Lacustrine sedimentary responses to earthquakes—soft-sediment deformation structures since late Pleistocene:A review of current understanding

The traces left by earthquakes in lacustrine sediments are studied to determine the occurrence of ancient earthquakes by identifying seismically induced soft-sediment deformation structures(SSDS).Dating can help reconstruct the relative frequency of earthquakes.Identifying seismically induced seismites,which carry abundant seismic information from numerous SSDS,is both critical and challenging.Studying the deformation mechanism of SSDS and learning about the common criteria of seismically induced SSDS improve the identification of earthquake triggers.With better research into SSDS,seismic events can be effectively captured,and temporal constraints can be carried out by 14C dating and optically stimulated luminescence(OSL)dating to identify and date the occurrence of ancient earthquakes.The present contribution primarily addresses the meaning and mechanism of SSDS and their relationship with earthquake magnitude as well as the common criteria of the SSDS induced by earthquakes.

Mechanical responses of underground carriageway structures due to construction of metro tunnels beneath the existing structure:A case study

To understand the mechanical response pattern of the existing structure and ground due to the construction of metro tunnels underneath,the finite difference method is adopted to study the torsional deformation and stress variation of the existing structure and the effect of underground carriageway structures on the surface subsidence.The curves of the maximum differential subsidence,torsion angle,and distortion of the cross-section of the existing structure show two peaks in succession during traversing of two metro tunnels beneath it.The torsion angle of the existing structure changes when the two tunnels traverse beneath it in opposite directions.The first traversing of the shield tunnel mainly induces the magnitude variation in torsional deformation of the existing structure,but the second traversing of the subsurface tunnel may cause a dynamic change in the magnitude and form of torsional deformation in the existing structure.The shielding effect can reduce the surface subsidence caused by metro tunnel excavation to a certain extent,and the development trend of subsidence becomes slower as the excavation continues.

Superplastic extensibility deformation of Al-3%Mn alloy with submicrometer grain size

Submicrometer-grained （SMG） Al-3%Mn （mass fraction） alloy specimens with initial grain size of -0.3 μm were produced by ball milling for 3 h. The Al-3%Mn specimens which were cold rolled with a strain rate of 1×10^-3- 1×10^-2 s-1 at room temperature show high extensibility to failure more than 2500%. Microstructures of pure Al and Al-3%Mn alloy at as-milled and cold-rolled state were examined using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. Based on the microstructure analysis, it is established that the mechanism of the continued plastic deformation in SMG Al-3%Mn alloy consists of dislocation slip, grain boundary sliding companied by dynamic recovery and recrystallization, and dynamic recrystallization is a main control factor of the large plastic deformation.

^(40)Ar/^(39)Ar Dating of Deformation Events and Reconstruction of Exhumation of Ultrahigh-Pressure Metamorphic Rocks in Donghai, East China

Recent investigations reveal that the ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic (UHPM) rocks in the Donghai region of East China underwent ductile and transitional ductile-brittle structural events during their exhumation. The earlier ductile deformation took place under the condition of amphibolite facies and the later transitional ductile-brittle deformation under the condition of greenschist facies. The hanging walls moved southeastward during both of these two events. The 40Ar/39Ar dating of muscovites from muscovite-plagioclase schists in the Haizhou phosphorous mine, which are structurally overlain by UHPM rocks, yields a plateau age of 218.0±2.9 Ma and isochron age of 219.8Ma, indicating that the earlier event of the ampibolite-facies deformation probably took place about 220 Ma ago. The 40Ar/39Ar dating of oriented amphiboles parallel to the movement direction of the hanging wall on a decollement plane yields a plateau age of 213.1±0.3 Ma and isochron age of 213.4±4.1 Ma, probably representing the age of the later event. The dating of pegmatitic biotites and K-feldspars near the decollement plane from the eastern Fangshan area yield plateau ages of 203.4±0.3 Ma, 203.6±0.4 Ma and 204.8±2.2 Ma, and isochron ages of 204.0±2.0 Ma, 200.6±3.1 Ma and 204.0±5.0 Ma, respectively, implying that the rocks in the studied area had not been cooled down to closing temperature of the dated biotites and K-feldspars until the beginning of the Jurassic (about 204 Ma). The integration of these data with previous chronological ages on the ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism lead to a new inference on the exhumation of the UHPM rocks. The UHPM rocks in the area were exhumed at the rate of 3-4 km/Ma from the mantle (about 80-100 km below the earth's surface at about 240 Ma) to the lower crust (at the depth of about 20-30km at 220 Ma), and at the rate of 1-2 km/Ma to the middle crust (at the depth of about 15 km at 213 Ma), and then at the rate of less than 1 km/Ma to the upper crust about 10 km deep at about 204 Ma.

