Search

To constrain models on global sea-level change regional proxy data on coastal change are indispensable. Here, we reconstruct the Holocene sea-level history of the northernmost China Sea shelf. This region is of great interest owing to its apparent far-field position during the late Quaternary, its broad shelf and its enormous sediment load supplied by the Yellow River. This study generated 25 sea-level index points for the central Bohai coastal plain through the study of 15 sediment cores and their sedimentary facies, foraminiferal assemblages and radiocarbon dating the basal peat. The observational data were compared with sea-level predictions obtained from global glacio-isostatic adjustment (GIA) models and with published sea-level data from Sunda shelf, Tahiti and Barbados. Our observational data indicate a phase of rapid sea-level rise from c. −17 to −4 m between c. 10 and 5 ka with a peak rise of 6.4 mm a−1 during 8.7 to 7.5 ka and slower rise of 1.9 mm a−1 during 7.5 to 5.3 ka followed by a phase of slow rise from 5 to 2 ka (∼0.4 mm a−1 from −3.58 m at 5.3 ka cal BP to −2.15 m at 2.3 ka cal BP). The comparison with the sea-level predictions for the study area and the published sea-level data is insightful: in the early Holocene, Bohai Bay's sea-level rise is dominated by a combination of the eustatic and the water load components causing the levering of the broad shelf. In the mid to late Holocene the rise is dominated by a combination of tectonic subsidence and fluvial sediment load, which masks the mid-Holocene highstand recorded elsewhere in the region.

Coasts in tectonically active regions face varying threat levels as land subsides or uplifts relative to rising sea levels. We review the processes influencing relative sea-level change in New Zealand, and the geological context behind ongoing land movements, focussing on major population centres. Whilst Holocene sea levels have been reconstructed using a variety of techniques, recent work uses salt-marsh microfossil assemblages to reconstruct relative sea-level changes over the past few centuries. For the twentieth century, these proxy-based studies often show enhanced rates of sea-level rise relative to tide-gauge observations. The effects of tectonic subsidence must be considered, alongside vertical and dating uncertainties in the sea-level reconstructions. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) observations for the past few decades show that vertical land movement (VLM) may be influencing rates of relative sea-level rise. However, the short period of GPS observations, during which trends and rates have varied at some localities, raises questions over the longer-term contribution of VLM to sea-level change over the past few centuries and for future projections. We argue that high-resolution palaeo-sea-level reconstructions from salt-marsh sedimentary sequences can help to answer these questions regarding the interplay between sea-level change and VLM at key locations.

Extensional systems of back-arc basins have been widely recognized and studied in SE Asia, however the interactions between extensional tectonics and spatial-temporal distributions of tectonic subsidence in an active back-arc basin are poorly known. Using a backstripping technique, we analysed 33 multichannel seismic profiles to calculate the Neogene tectonic subsidence across the entire Okinawa Trough (OT) for the first time. Reconstruction of the tectonic subsidence shows that the OT can be roughly divided into four subsidence stages with variable rate. By comparing the temporal-spatial distribution of the intensive subsidence area, we confirmed that rifting events first occurred in the northern segment (NOT) and middle segment (MOT) from the Miocene to Late Pliocene, and then propagated to the southern segment (SOT) after the Late Pliocene. The factors controlling the rapid tectonic subsidence over the entire OT can be classified into two categories: 1) NE-to NNE-trending normal faulting, related to extension of the OT, and NW- to NWW-trending strike-slip faulting; i.e., the Tokara Fault and the Miyako Fault, related to subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate under the Eurasian Plate; 2) The anomalous rapid subsidence occurred in the southernmost part of the SOT is likely related to the subducted Gagua Ridge which caused magma intrusion resulting from partial melting. We suggest that magmatic bodies produced by partial melting of subducted materials intruded into the crust and created a dense lithosphere, causing this rapid tectonic subsidence.

The Gulf of Cadiz has been affected by a long and complex geodynamic evolution. The lithospheric structure is poorly understood in this region, and it also shows a diffuse seismicity, spanning over a broad area. The Canary Archipelago has been extensively studied. Nevertheless, there are fundamental topics that are still under debate. No studies have addressed or suggested the possibility of a plausible geodynamic connection between both remarkable locations. In this study we integrate total tectonic subsidence (TTS), Curie point depth (CPD), Bouguer gravity anomaly, and seismic information. TTS shows the existence of a basement bulge in the area of the Canary Archipelago that extends to the north, and in the area of Madeira Island, which extends in a more subtle way to the north, too. Likewise, the CPD reaches the shallowest values in the same location at the Canary Archipelago. These two aspects suggest a cause-effect relationship between TTS and CPD at this specific area. Gravity data and CPD show a linear feature, which links the NW of the Canary Archipelago and the Gulf of Cadiz. The data we manage in this work show remarkable clues as: (a) the absence of a similar signal in the TTS, (b) the fact that CPD it is rather constant along this track, (c) CPD amplitude also almost doubles the values obtained on Canary Archipelago, and (d) the existence of a clear correlation between seismogenic depths and CPD, which points to the existence of a correlation between seismicity and the thermal architecture of the lithosphere. All of these evidences support the presence of a lithospheric thinning between Canary Islands and Gulf of Cadiz area, and in turn, the presence of an asthenospheric channel which feeds and alter locally the Eurasia–Africa Plate Boundary.

A major challenge in sequence stratigraphy is objectively identifying stratigraphic surfaces and sequences across multiple scales of observation. Identification is commonly dependent on the resolution of the data used (i.e., seismic vs. well data), its dimension (i.e., 1D vs. 2D vs. 3D) or the criteria chosen to select sequence boundaries. Through shelf-edge trajectory analysis, the clinothem (i.e., highest order seismic sequence identified on seismic data) can constitute the elementary building block of an observation-based and data-driven quantitative workflow to develop sequence stratigraphic frameworks across different orders and ranks of hierarchy. Here, we use high-quality 3D seismic data to interpret a Late Tithonian–Early Cretaceous shelf margin, the Lower Barrow Group (LBG), developed in the Northern Carnarvon Basin on the North West Shelf of Australia. Based on full-volume seismic interpretation techniques that integrate the 3D variability of the data when identifying seismic unconformities, a high-resolution seismic stratigraphic framework was built (73 interpreted clinothems with an average time duration of ~63,000 yrs). The computation of high-frequency shelf-edge trajectory angle (Tse) curves on selected seismic cross-sections is used to objectively pick sequence stratigraphic surfaces based on the accommodation succession method, thereby highlighting small changes in trajectory and proposing a method reproducible by interpreters based on the same quantitative data. Within the D. lobispinosum interval (142.3–140.9 Ma), the definition of stratigraphic sequences and composite stratigraphic sequences through this workflow is used to discriminate the controls at high and low temporal frequency on the vertical and lateral variability (which is here quantified) of this shelf-slope-basin system. The results show that the high-frequency interplay between short-term glacio-eustasy (i.e., Milankovitch eccentricity cycles of ~100,000 yrs) and sediment supply (locus of fluvial input along the margin) impacted the three-dimensional stratigraphic architecture of the LBG. In contrast, tectonic subsidence had a significant impact on the stratigraphic architecture of the LBG within the main depocentre at lower temporal frequency by overprinting the eustatic signal and accelerating/decelerating the rates of accommodation creation. However, identification of long-term glacio-eustatic Milankovitch cycles (~400,000 yrs) outside the main depocentre, where the rates of accommodation creation due to rift-related subsidence are moderate, also suggests low-frequency eustatic control. Therefore, the vertical and lateral variability of the LBG results from variations in sediment supply and subsidence regime under local (i.e., process regime, currents), regional (i.e., tectonics) and global (i.e., eustasy, climate) forcing parameters interplaying across timescales. In contrast to standard sequence stratigraphic workflows that are based on model-dependent choices to select sequence boundaries, quantitative 3D seismic stratigraphy constitutes an improved method to interpret 3D seismic data in shelf-margin depositional systems within a sequence stratigraphic framework, which provides an observation-based and model-independent tool allowing the definition of stratigraphic sequences with results that are reproducible across multiple stratigraphers. This work highlights the need for developing new sequence stratigraphic tools and methods that integrate the 4D variability of depositional systems and moves beyond the two-dimensionality inherent to current sequence stratigraphic methods. Quantitative 3D seismic stratigraphy represents a first step towards the creation of 3D sequence stratigraphic workflows that could improve the prediction of stratigraphic patterns and facies relationships (source, reservoir, seal distribution) across shelf margins.

