluid flow processes. The understanding of this scaling relationship is influenced by the accuracy of the methods and types of data utilized to investigate faults. In this study, seismic reflection data are used to investigate the throw and damage zone width of five strike-slip faults a ecting Ordovician carbonates of the Tarim intracraton basin,NW China. The results indicate that fault slips with a throw less than 200 m had formed wide damage zones up to 3000 m in width. Also, damage zone width is found to have both a positive correlation and a power-law relation with throw of two orders of magnitude, with a ratio of these values varying in a range of 2–15. The relationship between throw and damage zone width is not a simple power-law and changes its slope from small to larger size faults. The results indicate that throw scales well with damage zone width for the studied faults, and hence these can be used to predict fault geometries in the Tarim Basin. The study of the wide carbonate damage zones presented here provides new insights into scaling of large-size faults, which involve multiple faulting stages.

Evolution of the deformation field and earthquake fracture precursors of strike-slip faults

Seismic hazard analysis is gaining increased attention in the present era because of the catastrophic effects of earthquakes.Scientists always have as a goal to develop new techniques that will help forecast earthquakes before their reoccurrence. In this research,we have performed a shear failure experiment on rock samples with prefabricated cracks to simulate the process of plate movement that forms strike-slip faults. We studied the evolution law of the deformation field to simulate the shear failure experiment, and these results gave us a comprehensive understanding of the elaborate strain distribution law and its formation process with which to identify actual fault zones. We performed uniaxial compression tests on marble slabs with prefabricated double shear cracks to study the distribution and evolution of the deformation field during shear failure. Analysis of the strain field at different loading stages showed that with an increase in the load, the shear strain field initially changed to a disordered-style distribution. Further, the strain field was partially concentrated and finally completely concentrated near the crack and then distributed in the shape of a strip along the crack. We also computed coefficients of variation(CVs) for the physical quantities u, v, and exy, which varied with the load. The CV curves were found to correspond to the different loading stages. We found that at the uniform deformation stage, the CV value was small and changed slowly,whereas at the later nonuniform deformation stage, the CV value increased sharply and changed abruptly. Therefore, the precursor to a rock sample breakdown can be predicted by observing the variation characteristics of CV statistics. The correlation we found between our experimental and theoretical results revealed that our crack evolution and sample deformation results showed good coupling with seismic distribution characteristics near the San Andreas Fault.

Effects of Intracratonic Strike-slip Fault on the Differentiation of Carbonate Microfacies: A Case Study of a Permian Platform Margin in the Sichuan Basin(SW China)

In intracratnoic basins, the effect of strike-slip faults on sedimentary microfacies is generally underestimated due to their small scale. Based on the integration of core, well logs, and three-dimensional seismic data, this study presents a comprehensive analysis of the Permian carbonate platform and strike-slip faults in the southwestern Kaijiang-Liangping trough of the Sichuan Basin. The relationship between strike-slip faults and Permian carbonate microfacies is investigated. The results reveals the existence of a NW-trending strike-slip fault zone along the platform margin, exhibiting clear segmentation. The western side of the study area exhibits a rimmed platform margin characterized by type I reefs, which corresponds to the presence of a large-scale strike-slip fault zone. In contrast, the eastern side is characterized by a norimmed and weak rimmed platform margin, accompanied by type II reefs, which align with smaller strike-slip fault zones. It was found that the strike-slip fault had some effects on the platform and reef-shoal complex of the Permain Changxing Formation. First, the platform was divided by strike-slip fault into three segments to show rimmed, week rimmed and norimmed platform. Second, reef-shoal complex devolped along the faulted high position in the strike-slip fault zone, and separated by faulted depression. Third, strike-slip faults can offset or migrated the reef-shoal complex and platform margin. Additionally, the thickness of the platform margin varies across strike-slip fault zone, which is related to the activity of strike-slip faults. The strike-slip faults affect the microfacies by controlling the pre-depositional paleotopography. This case suggests that the strike-slip faults play a crucial role in the diversity and distribution of carbonate microfacies in the intracratonic basin.