A Preliminary Study on the Soft–Sediment Deformation Structures in the Late Quaternary Lacustrine Sediments at Tashkorgan, Northeastern Pamir, China

This study identified soft-sediment deformation structures （SSDS） of seismic origin from lacustrine sediments in the late Quaternary paleo-dammed lake at Tashkorgan, northeastern Pamir. The observed deformation structures include sand dykes, liquefied diapir and convolute structures, gravity induced SSDS, and thixotropic pillar and tabular structures. We conducted a preliminary study on the morphology, formation and trigger mechanisms of pillar and tabular structures formed by liquefaction of underlying coarse sand and thixotropy of the upper silty clay. The regional tectonic setting and distribution of lacustrine strata indicate that the most probable trigger for the SSDS in lacustrine sediments was seismic activity, with an approximate earthquake magnitude of M〉6.0; the potential seismogenic fault is the southern part of the Kongur normal fault extensional system. AMS ^4C dating results indicate that the SSDS were formed by seismic events occurring between 26050±100 yrBP and 22710±80 yrBP, implying intense fault activity in this region during the late Pleistocene. This study provides new evidence for understanding tectonic activity and regional geodynamics in western China.

Numerical Simulations of Structural Deformation and Fluid Flow in Xiangshan Deposit

The Xiangshan deposit in Jiangxi province is one of the most important uranium deposits in China. The aim of this study is to achieve a better understanding of mineralization in the Xiangshan deposit through numerical simulation. In order to find the most favorable locations of mineralization and to help further mineral exploration, a coupling deforma- tion and fluid flow model has been established to describe the mineralization process. In this model, the simulation re- constructs the strata deformations under fields of compressive stress and thrust structure on the hanging wall of the Zou-Shi fault. Compared with practical information, the simulation results are consistent with the No. 51 exploration section of the western Xiangshan. In addition, on the basis of geological information provided by previous investigators, the model simulates the flow process of fluids under compressive stress fields. The result suggests that many tensional areas are formed, which can help the fluid flowing upward from deeper parts. The fluid is easy to concentrate on the breccia fractured zone between two volcanic layers, especially on the intersection parts with faults, resulting in the for- mation of favourable locations of mineralization. In addition, the model is significant in guiding the exploration of ura- nium deposits in the western Xiangshan and provides clues for further exploration of deposits.

Vertical Differential Structural Deformation of the Main Strike-slip Fault Zones in the Shunbei Area,Central Tarim Basin:Structural Characteristics,Deformation Mechanisms,and Hydrocarbon Accumulation Significance

Vertical differential structural deformation(VDSD),one of the most significant structural characteristics of strike-slip fault zones(SSFZs)in the Shunbei area,is crucial for understanding deformation in the SSFZ and its hydrocarbon accumulation significance.Based on drilling data and high-precision 3-D seismic data,we analyzed the geometric and kinematic characteristics of the SSFZs in the Shunbei area.Coupled with the stratification of the rock mechanism,the structural deformations of these SSFZs in different formations were differentiated and divided into four deformation layers.According to comprehensive structural interpretations and comparisons,three integrated 3-D structural models could describe the VDSD of these SSFZs.The time-space coupling of the material basis(rock mechanism stratification),changing dynamic conditions(e.g.,changing stress-strain states),and special deformation mechanism of the en echelon normal fault array uniformly controlled the formation of the VDSD in the SSFZs of the Shunbei area.The VDSD of the SSFZs in this area controlled the entire hydrocarbon accumulation process.Multi-stage structural superimposing deformation influenced the hydrocarbon migration,accumulation,distribution,preservation,and secondary adjustments.