During the Eocene, the western Shaleitian Uplift and its adjacent sags constituted a source-to-sink (S2S) system on an active lacustrine basin margin with a steeply dipping boundary fault. We integrated a range of data types with subsurface observations from the western offshore Bohai Bay Basin (OBBB) that allowed us to quantify the size and classification of catchment-fluvial segments, and analyze the sedimentary architecture and sediment fluxes of the proximal fan-delta system. We then discovered quantitative coupling relationships among the parameters of ancient source-to-sink segments. Results show that in the study area the bedrock of the western Shaleitian Uplift is composed of Proterozoic migmatized granites or granites. On the basis of paleogeomorphology reconstruction, we established classification standards for multi-scale catchment units, divided the provenance into four third-order catchment units, obtained quantitative parameters of the catchment-unit area (A), catchment relief (R), and total sediment discharge (Qs, calculated by BQART model) and then confirmed the scales and distribution (cross-sectional area, Scs) of sediment-transport pathways. Furthermore, we analyzed tectonic subsidence, sediment-dispersal patterns, and sediment fluxes of fan-delta systems (Qf) using seismic sedimentology in the third member of the Eocene Shahejie Formation (Es3). Finally, we used quantitative, multivariate, statistical analysis of the parameters involved in the source-to-sink segments to (1) show the proportional range between total sediment fluxes of fan delta (Qf) and sediment discharge (Qs) from catchment (largest rate of Qf/Qs in the lower part of Es3, smallest rate of Qf/Qs in the middle part of Es3, and the range from 30% to 70%) and (2) arrange the mainly controlled parameters in terms of their importance (i.e., rate of tectonic subsidence, catchment area, catchment relief, and cross-sectional area of sediment-transport pathway are listed in order of importance). This study can provide an effective way of quantifying and ordering the parameters important in that controlling a complex ancient source-to-sink system, thus helping to achieve an understanding of the process of tectono-sedimentary evolution on a rifted, lacustrine-basin margin.

We investigate sedimentological and tectonic processes at the central High Atlas, in order to understand their functioning and to build a geodynamic model that placed the area in its current geological frame. The analysis used here is based on the numerical enhancement of a Landsat image where the main goal is to map surface sedimentary deposits throughout the central High Atlas in order to delimit the large geological structures. The sediment distribution throughout central High Atlas indicates that this one is a large tectonic subsiding basin, where the ongoing tectonic events and the geodynamical evolution remain to be explained by other prospecting techniques.3-D structure velocities obtained by local seismic tomography and enhancement techniques of gravimetric anomalies are used to explore and define deep structure beneath the central High Atlas. The goal is to establish the evolution of the deep structure related to the geodynamical processes. Modest crustal thickness variation beneath the central High Atlas (∼20–∼40 km) define by local tomography and gravimetric anomalies, confirms that, a major part of the lower crust is detached into the lithosphere by delamination. Gravimetric anomaly, local seismic tomography and vertical cross sections throughout the central High Atlas, suggest that the lower crust detached is related to the broken slab of remain northward subduction beneath High and Middle Atlas. Meanwhile, extrusions of heated Asthenosphere materials induce the rifting stage concomitant to tectonic subsidence of the basin. Keywords: Subsiding basin, Seismic tomography, Gravimetric anomaly, Rifting

The Lower Jurassic Precipice Sandstone and Evergreen Formation in the Surat Basin, Australia are a highly prospective interval for carbon capture and storage (CCS). However, their stratigraphic nomenclature is inconsistently applied, and a basin-wide stratigraphic framework that is ubiquitously agreed upon remains elusive. In particular, a sandy transitional sandstone interval that occurs above the main Precipice Sandstone reservoir unit has caused confusion about how the two units should be subdivided. To address this issue, we integrate core observations with seismic interpretation and wireline log correlation to construct a sequence stratigraphic framework for the Lower Jurassic System that goes beyond lithostratigraphy. The main findings of our work include: (1) the identification of three 3rd-order sequences, SQ1-SQ3, from base to top. Two main sandstone intervals, the Precipice Sandstone and the Boxvale Sandstone Member (Evergreen Formation), represent the lowstand systems tracts (LSTs) of SQ1 and SQ3, respectively. The Westgrove Ironstone Member in the upper Evergreen Formation – a distinctive oolitic ironstone unit – represents the transgressive system tract (TST) of SQ3; (2) the transitional interval above the main Precipice Sandstone reservoir corresponds to the lower TST in SQ1 (lower Evergreen Formation). It is manifest as an upward-fining succession with a retrogradational facies stacking pattern, and is significantly different from the main Precipice Sandstone reservoir which shows an aggradational stacking pattern; (3) the Precipice Sandstone and lower Evergreen Formation progressively onlap the western and the eastern margins of the Surat Basin, and this confines the Precipice Sandstone to the central portion of the basin; (4) the three sequences (SQ1-SQ3) approximately coincide with global sea-level cycles documented from the early Jurassic. Two episodes of accelerated tectonic subsidence were responsible for the thinning and onlap of SQ1 and SQ3 onto the basin margins. In contrast, weaker tectonic subsidence was responsible for the overall finer grained sediment, the uniformity in thickness, and widespread distribution of SQ2. The results of our stratigraphic analysis indicate that the architecture of the reservoir and seal significantly differs from previous thinking, such that: (1) the Precipice Sandstone, the main reservoir unit, has a distribution that is limited to the basin centre; (2) the transitional interval above the main Precipice Sandstone reservoir forms poorly-connected, localized reservoirs that onlap and backstep towards the basin margins; and, (3) SQ2 and SQ3 are sealing units because they are very widespread and mud-dominated. Viewing the Precipice Sandstone and Evergreen Formation from a sequence stratigraphic standpoint provides important information about how to subdivide them and helps clarify the stratal relationships that were previously unclear from a mixture of terminology. Furthermore, this study gives insights into the spatial-temporal evolution of this reservoir and sealing interval that is an important CCS target in Australia.

The prediction of high-quality reservoirs within tight sandstone is presently a popular and challenging research topic. Many geophysical characteristics of tight sandstone reservoirs are similar to those of the surrounding rock, making it difficult to predict the distribution of these reservoirs. In this paper, a stratigraphic-sedimentological forward modeling is proposed to predict the distribution of high-quality tight sandstone reservoirs in the Xihu Depression, East China Sea. Stratigraphic-sedimentological forward modeling can evaluate the influences of different geological parameters on sedimentary processes and the results. To reproduce the spatial distribution of sedimentary strata in a progradational delta and the overall stratigraphic stacking pattern, different parameters were tested by numerical simulation. According to the influence of the parameters on the sedimentary process, the parameters can be divided into two types: high-sensitivity parameters (transport capacity of the river and sand ratio) and low-sensitivity parameters (maximum initial water depth, lake level change, and tectonic subsidence). The analysis results are suitable for continental sedimentary basins with relatively high deposition rates. In the process of optimizing the simulation parameters, 236 simulations were carried out by adjusting the high-sensitivity parameters and then the low-sensitivity parameters. An optimal model that can reflect the development characteristics of high-quality tight sandstone reservoirs was obtained. According to the characteristics of high-quality reservoirs, the product of the sand ratio and reservoir thickness from the sedimentary simulation results is used as the parameter for evaluating high-quality reservoirs. The ratio can effectively overcome the difficulties of insufficient amounts of data and seismic prediction and effectively predict the locations of high-quality reservoirs in low-exploration areas of tight sandstone reservoirs. This method also provides a new idea for the prediction of high-quality reservoirs in this kind of area in the future.

As an important stage in continental rift basin evolution, late syn-rift stage is characterized by the combination of broad crustal subsidence and episodic pulses of extension. Sequence architecture and sedimentary filling process during this period present a certain particularity due to distinctive tectonic subsidence and variable influencing factors. This paper analyzes sequence stratigraphy and sedimentary facies development and their evolution in the Fulongquan Depression, a continental rift basin of the Songliao Basin, and discusses the determinants influencing the sequence architecture and depositional systems evolution. During late syn-rift stage, a major transition in the depositional systems, from predominantly lacustrine and correlated depositional systems to fluvial-floodplain settings, was recorded in the evolution of basin fill. This gradual and slow peneplanation is the final response to the decrease of differential subsidence. The spatial and temporal variability of sedimentary evolution are mainly associated with specific growth history of the major boundary faults. Sequence stratigraphic units recognized in the Fulongquan Depression are likely corresponded to different episodic pulses of extension respectively. Each sequence can be further divided into a lowstand systems tract (LST), transgressive systems tract (TST) and highstand systems tract (HST). Maximum differential subsidence and water deepening mainly occur in the LST. The expanded TST and HST of each sequence tend to be developed in a broader thermal subsidence regime. The depositional systems transition and detrital provenance changes usually occur in the HST. Throughout the late syn-rift stage, in addition to major changes of provenance systems, tectonic movement is likely to be the main factor in controlling the variations of sediment supply. With the decrease of tectonic activity, the impact of climate changes and lake level fluctuations on basin filling tends to be increased.