Semi-analytical solution for mechanical analysis of tunnels crossing strike-slip fault zone considering nonuniform fault displacement and uncertain fault plane position

The tunnel subjected to strike-slip fault dislocation exhibits severe and catastrophic damage.The existing analysis models frequently assume uniform fault displacement and fixed fault plane position.In contrast,post-earthquake observations indicate that the displacement near the fault zone is typically nonuniform,and the fault plane position is uncertain.In this study,we first established a series of improved governing equations to analyze the mechanical response of tunnels under strike-slip fault dislocation.The proposed methodology incorporated key factors such as nonuniform fault displacement and uncertain fault plane position into the governing equations,thereby significantly enhancing the applicability range and accuracy of the model.In contrast to previous analytical models,the maximum computational error has decreased from 57.1%to 1.1%.Subsequently,we conducted a rigorous validation of the proposed methodology by undertaking a comparative analysis with a 3D finite element numerical model,and the results from both approaches exhibited a high degree of qualitative and quantitative agreement with a maximum error of 9.9%.Finally,the proposed methodology was utilized to perform a parametric analysis to explore the effects of various parameters,such as fault displacement,fault zone width,fault zone strength,the ratio of maximum fault displacement of the hanging wall to the footwall,and fault plane position,on the response of tunnels subjected to strike-slip fault dislocation.The findings indicate a progressive increase in the peak internal forces of the tunnel with the rise in fault displacement and fault zone strength.Conversely,an augmentation in fault zone width is found to contribute to a decrease in the peak internal forces.For example,for a fault zone width of 10 m,the peak values of bending moment,shear force,and axial force are approximately 46.9%,102.4%,and 28.7% higher,respectively,compared to those observed for a fault zone width of 50 m.Furthermore,the position of the peak internal forces is influenced by variations in the ratio of maximum fault displacement of the hanging wall to footwall and the fault plane location,while the peak values of shear force and axial force always align with the fault plane.The maximum peak internal forces are observed when the footwall exclusively bears the entirety of the fault displacement,corresponding to a ratio of 0:1.The peak values of bending moment,shear force,and axial force for the ratio of 0:1 amount to approximately 123.8%,148.6%,and 111.1% of those for the ratio of 0.5:0.5,respectively.

Three-dimensional structural models,evolution and petroleum geological significances of transtensional faults in the Ziyang area,central Sichuan Basin,SW China

With drilling and seismic data of Transtensional(strike-slip)Fault System in the Ziyang area of the central Sichuan Basin,SW China plane-section integrated structural interpretation,3-D fault framework model building,fault throw analyzing,and balanced profile restoration,it is pointed out that the transtensional fault system in the Ziyang 3-D seismic survey consists of the northeast-trending F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones dominated by extensional deformation,as well as 3 sets of northwest-trending en echelon normal faults experienced dextral shear deformation.Among them,the F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones cut through the Neoproterozoic to Lower Triassic Jialingjiang Formation,presenting a 3-D structure of an“S”-shaped ribbon.And before Permian and during the Early Triassic,the F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones underwent at least two periods of structural superimposition.Besides,the 3 sets of northwest-trending en echelon normal faults are composed of small normal faults arranged in pairs,with opposite dip directions and partially left-stepped arrangement.And before Permian,they had formed almost,restricting the eastward growth and propagation of the F_(I)19 fault zone.The F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones communicate multiple sets of source rocks and reservoirs from deep to shallow,and the timing of fault activity matches well with oil and gas generation peaks.If there were favorable Cambrian-Triassic sedimentary facies and reservoirs developing on the local anticlinal belts of both sides of the F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones,the major reservoirs in this area are expected to achieve breakthroughs in oil and gas exploration.