Structural deformation and fluid flow from East Sichuan to the northwestern periphery of the Xuefeng Uplift,China

Hydrocarbon preservation conditions have restricted exploration in the Middle and Upper Yangtze,and structural deformation and fluid activity have played an important role in the origin and preservation of oil and gas.In order to study that how the deformation and fluid activity impact the hydrocarbon preservation,we did some field work and collected some calcite vein samples for analysis of deformation periods using acoustic emission and fluid inclusions.Combined with previous studies,the strata distribution,tectonic deformation and fluid characteristics show that there are three structural belts in the study area：East Sichuan,West Hunan and Hubei and the northwestern periphery of the Xuefeng Uplift,and that their tectonic deformation style,fluid inclusion characteristics and hydrocarbon preservation are different.The breakthrough thrusts were well developed in the anticline core,and a lot of hydrocarbon inclusions were found in calcite veins around the thrusts in East Sichuan.The breakthrough thrusts were only in the syncline core in West Hunan and Hubei,and the brine inclusions did not contain hydrocarbon in calcite veins around the thrusts.Many breakthrough thrusts were found in the northwestern periphery of the Xuefeng Uplift,where there were only rare calcite veins.The deformation and hydrocarbon inclusion indicated that when there was no fault breakthrough in East Sichuan,the Paleozoic covered by the Triassic regional cap was good for hydrocarbon preservation.The strata above the Lower Paleozoic were denuded,and lots of brine inclusions and deep infiltration of surface water were found in the West Hunan and Hubei,so only the part of the syncline area with a well developed Silurian regional cap had good preservation conditions.Intense tectonic movements and denudation were widely developed in the northwestern periphery of the Xuefeng Uplift,where there were only paleo-reservoirs,non-hydrocarbon fluid activity and poor preservation conditions.

The Seismic Induced Soft Sediment Deformation Structures in the Middle Jurassic of Western Qaidamu Basin

Intervals of soft-sediment deformation structures are well-exposed in Jurassic lacustrine deposits in the western Qaidamu basin. Through field observation, many soft-sediment deformation structures can be identified, such as convoluted bedding, liquefied sand veins, load and flame structures, slump structures and sliding-overlapping structures. Based on their genesis, soft-sediment deformation structures can be classified as three types： seismic induced structures, vertical loading structures, and horizontal shear structures. Based on their geometry and genesis analysis, they are seismic-induced structures. According to the characteristics of convoluted bedding structures and liquefied sand veins, it can be inferred that there were earthquakes greater than magnitude 6 in the study area during the middle Jurassic. Furthermore, the study of the slump structures and sliding- overlapping structures indicates that there was a southeastern slope during the middle Jurassic. Since the distance from the study area to the Altyn Mountain and the Altyn fault is no more than 10km, it can be also inferred that the Altyn Mountain existed then and that the AItyn strike-slip fault was active during the middle Jurassic.

Earthquake-induced Soft-sediment Deformation Structures in the Dengfeng Area,Henan Province,China:Constraints on Qinling Tectonic Evolution during the Early Cambrian

Soft-sediment deformation structures are abundant in the Cambrian Zhushadong and Mantou formations of the Dengfeng area, Henan Province, China. Soft-sediment deformation structures of the Zhushadong Formation consist of fluidized deformation, synsedimentary faults, seismo-folds and plastic deformation; the Mantou Formation is dominated by small-scale horst faults, intruded dikes, fluidized veins, and seismo-cracks. These structures are demonstrated to be earthquake-related by analysis of trigger mechanisms, and may indicate the activity of the Qinling tectonic belt during the early Cambrian. Furthermore, the assemblages of soft-sediment deformation structures altered with time： large-scale, intense deformation in the Zhushadong Formation alters to small-scale, weak deformation in the Mantou Formation. This striking feature may have been caused by changes in hypocentral depth from deep-focus to shallow-focus earthquakes, indicating that the Qinling tectonic belt developed from the subduction of the Shangdan Ocean to the extension of the Erlangping back-arc basin. This study suggests that soft-sediment deformation structures can be used to reveal the activity of a tectonic belt, and, more importantly, changes in deformation assemblages can track the evolution of a tectonic belt.