This work uses high-quality reprocessed 2D data, tied to borehole information, to address the development of North Atlantic Jurassic seaways on the continental margin of West Iberia. The seismic data reveal the full thickness of Mesozoic syn-rift strata filling deep-offshore basins in this latter region. Tectonic subsidence resulted in the separation of the seaway into distal and proximal sectors. As a result, backstripped curves for West Iberia document important tectonic subsidence during the Late Triassic-earliest Jurassic. The Lusitanian and Peniche basins were part of the same seaway during the early stages of rifting, with important rift-shoulder exhumation occurring between the seaway and the distal margin from Late Jurassic onwards. We estimate 5 km subsidence in the deep-offshore Peniche Basin during the Late Triassic-Early Jurassic when compared to the ~1.1 km recorded in the proximal Lusitanian Basin. Critically, borehole stratigraphy shows that early Mesozoic basins in West Iberia, Newfoundland, and the North Sea show a tripartite depositional evolution of stacked continental, evaporitic, and marine strata. The similar Early Triassic-Jurassic seismic and stratigraphic records of the Lusitanian and Peniche basins suggest a co-genetic evolution with other early Mesozoic basins along the North Atlantic margin.

The Northwest Shelf (NWS) of Australia is characterized by offshore basins associated with Permian and Jurassic rifting and was only slowly subsiding by the Neogene. International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 356 targeted this region by coring four sites in the Northern Carnarvon and Roebuck Basins and two sites in the Perth Basin to the south on the Australian western margin. We use detailed lithological, physical property and age data with paleobathymetric interpretations, to infer tectonic subsidence apparently confined to the NWS that reverses (uplifts) with about the same amplitude and rate as an earlier subsidence event. About 300 m of tectonic subsidence occurred over one million years from 6 to 5 million years ago and then reverses when 300 m of tectonic uplift occurred from 2 to 1 Ma. The along strike extent of this subsidence pattern is ∼ 400 km. The similarity of magnitude and duration of the subsidence and uplift phases suggest that the subsidence is reversible. The results cannot be explained by glacial eustatic variability nor can the uplift event be attributed to sediments filling the accommodation space generated earlier. Reversible subsidence is a key fingerprint of dynamic topography. Although the rates of subsidence and uplift are roughly ∼ 300 m/Myr, a substantial portion of the changes occur over less than 1 Myr and the rates inferred from a detailed least squares analysis can reach up to about 500 m/Myr. These rates are incompatible with dynamic topography associated with motion of Australia over large-scale convection (10 to 40 m/Myr) or that associated with instability of the base of the lithosphere (

International audience; The timing and mechanisms of the Cretaceous sea incursions into Central Asia are still poorly constrained. We provide a new chronostratigraphic framework based on biostratigraphy and magnetostratigraphy together with detailed paleoenvironmental analyses of Cretaceous records of the proto-Paratethys Sea fluctuations in the Tajik and Tarim basins. The Early Cretaceous marine incursion in the western Tajik Basin was followed by major marine incursions during the Cenomanian (ca. 100 Ma) and Santonian (ca. 86 Ma) that reached far into the eastern Tajik and Tarim basins. These marine incursions were separated by a Turonian-Coniacian (ca. 92-86 Ma) regression. Basin-wide tectonic subsidence analyses imply that the Early Cretaceous sea incursion into the Tajik Basin was related to increased Pamir tectonism. We find that thrusting along the northern edge of the Pamir at ca. 130-90 Ma resulted in increased subsidence in a retro-arc basin setting. This tectonic event and coeval eustatic highstand resulted in the maximum observed geographic extent of the sea during the Cenomanian (ca. 100 Ma). The following Turonian-Coniacian (ca. 92-86 Ma) major regression, driven by eustasy, coincides with a sharp slowdown in tectonic subsidence during the late orogenic unloading period with limited thrusting. The Santonian (ca. 86 Ma) major sea incursion was likely controlled by eustasy as evidenced by the coeval fluctuations in the west Siberian Basin. An early Maastrichtian cooling (ca. 71-70 Ma), potentially connected to global Late Cretaceous trends, is inferred from the replacement of mollusk-rich limestones by bryozoan-and echinoderm-rich limestones.

Approximate 500 m deltaic-lacustrine successions were formed within 2 Ma in the Liangjialou area of the Dongying Depression in the Bohai Bay Basin (eastern China). However, few studies on sequence stratigraphy were previously conducted in the east of Liangjialou. In the present study, we integrate high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) seismic data with well-logging data to study the sequence stratigraphy and the depositional system. Our study shows that: (1) Four systems tracts have been identified in the study interval, they are HST, FSST, LST and TST. The HST has an ascending shelf-edge trajectory and aggradation to progradation stacking pattern. FSST has a descending shelf-edge trajectory and progradation to degradation stacking pattern. LST has a low-angle ascending shelf-edge trajectory and progradation to aggradation stacking pattern. TST has a backstepping shelf-edge trajectory and retrogradation stacking pattern. (2) Five high-resolution sequences (equal to 4th-order sequence), HRS1∼HRS5, are further subdivided within the 3rd-order LST. In addition, the depositional systems of HRS1∼HRS5 are significantly variable in 3D space. The delta and deep-water deposits in the north are larger than those in the south. (3) The formation of the sequence is controlled by both tectonics and dry-wet climatic cycles. The tectonic subsidence, and high sediment supply in overall wet climate play a major role in the formation of the 3rd-order sequence. The higher frequency dry-wet climatic cycles control the formation of internal systems tracts. We further divide the climate of study interval into three stages that are excellent correlated to the specific systems tracts: Stage 1 (evaporation precipitation) corresponds to FSST; Stage 3 (evaporation

Fan delta systems have long been studied as a kind of good hydrocarbon reservoirs. Although many models have been raised according to their local conditions, there still exists some controversies regarding the formations of the ones developed in continental syn-rift settings. Taking Paleogene Es32+3 of Gaobei Slope Belt as an example, this paper conducted a comprehensive geological study and a forward depositional modeling. The results show that the sediment within the study area came mainly from the northeastern Baigezhuang uplift and the northwestern Xinanzhuang uplift over a short distance. The sedimentary system is characterized by subaerial debris flow, subaerial braided channels, subaqueous distributary channels, front sand bars and front sand sheets. Furthermore, the study area is a balance-filled basin that experienced a 3rd order normal regression followed by a transgression during the development of the study interval. The results also show that, a stable subsidence rate with small-magnitude climate changes would be a plausible explain for the entire sequence of the fan delta system in the study area. The tectonic subsidence was indeed the dominant driving force to a continental syn-rift fan delta system, although the climate, sediment supply or lake level might bring some lower order (e.g., 4th and 5th order) superimpositions. This paper proposed a likely model for fan deltas developed in continental syn-rift settings, which is expected to gain some insights into the forming mechanism and provide some supports for the reservoir characterization of similar and correlative sedimentary systems.

The Ordovician-Silurian transition was a significant period when an obvious variation occurred worldwide in terms of tectonics, climate, oceans, paleontology, and sedimentology. Here we use stratigraphic forward modeling constrained by paleobiota, paleobathymetry, sedimentology, and geochemistry to study the tectonic subsidence history of the Early Silurian in the western Yangtze Block, South China. Numerical modeling suggests that the tectonic subsidence was not uniform during the deposition of the Early Silurian black shale of the Longmaxi Formation, with acceleration of tectonic subsidence during the later regression period. Furthermore, the subsidence rate at this time was at least three times that during the early transgression period. This acceleration resulted from the collision between the Yangtze Block and the southeastern Cathaysia Block, which affected the tectonic subsidence and the heterogeneity of the black shale. The results may provide quantitative implications for the reconstruction of the paleoenvironment, the evolution of paleobiota, the temporal-spatial distribution of the black shale, and the mechanism of block assemblage in South China.