The Middle and Lower Cambrian salt tectonics in the central Tarim Basin,China:A case study based on strike-slip fault characterization

Due to the considerable depth of the salt layers and the lack of calibration by exploratory drilling,the interpretation of the Middle and Lower Cambrian salt formations in the central Tarim Basin poses a challenge.In this paper,we apply the coupling and decoupling deformation theory in salt tectonics to analyze the No.7 fault mapped in the seismic datasets by the response characteristics of the Middle and Lower Cambrian layers.By quantifying the stratigraphic framework of the Middle and Lower Cambrian strata,we define the position of the salt layer with the seismic data.Structural decoupling is observed in the Middle and Lower Cambrian sequences in the Shuntuoguole Low Uplift,while deformation coupling is observed in these two sequences in the Shaya Uplift.

Path-Following Control With Obstacle Avoidance of Autonomous Surface Vehicles Subject to Actuator Faults

This paper investigates the path-following control problem with obstacle avoidance of autonomous surface vehicles in the presence of actuator faults,uncertainty and external disturbances.Autonomous surface vehicles inevitably suffer from actuator faults in complex sea environments,which may cause existing obstacle avoidance strategies to fail.To reduce the influence of actuator faults,an improved artificial potential function is constructed by introducing the lower bound of actuator efficiency factors.The nonlinear state observer,which only depends on measurable position information of the autonomous surface vehicle,is used to address uncertainties and external disturbances.By using a backstepping technique and adaptive mechanism,a path-following control strategy with obstacle avoidance and fault tolerance is designed which can ensure that the tracking errors converge to a small neighborhood of zero.Compared with existing results,the proposed control strategy has the capability of obstacle avoidance and fault tolerance simultaneously.Finally,the comparison results through simulations are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Deep-large faults controlling on the distribution of the venting gas hydrate system in the middle of the Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea

Many locations with concentrated hydrates at vents have confirmed the presence of abundant thermogenic gas in the middle of the Qiongdongnan Basin(QDNB).However,the impact of deep structures on gasbearing fluids migration and gas hydrates distribution in tectonically inactive regions is still unclear.In this study,the authors apply high-resolution 3D seismic and logging while drilling(LWD)data from the middle of the QDNB to investigate the influence of deep-large faults on gas chimneys and preferred gasescape pipes.The findings reveal the following:(1)Two significant deep-large faults,F1 and F2,developed on the edge of the Songnan Low Uplift,control the dominant migration of thermogenic hydrocarbons and determine the initial locations of gas chimneys.(2)The formation of gas chimneys is likely related to fault activation and reactivation.Gas chimney 1 is primarily arises from convergent fluid migration resulting from the intersection of the two faults,while the gas chimney 2 benefits from a steeper fault plane and shorter migration distance of fault F2.(3)Most gas-escape pipes are situated near the apex of the two faults.Their reactivations facilitate free gas flow into the GHSZ and contribute to the formation of fracture‐filling hydrates.

Gouge stability controlled by temperature elevation and obsidian addition in basaltic faults and implications for moonquakes

Basalt is a major component of the earth and moon crust.Mineral composition and temperature influence frictional instability and thus the potential for seismicity on basaltic faults.We performed velocitystepping shear experiments on basalt gouges at a confining pressure of 100 MPa,temperatures in the range of 100-400℃ and with varied obsidian mass fractions of 0-100%under wet/dry conditions to investigate the frictional strength and stability of basaltic faults.We observe a transition from velocity-neutral to velocity-weakening behaviors with increasing obsidian content.The frictional stability response of the mixed obsidian/basalt gouges is characterized by a transition from velocitystrengthening to velocity-weakening at 200℃ and another transition to velocity-strengthening at temperatures>300℃.Conversely,frictional strengths of the obsidian-bearing gouges are insensitive to temperature and wet/dry conditions.These results suggest that obsidian content dominates the potential seismic response of basaltic faults with the effect of temperature controlling the range of seismogenic depths.Thus,shallow moonquakes tend to occur in the lower lunar crust due to the corresponding anticipated higher glass content and a projected temperature range conducive to velocity-weakening behavior.These observations contribute to a better understanding of the nucleation mechanism of shallow seismicity in basaltic faults.