Deformation Behavior and Formability of Gradient Nano-grained AISI 304 Stainless Steel Processed by Ultrasonic Impact Treatment

The deformation behavior and formability of gradient nano-grained（GNG） AISI 304 stainless steel in uniaxial and biaxial states were investigated by means of tensile test and small punch test（SPT）. The GNG top layer was fabricated on coarse grains（CG） AISI 304 by ultrasonic impact treatment. The results showed that the CG substrate could effectively suppress the strain localization of NC in GNG layer, and an approximate linear relationship existed between the thickness of substrate（h） and uniform true strain before necking（ε_（unif））. Grain growth of NC was observed at the stress state with high Stress triaxiality T, which led to better ductility of GNG/CG 304 in SPT, as well as similar true strain after the onset of necking（ε_（neck）） compared with coarse 304 in tensile test. Ei-values of GNG/CG 304 with different structures were nearly the same at different punch speeds, and good formability of GNG/CG 304 was demonstrated. However, punch speed and microstructure needed to be optimized to avoid much lost of membrane strain region in biaxial stress state.

Dynamic Analysis of Deformational Structures of the Xianniishan Fault Zone in the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River

Field investigation and laboratory work reveal that inhomogeneity of the deformation of the Xiannushan fault is mainly characterized by lateral zonation, longitudinal segmentation and downward stratification. Based on these results, a 3-D deformational structure model of the fault was established and its geometrical and kinematic characteristics in two main deformational stages i.e. the main Yanshanian and Himalayan were discussed. The directions of principal and the differential stresses in these two stages were determined by using conjugate joints, striations of fault planes and microstructures of the fault zone. The direction of σI is N-S in direction with differential stresses of 150-250 MPa in the Yanshanian, and N70E with a differential stress ranging from 80-120 MPa in the Himalayan.

Deformation tests and failure process analysis of an anchorage structure

In order to study the failure process of an anchorage structure and the evolution law of the body＇s defor- mation field, anchor push-out tests were carried out based on digital speckle correlation methods （DSCM）. The stress distribution of the anchorage interface was investigated using the particle flow numerical simulation method. The results indicate that there are three stages in the deformation and fail- ure process of an anchorage structure： elastic bonding stage, a de-bonding stage and a failure stage. The stress distribution in the interface controls the stability of the structure. In the elastic bonding stage, the shear stress peak point of the interface is close to the loading end, and the displacement field gradually develops into a ＂V＂ shape, in the de-bonding stage, there is a shear stress plateau in the center of the anchorage section, and shear strain localization begins to form in the deformation field. In the failure stage, the bonding of the interface fails rapidly and the shear stress peak point moves to the anchorage free end. The anchorage structure moves integrally along the macro-cracl~ The de-bonding stage is a research focus in the deformation and failure process of an anchorage structure, and plays an important guiding role in roadway support design and prediction of the stability of the surrounding rock.

ROLE OF UNDERGROUND STRUCTURE DEFORMATION VELOCITY IN THE ANALYSIS OF BLAST-RESISTANT STRUCTURES

The structural deformation velocity plays a significant role in the dynamic calculation of underground blast-resistant structures. The motion differentiating equation of a structure system taking into account the role of deformation velocity of the structure will truthfully describe the actual situation of structural vibration. With the one-dimensional plane wave theory, the expression of load on the structural periphery is developed, and the generalized variation principle for the dynamic analysis of underground arched-bar structures is given. At the same time, the results of the numerical calculation are compared.

Structure and Deformation of Intermetallic Beryllides

Intermetallic beryllides are potential light-weight, high-temperature structural materials. In this paper. the processing techniques, microstructure. deformation, and oxidation properties of intermetallic beryllides are described. In addition to nickel beryllides (NiBe). which is treated as a model system.other high beryllium-containing refractory beryllides, such as Nb2 Be17. VBe12. are also studied.The room temperature deformation and high-temperature creep properties of these beryllides are repor4ed. At room temperature. NiBe exhibits certain tensile ductility (~ 1 .3%). but all other beryllides are essentially brittle. Nonetheless, these beryllides become ductile at temperatures above approximately 1000℃. Their creep properties are presented. The creep properties are compared with those of intermetallic aluminides. Also. a comparison is made between the ductile-to-brittle transition behaviour of intermetallic beryllides and that of aluminides. Although beryllides are generally oxidation resistant at high temperatures, some beryllides, e.g., ZrBe13, suffer the pest reaction during oxidation at intermediate tem peratures. The pest mechanisms are proposed

Deformation and Dislocation Structure in L1_2 Titanium Trialuminide Alloys

The deformation behaviour and the nature of dislocations of the Al3Ti-base L12 alloya modified with Fe and Mn etc, were investigated. The results show that the deformation and fracture character istics are closely related to the alloy compositions. The effect of hot-working process on the room tem perature ductility is remarkable, not only resulting in an appreciable improvement of compressive properties but also showing a 0.28% plastic strain in tensile test. The SISF dissociation of a < 110>dislocations on {111} planes was found at room temperature. The determined dissociation scheme is consistent with the mechanical behaviour of these alloys in the lower temperature region.