In this work we have analyzed the results of temporal geodetic variations associated with tectonic deformation on the Andean backarc in southern San Juan province, Argentina. This area is affected by the subduction of the Juan Fernández Ridge and has the greatest seismic hazard in Argentina. Since 2000, we have monitored the variations of gravity annually with high precision (g4D) in the active deformation belt, around the city of San Juan (31°S to 32°S, 68°W to 69°W). Temporal gradients of g4D have been associated with active structures and interpreted as subsurface mass redistributions as a result of accumulation and release of stress. These data, in addition to the topographic deformations measured by the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the identification of structures in the crystalline basement from the geophysical models, allow us interpret mechanisms of deformation in the contact between the Precordillera and Pampean Ranges in the foreland of San Juan. In this area, after more than a decade of low activity, in 2012 the Tulum Fault System (TFS) was reactivated, generating crustal events of moderate magnitude including an earthquake of M w 5.0 (January 18, 2012). According to our interpretation, the fault system accumulated elastic deformation for more than 10 years expressed as height increases at gravity stations (decrease of g4D) until the year 2011. The January 18, 2012 earthquake released part of the energy at the same time as a coseismic increase of g4D. This should be reflected in regional tectonic subsidence from the point of view of conventional gravimetric models. However, GPS reoccupation of the benchmarks located in this fault system indicates a generalized increase in altitude of the fault system in the last 15 years. TFS behavior could be assumed as topographic flexural displacements induced by a system of blind faults. We analyzed the time series of a permanent Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) station located to the north of the TFS. The GRLS station (31.61ºS; 68.32ºW) presents slow variation in the vertical and north components. The variation began on December 20, 2011 reaching its maximum amplitude on January 18, 2012. The geodetic variations coincide with the period of seismic reactivation. Fil: Leiva, Maria Flavia. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Geofísico Sismológico Volponi; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Ruiz, Francisco. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Geofísico Sismológico Volponi; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Acosta, Gemma. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Geofísico Sismológico Volponi; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Nacif Suvire, Silvina Valeria. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Geofísico Sismológico Volponi; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Spagnotto, Silvana Liz. Universidad Nacional de San Luis; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Nacif, Andres Antonio. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Geofísico Sismológico Volponi; Argentina Fil: Christiansen, Rodolfo Omar. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Geofísico Sismológico Volponi; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Sisterna, Jorge Alberto. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Geofísico Sismológico Volponi; Argentina Fil: Figueroa Berroca, Mara Anabel. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Geofísico Sismológico Volponi; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

In order to understand the seismic hazard associated with the Sunda megathrust along SE Bangladesh, it is necessary to document geologic evidence for the 1762 Arakan earthquake (M8.5–8.8) and prior events. Historical records indicated that the 1762 earthquake caused extensive damage along the Arakan segment of the Sunda subduction system, but geologic evidence for the earthquake farther north is necessary to better understand its associated seismic hazard to the heavily populated nation of Bangladesh. To document the paleoseismic history and understand ongoing tectonic deformation, we conducted detailed analyses of corals and microatolls in Saint Martin's Island, SE Bangladesh. The coral growth bands were studied, dated using U/Th systematics and their elevation was measured using high-precision GPS with RTX™ capability. The U/Th dating and >2 m of elevation differences between dead and living corals provide strong evidence of the coseismic uplift of 1762 Arakan earthquake. Based on annual banding patterns and reconstruction of the highest level of survival, coral microatolls indicate a tectonic subsidence rate of 2.2 ± 0.8 mm/yr prior to their uplift, consistent with elastic strain accumulation before the earthquake. In contrast, annual growth bands of a living coral microatoll indicate that Saint Martin's Island is presently experiencing uplift, at a rate of 1.8 ± 0.1 mm/yr. This suggests that the anticline underlying Saint Martin's Island is actively deforming following the earthquake. Our study also provides evidence for two additional earthquakes taking place in ~700 and ~1140 CE. These findings suggest a preliminary earthquake recurrence interval of ~500 years. Based on our results, the 1762 rupture can be extended from Faul Island (18°N) to Saint Martin's Island in SE Bangladesh (20.6°N). The motions documented from the corals suggest that this segment of the Arakan collision zone is storing sufficient energy to cause a future earthquake of M > 8.

The Potiguar Basin, located in the Brazilian Equatorial Margin, evolved from a complex rifting process implemented during the Atlantic Ocean opening in the Jurassic/Cretaceous. Different driving mechanisms were responsible for the onset of an aborted onshore rift and an offshore rift that initiated crustal rupture and the formation of a continental transform margin. Therefore, we applied the backstripping method to quantify the tectonic subsidence during the rift and post-rift phases of Potiguar Basin formation and to analyze the spatial variation of subsidence during the two successive and distinct tectonic events responsible for the basin evolution. The parameters required to apply this methodology were extracted from 2D seismic lines and exploratory well data. The tectonic subsidence curves present periods with moderate subsidence rates (up to 300 m/My), which correspond to the evolution of the onshore Potiguar Rift (∼141 to 128 Ma). From 128–118 Ma, the tectonic subsidence curves show no subsidence in the onshore Potiguar Basin, whereas subsidence occurred at high rates (over 300 m/My) in the offshore rift. The post-rift phase began ca. 118 Ma (Aptian), when the tectonic subsidence drastically slowed to less than 35 m/My, probably related to thermal relaxation. The tectonic subsidence rates in the various sectors of the Potiguar Rift, during the different rift phases, indicate that more intense faulting occurred in the southern portion of the onshore rift, along the main border faults, and in the southeastern portion of the offshore rift. During the post-rift phase, the tectonic subsidence rates increased from the onshore portion towards the offshore portion until the continental slope. The highest rates of post-rift subsidence (up to 35 m/My) are concentrated in the central region of the offshore portion and may be related to lithospheric processes related to the continental crust rupture and oceanic seafloor spreading. The variation in subsidence rates and the pattern of tectonic subsidence curves allowed us to interpret the tectonic signature recorded by the sedimentary sequences of the Potiguar Basin during its evolution. In the onshore rift area, the tectonic subsidence curves presented subsidence rates up to 300 m/My during a long-term rift phase (13 Ma), which confirmed that this portion had an extensional tectonic regime. In the offshore rift, the curves presented high subsidence rates of over 300 m/My in a shorter period (5–10 My), typical of basins formed in a transtensional tectonic regime.

Some changes in the topography of eastern China since Late Jurassic times cannot be well explained by lithospheric deformation. Here we analyze global mantle flow models to investigate how mantle-driven long-wavelength topography may have contributed to shaping the surface topography of eastern China. Paleodrainage directions suggest that a southward tilted topography once existed in eastern north China in the latest Jurassic Period, which is different from that at present day (southeastward tilting). Our model dynamic topography reveals a southward tilting topography between 160 and 150 Ma, followed by southeastward tilting and rapid subsidence, which is compatible with paleodrainage directions and tectonic subsidence of the Ordos Basin. The Cretaceous anomalous subsidence of the Songliao and North Yellow Sea basins, as well as the Cenozoic anomalous subsidence of the East China Sea Shelf Basin, can also be explained by dynamic topography. An apatite fission track study in the Taihang Mountains reveals four stages of evolution: Late Jurassic fast unroofing, Cretaceous slow unroofing, early Cenozoic fast unroofing, and late Cenozoic slow unroofing. We propose that mantle flow influenced this surface unroofing because the model predicts Late Jurassic dynamic uplift, Cretaceous dynamic subsidence, early Cenozoic dynamic uplift, and late Cenozoic dynamic subsidence. Apatite fission track data from northern south China are also in reasonable agreement with predicted dynamic topography between 80 and 30 Ma. The spatial and temporal agreement between geological observations and model dynamic topography indicates that mantle flow has had a significant influence in shaping the surface topography of eastern China. ©2018. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved. X. C. and S. L. were supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFC0601401 and 2016YFC0601002), National Science and Technology Major Project (2016ZX05004001-003), Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Techonlogy (2016ASKJ 3), and National Programme on Global Change and Air-Sea Interaction, SOA (GASI- GEOGE-01). X. C. was also supported by the China Scholarship Council for 1 year of study at the University of Sydney, N. F. was supported by ARC DE160101020, and R. D. M. was supported by ARC IH130200012 and DP130101946. Figures were prepared using the Generic Mapping Tools and matplotlib. We thank two anonymous reviewers for constructive comments that improved the manuscript. Dynamic topography results are available from http://portal. gplates.org/dynamic_topography_list/.

The Oligocene succession of Dongying Formation in Qinnan depression in Bohai Bay Basin has preserved well-imaged lacustrine prograding shelf-edge scale clinoforms, providing a good opportunity to study the relationship between shelf-edge trajectory, stratal stacking patterns and sediment dispersal, and to investigate the effect of controlling factors on sediment dispersal shelf-edge trajectories in a lacustrine setting. 3D seismic volumes were used for defining seismic units, bounding surfaces, shelf-edge trajectories and sediment dispersal. Four seismic units have been subdivided, and four types of shelf-edge trajectories and the associated stratal stacking patterns have been recognized. Greater volume of sandstone in deep-water area tends to develop in seismic units with descending shelf-edge trajectory angles and tends be linked to lower shelf-edge trajectory angles. Differential tectonic subsidence rates along the shelf and along-strike variation in sediment supply were prime factors controlling lateral variability in trajectory, progradation and sediment dispersal. The evolution of shelf-edge trajectory can be subdivided into three stages. Local climate might play a major role in controlling lake-margin evolution during the first two stages, when dry hot weather foster basin floor fan deposition and descending trajectories, and humid cold weather hindered the development of basin floor fan and forms ascending trajectories. While differential tectonic subsidence could have the dominate role during the third stage, when climate signal can hardly be recognized and lateral variability in trajectory angles and sediment supply is most obvious.

In order to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of the Matruh Basin, North Western Desert of Egypt, the tectonic history, basin analysis, and maturity modeling of the Albian-Cenomanian Formations of the Matruh Basin were investigated using well logs and 3D seismic data. Structural analysis of the tops of the Bahariya, Kharita, and Alamein Dolomite Formations reveals them to dip to the southeast. Burial history and subsidence curves show that the basin experienced a tectonic subsidence through the Middle-Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous times. Thermal maturity models indicated that Cenomanian clastics of the Bahariya Formation are in the early mature stage in the east portions of the area, increasing to the mid maturity level in the southwestern parts. On the other hand, the Albian Kharita Formation exhibits a mid maturation level in the most parts of the area. The petroleum system of the Matruh Basin includes a generative (charge) subsystem with Middle Jurassic and Cenomanian sources (for oil/gas) and Turonian sources (for oil), with peak generation from Turonian to Eocene, and a migration-entrapment subsystem including expulsion and migration during Early Tertiary to Miocene into structures formed from Late Cretaceous to Eocene.

The closure of Mianlue Ocean lead to the collisional assembly between the North China Block (NCB) and the South China Block (SCB). But the timing of initial continental collision remains unclear, with the proposed ages ranging from the Late Permian to the Late Triassic. This study presents stratigraphic, sedimentological, tectonic subsidence, and provenance data from the Triassic strata in the Zigui and Dangyang basins lying along the eastern Qinling Orogenic Belt. These data document a tectonic transition in the central northern-SCB, and locally provide constraints on the timing of initial SCB–NCB collision. The Lower Triassic Daye Formation was deposited in a marginal basin to slope environment, and consists of mudrocks containing detrital zircons with major age peaks at ca. 1900 and 850 Ma. The overlying Lower Triassic Jialingjiang Formation comprises a shallowing carbonate sequence, with intercalated evaporites at the top of the formation. It contains mudrocks that are rich in detrital zircons with of ca. 270‐–245 Ma. The mixed carbonate and siliciclastic sequences of the Middle–Upper Triassic Badong Formation records tectonic uplift at its base, and contains detrital zircons with U Pb age peaks at ca. 2500, 1850, 920–800, 450 and 350–220 Ma. Combined with petrographical observations and tectonic subsidence calculation, these detrital zircon U Pb ages record a significant provenance change from recycled material derived from the SCB to newly generated detrital material from the NCB. This provenance change records the initial SCB–NCB collision in the eastern Qinling Orogenic Belt during the Early Triassic.

In the present contribution, we apply forward modelling and subsidence analysis to determine the initial lithospheric structure and the Neuquen Basin central area's stretching factor. The forward models determined that the initial thickness of the crust and the lithosphere would have been around 30 km and 100 km, respectively. Airy and regional isostasy models were considered for the calculation of the tectonic subsidence in outcrops and the subsurface. In both cases, results are very similar due to an elastic thickness of ~3 km for the beginning of the basin, which allows considering the Airy isostasy model as the representative for the analyzed period in the study area. Regarding the stretching factor, the results suggest that the extension varies between 1 and 1.32 for the analyzed area. Although these values seem to be higher than the previous estimations for the Neuquen Basin, they are consistent with those mentioned in the literature for the back-arc basins around the world with similar lithosphere structure and tectonic subsidence values. Furthermore, it should be mentioned that similar tectonic subsidence values could be obtained for the same area considering a lower stretching factor and a westward lithospheric thickening associated with the Neopaleozoic orogeny.

The spatial and temporal interaction of rifting at the northern South China Sea (SCS) margin and shearing along Red River Fault Zone (RRFZ) is crucial to understanding the regional geodynamics. Their obscure relationship has led to controversial models for the origin of the Beibu Gulf basin within the northeast edge of the SCS. Newly released seismic-reflection data and well logs permit a new comprehensive analysis of the tectono-sedimentary history, which provides important constraints on the basin-forming history. Based on the interpretation of 3D multi-channel seismic data, we analyzed the seismic stratigraphy, fault development and tectonic subsidence, with additional confirmation from analogue modelling. The results suggest that several key unconformities separate the rifting history of North subbasins into three distinct phases. The syn-depositional faults and depocenters experienced a tectonic transition from NE- to NNE-orientated during the first two stages. The extensional structures were overprinted by the conjugate strike-slip faulting during stage III (30–23 Ma), as evidenced by the NEE-trending predominant faults and reactivation of NW-trending blind faults. Together with other regional geologic records and plate reconstruction history, we propose an updated view of the region's tectonic history. The NE-trending rift system initiated at the beginning of the Cenozoic. Tectonic reconfiguration at ~40 Ma induced a regional change of stress field to become north-south stretching that caused a tectonic transition of the basin. Influenced by the regional shearing activity of the RRFZ as well as additional north-south stretching, the basin was reworked by widespread strike-slip deformation. We therefore emphasize that while the basin's overall architecture was defined by the development of NE-trending rifts, both reconfiguration of the stress field acting on pre-existing faults and strike-slip reactivation of blind faults led to the basin's current intricate structure.

We present a model for the origin, crustal architecture, and evolution of pull-apart basins. The model is based on results of three-dimensional upper crustal elastic models of deformation, field observations, and fault theory, and is generally applicable to basin-scale features, but predicts some intra-basin structural features. Geometric differences between pull-apart basins are inherited from the initial geometry of the strike-slip fault step-over, which results from the forming phase of the strike-slip fault system. As strike-slip motion accumulates, pull-apart basins are stationary with respect to underlying basement, and the fault tips propagate beyond the rift basin, increasing the distance between the fault tips and pull-apart basin center. Because uplift is concentrated near the fault tips, the sediment source areas may rejuvenate and migrate over time. Rift flank uplift results from compression along the flank of the basin. With increasing strike-slip movement the basins deepen and lengthen. Field studies predict that pull-apart basins become extinct when an active basin-crossing fault forms; this is the most likely fate of pull-apart basins, because basin-bounding strike-slip systems tend to straighten and connect as they evolve. The models show that larger length-to-width ratios with overlapping faults are least likely to form basin-crossing faults, and pull-apart basins with this geometry are thus most likely to progress to continental rupture. In the Gulf of California, larger length-to-width ratios are found in the southern Gulf, which is the region where continental breakup occurred rapidly. The initial geometry in the northern Gulf of California and Salton Trough at ~ 6 Ma may have been one of widely-spaced master strike-slip faults (lower length-to-width ratios), which our models suggest inhibits continental breakup and favors straightening of the strike-slip system by formation of basin-crossing faults within the step-over, as began ~ 1.2 Ma when the San Jacinto and Elsinore - Cerro Prieto fault systems formed.

Deep sedimentary basins are known to increase the intensity of ground motions, but this effect is implicitly considered in seismic hazard maps used in U.S. building codes. The basin amplification of ground motions from subduction earthquakes is particularly important in the Pacific Northwest, where the hazard at long periods is dominated by such earthquakes. This paper evaluates the effects of basins on spectral accelerations, ground-motion duration, spectral shape, and structural collapse using subduction earthquake recordings from basins in Japan that have similar depths as the Puget Lowland basin. For three of the Japanese basins and the Puget Lowland basin, the spectral accelerations were amplified by a factor of 2 to 4 for periods above 2.0 s. The long-duration subduction earthquakes and the effects of basins on spectral shape combined, lower the spectral accelerations at collapse for a set of building archetypes relative to other ground motions. For the hypothetical case in which these motions represent the entire hazard, the archetypes would need to increase up to 3.3 times its strength to compensate for these effects.

Sedimentary basins often develop above internal zones of former orogenic belts. We hereafter consider the Malay Peninsula (Western Sunda) as a crustal high separating two regions of stretched continental crust; the Andaman/Malacca basins in the western side and the Thai/Malay basins in the east. Several stages of rifting have been documented thanks to extensive geophysical exploration. However, little is known on the correlation between offshore rifted basins and the onshore continental core. In this paper, we explore through mapping and seismic data, how these structures reactivate pre-existing Mesozoic basement heterogeneities. The continental core appears to be relatively undeformed after the Triassic Indosinian orogeny. The thick crustal mega-horst is bounded by complex shear zones (Ranong, Klong Marui and Main Range Batholith Fault Zones) initiated during the Late Cretaceous/Early Paleogene during a thick-skin transpressional deformation and later reactivated in the Late Paleogene. The extension is localized on the sides of this crustal backbone along a strip where earlier Late Cretaceous deformation is well expressed. To the west, the continental shelf is underlain by three major crustal steps which correspond to wide crustal-scale tilted blocks bounded by deep rooted counter regional normal faults (Mergui Basin). To the east, some pronounced rift systems are also present, with large tilted blocks (Western Thai, Songkhla and Chumphon basins) which may reflect large crustal boudins. In the central domain, the extension is limited to isolated narrow N-S half grabens developed on a thick continental crust, controlled by shallow rooted normal faults, which develop often at the contact between granitoids and the host-rocks. The outer limits of the areas affected by the crustal boudinage mark the boundary towards the large and deeper Andaman basin in the west and the Malay and Pattani basins in the east. At a regional scale, the rifted basins resemble N-S en-echelon structures along large NW-SE shear bands. The rifting is accommodated by large low angle normal faults (LANF) running along crustal morphostructures such as broad folds and Mesozoic batholiths. The deep Andaman, Malay and Pattani basins seem to sit on weaker crust inherited from Gondwana-derived continental blocks (Burma, Sibumasu, and Indochina). The set of narrow elongated basins in the core of the Region (Khien Sa, Krabi, and Malacca basins) suffered from a relatively lesser extension.