Structural deformation of nitro group of nitromethane molecule in liquid phase in an intense femtosecond laser field

The structural deformation of NO2 group induced by an intense femtosecond laser field of liquid nitromethane（NM）molecule is detected by time-and frequency-resolved coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy（CARS） technique with the intense pump laser. Here, we present the mechanism of molecular alignment and deformation. The CARS spectra and its FFT spectra of liquid NM show that the NO2 torsional mode couples with the CN symmetric stretching mode and that the NO2 group undergoes ultrafast structural deformation with a relaxation time of 195 fs. The frequency of the NO2 torsional mode in liquid NM（50.8±0.3 cm^-1） at room temperature is found. Our results prove the structural deformation of two groups in liquid NM molecule occur simultaneously in the intense laser field.

Soft Sediment Deformation Structures in the Maastrichtian Patti Formation, Southern Bida Basin Nigeria: Implications for the Assessment of Endogenic Triggers in the Maastrichtian Sedimentary Record

Detailed fieldwork carried out in the southern part of Bida Basin, Nigeria, allowed the documentation of soft sediment deformation structures (SSDS) in the Maastrichtian Patti Formation. The aim of this study is to examine the sedimentary successions, describe and analyse these deformation features, discuss their deformation mechanisms and potential triggers. The Maastrichtian Patti Formation is composed of lithofacies interpreted to have been deposited in tidal and fluvial sedimentary environments. Soft sediment deformation structures recognised in the tidal sediments were clastic dykes, load cast, isolated sand balls, dish-and-pillar structures, convolute lamination, diapiric structures and recumbent folds. Severely deformed cross beds, ring structures, associated sand balls, normal folds and recumbent folds were identified in the fluvial sediments. SSDS recognised were interpreted to have been caused by effects of liquefaction and fluidization. Field observations, facies analysis and morphology of the SSDS indicate that there are relationship between the depositional environments and SSDS. Endogenic processes are considered as the trigger agents and they are represented by rapid sedimentation and overloading, impact of breaking waves, pressure fluctuations caused by turbulent water flow, cyclic stress and current generated by storm waves and changes in water table. The present study did not identify exogenic processes as trigger agent. The occurrence of SSDS in southern Bida Basin strongly favoured a non-tectonic origin but a clear relationship high energy processes in tidal and fluvial depositional environments.

AN ANALYTICAL METHOD FOR SOLVING INTERNAL FORCES AND DEFORMATIONS OF BAR-SYSTEM STRUCTURE IN SPACE

In this paper, based on the idea of finite element method, the initial parametric method in bending, problem of a beam is extended to analyse the bar-system structure by employing Dirac function and llcavisidc step function.Then a new method for analysing the internal forces and deformations of bar-system structure in space is suggested by improving the mixed method in statically indeterminate structure.The inferred process and obtained answer will be more succinct and accurate when the problem of internal forces and deformations of bar-system structure is analysed by using the new method provided in this paper.

Deformation mechanism and hydrocarbon significance of Eocene organic-rich fine-grained soft sediments in the Leijia Region,Liaohe Depression

The deformation structure of soft sediments has always been a research hotspot,which is of great significance for analyzing the tectonic and sedimentary evolution background of a basin,as well as the physical properties of reservoirs.Previous studies have reported that a large number of soft sediment deformation structures are developed in the western part of Liaohe depression.In this study,through core observation and thin section identification,various types of deformation structures are identified in the core samples which are collected from the upper Es4 in the Leijia region,western sag of Liaohe depression,such as liquefied dikes,liquefied breccia,convoluted laminae,annular bedding,synsedimentary faults,vein structures,etc.Based on the characteristics of core structure,single well profile and continuous well profile,combined with the regional background,this study clarifies that the deformation structure of soft sediments in the study area is mainly caused by seismic action.It is found that the permeability and porosity of deformation layers in the study area are higher than those of the undeformation layers,which proves that the deformation structure of soft sediments has a good effect on improving the physical properties of reservoirs.