Detrital zircon surface microtextures, geochronologic U-Pb data, and tectonic subsidence analysis from Upper Jurassic to Paleocene strata in the Black Hills of South Dakota reveal provenance variations in the distal portion of the Cordillera foreland basin in response to tectonic events along the outboard margin of western North America. During Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous time, nonmarine strata record initially low rates of tectonic subsidence that facilitated widespread recycling of older foreland basin strata in eolian and fluvial systems that dispersed sediment to the northeast, with minimal sediment derived from the thrust belt. By middle Cretaceous time, marine inundation reflects increased subsidence rates along with a change to eastern sediment sources. Lowstand Albian fluvial systems in the Black Hills may have been linked to fluvial systems upstream in the midcontinent and downstream in the Bighorn Basin in Wyoming. During latest Cretaceous time, tectonic uplift in the study area reflects dynamic processes related to Laramide low-angle subduction that, relative to other basins to the west, was more influential due to the greater distance from the thrust load. Provenance data from Maastrichtian and Lower Paleocene strata indicate a change back to western sources that included the Idaho-Montana batholith and exhumed Belt Supergroup. This study provides a significant contribution to the growing database that is refining the tectonics and continental-scale sediment dispersal patterns in North America during Late Jurassic-Early Paleocene time. In addition, it demonstrates the merit of using detrital zircon grain shape and surface microtextures to aid in provenance interpretations.

Cratonic basins cover more than 10p of Earth's continental surface area, yet their origin remains enigmatic. In this thesis a suite of new and legacy geophysical and geological data are integrated to constrain the origin of the Parnaiba basin, a cratonic basin in Northeast Brazil. These data include a 1400 km long, deep (20 s two-way travel time) seismic reflection profile, five +/- 110 km offset wide-angle split-spread receiver gathers, gravity anomaly, and well data. In the centre of the basin, the depth to pre-Paleozoic basement is T 3.3 km, a zone of midcrustal reflectivity (MCR) can be traced laterally for T 250 km at depths between 17-25 km and Moho depth is T 42 +/- 2 km . Gravity and P-wave modelling suggests that the MCR represents the upper surface of a high density (2985 kg m 3 ) and V p (6.7–7.0 km s -1 ) lower crustal body, likely of magmatic origin. Backstripping of well data shows a concave up decreasing tectonic subsidence, similar in form to that commonly observed in rift-type basins. It is shown, however, that the seismic and gravity data are inconsistent with an extensional origin. It is shown that an intrusive body in the lower crust that has loaded and flexed the surface of the crust, combined with sediment loading, provides a satisfactory fit to the observed gravity anomaly, sediment thickness and basin shape. A buried load model is also consistent with seismic data, which suggest that the Moho is as deep or deeper beneath the basin centre than its flanks and accounts for at least part of the tectonic subsidence through a viscoelastic stress relaxation that occurs in the lithosphere following load emplacement. Comparative analysis of the Michigan and Congo basins shows gravity data from these basins is also consistent with a lower crustal mass excess, while subsidence analysis shows viscoelastic stress relaxation may also contribute to their early subsidence histories. However, unlike Parnaiba, both of these basins appear to have been subjected to secondary tectonic processes that obscure the primary 'cratonic basin' subsidence signals. Parnaiba basin, therefore, offers an excellent record for the investigation of cratonic basin formation.

International audience; Identification of a previously undocumented hydrate system in the Tumbes Basin, localized off the north Peruvian margin at latitude of 3°20′—4°10′S, allows us to better understand gas hydrates of convergent margins, and complement the 36 hydrate sites already identified around the Pacific Ocean. Using a combined 2D–3D seismic dataset, we present a detailed analysis of seismic amplitude anomalies related to the presence of gas hydrates and/or free gas in sediments. Our observations identify the occurrence of a widespread bottom simulating reflector (BSR), under which we observed, at several sites, the succession of one or two BSR-type reflections of variable amplitude, and vertical acoustic discontinuities associated with fluid flow and gas chimneys. We conclude that the uppermost BSR marks the current base of the hydrate stability field, for a gas composition comprised between 96% methane and 4% of ethane, propane and pure methane. Three hypotheses are developed to explain the nature of the multiple BSRs. They may refer to the base of hydrates of different gas composition, a remnant of an older BSR in the process of dispersion/dissociation or a diagenetically induced permeability barrier formed when the active BSR existed stably at that level for an extended period. The multiple BSRs have been interpreted as three events of steady state in the pressure and temperature conditions. They might be produced by climatic episodes since the last glaciation associated with tectonic activity, essentially tectonic subsidence, one of the main parameters that control the evolution of the Tumbes Basin.

Based on an integrated analysis of seismic, well logging and paleontological data, the sequence architecture and depositional evolution of the northeastern shelf margin of the South China Sea since Late Miocene are documented. The slope deposits of the Late Miocene to Quaternary can be divided into two composite sequences (CS1 and CS2) bounded by regional unconformities with time spans of 3–7 Ma, and eight sequences defined by local unconformities or discontinuities with time spans of 0.8–2.3 Ma. Unconformities within CS1 feature shelf-edge channel erosion, while in CS2 they form truncations at the top of the shelf margin as prograding complexes and onlap contacts against the slope. Depositional systems recognized in the slope section include unidirectionally migrating slope channels, slope fans or aprons, shelf-edge deltas and large-scale slope clinoforms. CS1 (Late Miocene to Pliocene) is characterized by development of a series of shelf-margin channels and associated slope fan aprons. The shelf-margin channels, oriented mostly NW-SE, migrate unidirectionally northeastwards and intensively eroded almost the entire shelf-slope zone. Two types of channels have been identified: (1) broad, shallow and unconfined or partly confined outer-shelf to shelf-break channels; and (2) deeply incised and confined unidirectionally migrating slope channels. They might be formed by gravity flow erosion as bypassing channels and filled mostly with along-slope current deposits. Along the base of the shelf slope, a series of small-scale slope fans or fan aprons are identified, including three depositional paleo-geomorphological elements: (1) broad or U-shaped, unconfined erosional-depositional channels; (2) frontal splays-lobes; and (3) non-channelized sheets. CS2 (Quaternary) consists mainly of a set of high-angle clinoforms, shelf-margin deltas and lower slope unidirectionally migrating channels. The relative sea level changes reflected in the sequence architecture of the study area are basically consistent with Haq's global sea level curve, but the development of regional unconformities were apparently enhanced by tectonic uplift. The development of high-angle (thick) clinoforms in the Quaternary may be attributed to a high sediment supply rate and rapid tectonic subsidence. The formation of the unidirectionally migrating channels appears to have resulted from the combined effects of the northeastward South China Sea Warm Current (SCSWC) and downslope gravity flow. The formation of the slope channels in the outer-shelf to shelf-break zone may be predominately controlled by bottom current, whereas those developed along the middle to lower slope zone may be dominated by gravity flow.

Subduction erosion is a commonly invoked model that is used to explain the tectonic subsidence of the Japan Trench forearc slope, although other models have explained the morphology and history of the margin. New multichannel seismic reflection and bathymetric data collected after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake provide the opportunity to investigate the detailed structure of the overriding plate near the earthquake epicenter and obtain new constraints on tectonic models. We use regional-residual separation of the local bathymetry to constrain fault scarp extents and local landward-dipping forearc basins. Seismic images of these basins clearly show landward-dipping horizons in the shallow section. The strata in these basins imply a different mechanism for formation than the surrounding forearc slope, and we propose that these basins formed from local uplift. A regional basal unconformity mapped ∼150 km along-trench has highly variable relief, indicating that forearc slope subsidence occurs at multiple wavelengths in response to multiple different sources. We characterize the upper to middle slope transition and propose that this region may be the landward limit of major subduction erosion and also the main region for large mass wasting. Normal faults found in this setting have maximum lengths of ∼20 km, limiting their role in margin processes. Our results place constraints on the extent of major subduction erosion at the Japan Trench margin, and indicate that subduction erosion should be revisited as the sole model of formation to include additional tectonic processes.

Hydrocarbon-rich natural gases from the Tarim, Junggar, Turpan-Hami and Santanghu basins in Xinjiang, Northwest China have measured 3He/4He ratios from 0.01 to 0.6 times higher than the atmospheric value, indicating 0–7% helium derived from the mantle. The mantle-derived helium is high in foreland basins associated with the Tianshan, Kunlun and Zhayier-Halalate orogenic mountains, but low towards the center of basins. This spatial distribution suggests that the mantle-derived helium originates either from fluids or small scale melts in the upper asthenospheric or lithospheric mantle which have found pathways into the root zones of the major faults defining these mountains, but do not significantly move into the basins themselves. During upward transport to near the surface, the mantle-derived helium is significantly diluted by radiogenic helium produced in the crust. Despite the lack of recent magmatic activity or extensional tectonics within the basins, this pattern shows strong evidence that the major faults play an important role in mantle-derived components degassing from the mantle to the surface.

The demise of Miocene carbonate build-ups in the Browse Basin, Northwest Australia, has been explained as relating to geological and oceanographic processes. These include accelerated tectonic subsidence driven by subduction, ocean cooling following the mid-Miocene climate optimum, nutrient excess, poisoning by sediment drifts and local erosion driven by current winnowing, occurring discretely or simultaneously. Here, we critically assess the evidence for these different mechanisms using a combination of high-resolution 3-D seismic data, regional 2-D seismic profiles, and numerical stratigraphic forward modelling. Seismic interpretation and numerical modelling found that the proposed uniform subsidence rate of 125 m/Ma between 16.5 Ma and 5.33 Ma for the northern Browse Basin (Belde et al., 2017), when combined with the published estimate of eustatic sea level in Miller et al. (2005), was insufficient to drown the Miocene carbonate sequence and generate the geomorphological changes (barrier reef to isolated carbonate build-ups) observed on seismic data. Instead, a subsidence profile comprising pulses of rapid and slow subsidence is required. Significantly, our results suggest that subsidence rates exceeded 400 m/Ma in the northern Browse Basin, and that parts of the basin record the accumulation of sediment drifts. These sediment drifts are interpreted to have buried some carbonate build-ups, while suspended sediment reduced light transmissivity, inhibiting carbonate production. Thus, we postulate that current activity and excess nutrient supply are key, but often overlooked, oceanographic processes that lead to the demise of carbonate build-ups.

Submarine canyon system in the Miocene Pearl River Mouth Basin, northern continental margin of the South China Sea, records the process of sediments transported from shelf margin to advanced abyssal plain and comprises important petroleum reservoirs in the basin. Based on integrated analysis of seismic, well logs and core data, the sequence framework, depositional architecture and controlling factors of the submarine canyon system are well documented. As a composite sequence bounded by regional unconformity, the Zhujiang Formation (CS1) can be divided into 5 sequences (CS1-1-CS1-5), and the lower CS1-2 and CS1-3 are the main strata that the submarine canyon system developed. The submarine canyon system can be divided into five segments (A-E) by their distinct geomorphology and depositional architectures. From Segment A to E, the channels in the submarine canyon system transform from “V” shaped single channel, “U” shaped single channel, “gull-wing” shaped channel-levee complex, “W” shaped branch channels to mound shaped distal composite channel and front splay deposits. This is accordantly consistent with sedimentary process of the channels transitional from erosional, erosional-aggradational, aggradational and then lateral migrational. The changing interaction of multi-source sediment supply, differential tectonic subsidence and relative sea level change are considered to be the major control on the development and evolution of the submarine canyon system. The differential tectonic subsidence since the Late Oligocene produced the adequate slope angle, sufficient accommodation and distinct basin geomorphology for the development and segmentation of the submarine canyon system. Slope-gully to slope fan deposits fed by the shelf margin delta systems from the Paleo-Pearl River and the northeastern Dongsha Uplift converged into the submarine canyon system, providing abundant sediments for its development. Relative sea level changes, especially the two regional regressions with abundant sediment supply have made great influence on the evolution of the submarine canyon system.

Tectonic activity in the South Island of New Zealand is dominated by the Alpine Fault component of the Australia–Pacific plate boundary. West of the Alpine Fault deformation is recorded by Paleogene–Neogene basins coeval with the evolution of the right-lateral/transpressive plate margin. Initial tectonic setting was controlled by N–S normal faults developed during Late Cretaceous and Eocene–early Miocene rifting. Following inception of the Alpine Fault (c. 25 Ma) reverse reactivation of the normal faults controlled tectonic segmentation that became apparent in the cover sequences at c. 22 Ma. Based on restored transects tied to stratigraphic sections, seismic lines and wells, we reconstruct the vertical mobility of the Top Basement Unconformity west of Alpine Fault. From c. 37–35 Ma to 22 Ma subsidence was controlled by extensional faulting. After 22 Ma the region was affected by differential subsidence, resulting from eastward crustal flexure towards the Alpine Fault boundary and/or components of transtension. Transition from subsidence to uplift started at c. 17 Ma within a belt of basement pop-ups, separated by subsiding basins localised in the common footwall of oppositely-dipping reverse faults. From 17 to 7–3 Ma reverse fault reactivation and uplift migrated to the WSW. Persistent reverse reactivation of the inherited faults in the present stress field is reflected by the close match between tectonic block segmentation and topography filtered at a wavelength of 25 km, i.e. at a scale comparable to crustal thickness in the region. However, topography filtered at wavelength of 75 km shows marked contrasts between the elevated Tasman Ranges region relative to regions to the south. Variations in thickness and rigidity of the Australian lithosphere possibly control N–S longitudinal changes, consistent with our estimates of increase in linear shortening from the Tasman Ranges to the regions located west of the Alpine Fault bend.

Switched sequence stratigraphic architectural units were developed in the Eocene Wenchang Formation stratigraphic section of the Pearl River Mouth Basin (PRMB), northern South China Sea. Utilizing a high-quality 3D seismic data set, well logs and restored paleogeomorphology, the architecture and genesis of switched sequence stratigraphic units have been systematically investigated. The Wenchang Formation, a second-order sequence, can be subdivided into seven third-order sequences (from base to top: SQ1, SQ2, SQ3, SQ4, SQ5, SQ6, and SQ7). The sequence stratigraphic architecture of the Wenchang Formation is characterized by continuous lateral stacking patterns from sequences SQ1 to SQ7. Sequences SQ1–SQ4 mainly developed in the HZ26 sag, whereas sequences SQ5–SQ7 mainly developed in the XJ24 sag. The depositional centres of the Wenchang Formation appear to have migrated from the HZ26 sag to the XJ24 sag-along the northwest direction from sequences SQ1 to SQ7. Multiple tectonic activation episodes or alternating tectonic subsidence of the HZ26 and XJ24 sags resulted in the distinctive geomorphological features that effected the development of the switched sequence stratigraphic architecture in the study area. The switched sequence stratigraphic architecture presented in this study may provide new insights into a better understanding of sequence stratigraphic stacking patterns in continental lacustrine rift basins.

The distribution of sand bodies is complex in small half-graben rift basins influenced by differential tectonic subsidence. The characterization of reservoir sand bodies remains half quantitative because the depositional processes of the sand bodies are poorly understood and quantitatively investigated. Based on wells and seismic data, a three-dimensional stratigraphic forward modeling is conducted to quantitatively characterize the depositional evolution of reservoir stratigraphy and to analyze the connectivity of sand bodies as well as its controlling elements in Liaoxi Sag, Bohai Bay Basin. We integrate Controlling factors for sequence development including initial bathymetry of basement, subsidence, lake level change, sediment supply, and sediment transport Dionisos program to establish a 3D reservoir-sequence model for the middle part of the third member of Eocene Shahejie Formation. The model matches the wells data of the oilfield, such as lithologies, gamma ray, and resistivity, making it credible to further predict sandstone distribution. The sedimentary process of reservoir sand bodies appear four stages. In stage 1, two prototypes of delta-front sand bodies developed in the northwest. In stage 2, both the western delta-front sand bodies and eastern slope-fan sand bodies were widely developed. In stage 3, the delta-front sand bodies developed in large scale, whereas the slope fans were smaller. In stage 4, only a slope-fan sand body developed in the southeast, whereas lacustrine shale dominated in the rift basin. During the depositional evolution process, the western sand bodies were not connected to the eastern sand bodies. This disconnection is a function of source supply and sustained slope sinking caused by basin differential subsidence. We tested the interplay of tectonic subsidence and sediment supply through the stratigraphic modeling. Under the conditions of bilateral source supply, the limited number of sand sediments from western delta front could not be transported to the eastern structure high. Nevertheless, under assumptions of one source supply and strong water flow, the plentiful sand sediments could be carried onto the eastern structurally elevated position. Therefore basin differential subsidence and bilateral supply of source are the two controlling factors for the sand distribution in small half grabens. In addition, we found an interesting phenomenon that sand ratio in rifted basin center increases with subsidence decreasing. However, it will be a constant (upper limit) when subsidence declines to a threshold value. The threshold of “subsidence slope” (vertical subsidence divided by length of slope) varied with climate and sedimentary environment. In warm climate and delta environment, the threshold value is 2.3°.

Both the Canada Basin (a sub-basin within the Amerasia Basin) and southwest (SW) South China Sea preserve oceanic spreading centres and adjacent passive continental margins characterized by broad COT zones with hyper-extended continental crust. We have investigated strain accommodation in the regions immediately adjacent to the oceanic spreading centres in these two basins using 2-D backstripping subsidence reconstructions, coupled with forward modelling constrained by estimates of upper crustal extensional faulting. Modelling is better constrained in the SW South China Sea but our results for the Canada Basin are analogous. Depth-dependent extension is required to explain the great depth of both basins because only modest upper crustal faulting is observed. A weak lower crust in the presence of high heat flow and, accordingly, a lower crust that extends far more the upper crust are suggested for both basins. Extension in the COT may have continued even after seafloor spreading has ceased. The analogous results for the two basins considered are discussed in terms of (1) constraining the timing and distribution of crustal thinning along the respective continental margins, (2) defining the processes leading to hyper-extension of continental crust in the respective tectonic settings and (3) illuminating the processes that control hyper-extension in these basins and more generally.

Cenozoic continental-shelf deposition in the Northern Carnarvon Basin was dominated by heterozoan carbonates until siliciclastic sediments prograded across the shelf in the late-middle Miocene to Pliocene. These siliciclastic sediments were deposited as outer-shelf and shelf-edge deltas, which created subtle bathymetric highs. Interpretation of extensive, high-quality multichannel seismic data shows broad, flat-topped carbonate platforms overlying the remaining bathymetric highs following the retreat of deltaic sedimentation. Platform geometries suggest that a combination of relative sea-level changes and ocean currents controlled their internal architectures. Clinoforms on the northeastern flanks of the platforms are more steeply dipping than those on the southwestern flanks and this platform architecture may reflect strengthening, or initiation, of a proto-Leeuwin Current. The earliest platform developed in the northeast and successive platforms migrated southwest (along strike), a process that could have resulted either from differential compaction of the underlying clastic depocenters, or variable rates of tectonic subsidence along depositional strike, probably in combination with environmental factors.

Continental rifting requires thinning the continental lithosphere from ~120 km to

Based on geomorphology, ages, and stratigraphy, the Marianna gap through Crowley’s ridge, a 13 km breach through a large‐scale unconsolidated horst in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, as well as the transverse drainage that flows through the gap, began forming about 17 ka and were completely formed by 7–10 ka. Formation was driven by tectonic subsidence along part of the eastern margin of the Reelfoot rift, an aulacogen that has impacted development of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley region since the Precambrian. The breach occurred gradually, by subsidence‐driven fluvial erosion, and/or suddenly, by faulting. Our findings build on previous studies that suggest the eastern Reelfoot rift margin, as well as other nearby faults, have been recently active, evidenced by large‐scale sand blows emplaced in the Marianna gap area in the past 5–12 ky. We propose a mode of transverse drainage development that differs from previous modes in that it is driven by subsidence within a sedimentary basin, rather than uplift in an orogenic mountain belt. Our findings have implications for understanding both transverse drainage development in a sedimentary basin, and seismic potential of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley and other aulacogens worldwide.

Widespread and tremendously thick Cenozoic carbonate sequences are present along the margins of the South China Sea (SCS). However, most of the sequences have been drowned since the Late Miocene. The stratigraphic architecture of the carbonate platforms in the SCS can provide information on the tectonic evolution of the ocean basin. Based on 2D/3D seismic, well and regional geologic data, we have interpreted the Cenozoic SCS carbonate platforms along the continental margins. The carbonate platforms developed during rifting and initiated on the fault block of the conjugate rifted margins. Most of the carbonate platforms became drowned after the Middle Miocene. The Malampaya Carbonate Sequences, which have thicknesses of greater than 600 m, developed on a horst of an Oligocene rifted block. Tectonic subsidence provided accommodation for the growth of the carbonate platforms. Tectonic tilting, faulting, and the foreland bulge controlled the distributions, thicknesses, and horizontal seismic reflection variations of the drowned carbonate platforms. The tectonic evolution and relative sea-level fluctuations controlled the depositional cycles of the carbonate platforms. We quantitatively calculated the factors that affected the extension and subsidence rates using balanced cross section and backstepping techniques. Our results have demonstrated that the carbonate platforms flourished during the Middle Miocene due to stable tectonic conditions and shrank during the Late Miocene due to rapid subsidence. The relative sea level exerted a second-order control on the evolutionary trend of the carbonate platforms and a third-order control on the evolutionary periods in each stage.

The subduction of bathymetric anomalies at convergent margins can profoundly affect subduction dynamics, magmatism, and the structural and geomorphic evolution of the overriding plate. The Northern Patagonian Icefield (NPI) is located east of the Chile Triple Junction at similar to 47 degrees S, where the Chile Rise spreading center collides with South America. This region is characterized by an abrupt increase in summit elevations and relief that has been controversially debated in the context of geodynamic versus glacial erosion effects on topography. Here we present geomorphic, thermochronological, and structural data that document neotectonic activity along hitherto unrecognized faults along the flanks of the NPI. New apatite (U-Th)/He bedrock cooling ages suggest faulting since 2-3 Ma. We infer the northward translation of an similar to 140 km long fore-arc sliver-the NPI block-results from enhanced partitioning of oblique plate convergence due to the closely spaced collision of three successive segments of the Chile Rise. In this model, greater uplift occurs in the hanging wall of the Exploradores thrust at the northern leading edge of the NPI block, whereas the Cachet and Liquine-Ofqui dextral faults decouple the NPI block along its eastern and western flanks, respectively. Localized extension possibly occurs at its southern trailing edge along normal faults associated with margin-parallel extension, tectonic subsidence, and lower elevations along the Andean crest line. Our neotectonic model provides a novel explanation for the abrupt topographic variations inland of the Chile Triple Junction and emphasizes the fundamental effects of local tectonics on exhumation and topographic patterns in this glaciated landscape.

The eastern, south-eastern and southern Australian passive margins host a series of Cenozoic basins preserved in current onshore and offshore records in Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. These basins are coeval with the mantle-derived, Cenozoic Magmatic Province that extends along the Australian eastern and southern passive continental margin. This igneous activity, as emphasised in this review, hosts a wide range of intrusive and extrusive bodies that developed in an intraplate setting. To date, research on this province has mainly focussed on the onshore magmatic record and several models such as mantle plumes or edge-driven convection have been proposed to account for the origin of this magmatism. This review however, shows that a vast and largely undescribed record of magmatic activity exists offshore along the Australian southern margin. Preliminary seismic studies of the offshore magmatic activity have shown that the majority of this magmatism occurred at Eocene to Oligocene and Miocene to Recent times, therefore significantly post-dating continental break-up and basin rifting related to the separation of Australia and Antarctica, which started around 85 Ma. Additionally, magmatism preserved onshore and basin events indicated by large unconformities observed offshore appear to be synchronous. Together with the analyses of tectonic subsidence plots and comparison with classic examples of hotspots, these factors suggest that igneous activity along the Australian southern margin cannot be solely contributed to a classic plume model. Instead, the distribution and timing of the magmatism is more likely to be related to edge-driven convection at least in some places like the Bight Basin. This review forms part of the first step towards a better understanding of igneous activity along the southern margin, intraplate magmatism in general and the effects on petroleum exploration along this petroliferous margin.

We sampled six coral microatolls that recorded the relative sea level changes over the last 230 years east of Martinique, on fringing reefs in protected bays. The microatolls are cup-shaped, which is characteristic of corals that have been experiencing submergence. X-ray analysis of coral slices and reconstructions of the highest level of survival (HLS) curves show that they have submerged at rates of a few millimeters per year. Their morphology reveals changes in submergence rate around 1829 ± 11, 1895, and 1950. Tide gauges available in the region indicate a regional sea level rise at a constant mean rate of 1.1 ± 0.8 mm/yr, which contrasts with our coral record, implying additional tectonic subsidence. Comparing our coral morphology with that of synthetic corals generated with Matlab by using the Key West tide gauge record (Florida), we show that their growth was controlled by tectonics and that a sudden relative sea level increase drowned them around 1950. Simple elastic models show that this sudden submergence probably occurred during the 21 May 1946 earthquake, which ruptured the plate interface in front of Martinique, in the mantle wedge, in an area of sustained seismic activity. The 1839 M8+ earthquake probably occurred in the same area. Long-term subsidence of microatolls indicates that this deep portion of the megathrust is probably locked down to 60 km depth during the interseismic period. Our oldest coral recorded a long-lasting period (50 years) of stable relative sea level after the 1839 earthquake, indicating that transient interseismic strain rate variations may occur in the Lesser Antilles.