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As the research and application of three‐dimensional (3D) Geographic Information Science (GIS) continue to advance, the abstract representation and symbolic modeling of geological entities in three dimensions have become one of the research focuses in the current GIS field. To address the need for the symbolic representation of complex and diverse fault structures, this paper proposes a parametric modeling method for 3D fault symbols. This method includes (1) constructing a 3D stratum model and a fault plane model based on stratum and fault plane parameters, (2) performing a 3D cutting operation based on the fault plane model to generate the fault block model, and (3) translating the strata in two faultblocks according to the parameters of fault motion to generate a fault symbol model. The experimental results show that the proposed method requires only a small number of parameters to efficiently and intuitively construct diverse 3D fault symbol models. This method breaks through the excessive dependence on geological survey data in the process of 3D geological modeling. It is suitable for 3D geological symbol modeling of folds, joints, intrusions, and other geological structures, as well as 3D modeling of typical geological structures with relatively simple spatial morphology. This paper's parametric modeling method has essential research significance and application value in various applications such as digital earth, digital city, and virtual geoscience exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gulf of Suez, which contains Egypt's oldest oil fields, is one of North Africa's most well‐known oil regions. There are more than 80 conventional oil fields in Egypt's Gulf of Suez, some of which have reservoirs that stretch back to the Precambrian and Quaternary. In close proximity to the southern entrance of the Gulf of Suez is the Tawilla West oilfield. The oil field Tawilla West is believed to consist of rotating fault blocks that descend in a south‐west direction. The main producing reservoirs are the Miocene section reservoirs, the Belayim and Kareem sandstones. The current research is focusing on the structural elements affecting this giant field to update the field structural model using the newly processed 3D seismic survey, the acquired data from newly drilled wells and the associated different logging techniques. The seismic information quality varied from poor to fair. The quality of the interpreted stratigraphic horizons and geological faults was mainly controlled by the seismic information quality. The research used seismic attribute analyses to improve interpretation and incorporate additional features, enabling better hydrocarbon potential identification and characterization of the reservoirs. Several geological structure contour maps and cross‐sections were generated to help in delineating and understanding the reservoir's extension. Based on the detailed correlation study, we were able to detect the faults that affected the structure of the Tawilla West field in detail, define their throw amounts and directions, and identify the missed sections across the studied area. This study introduces an updated model scenario to show the differences and their effect on the field development plan and recommendations. By examining subsurface geologic structural characteristics and evaluating petrophysical data, a 3D static reservoir model was created to resolve structural settings and hydrocarbon trapping, providing detailed information on the field and identifying new opportunities for future development. The research discovered that the updated detailed 3D structural model may support the Kareem Reservoir development plans and encourage drilling, workover and dynamic operations to assign development possibilities in the correct area. According to the established model, there are at least three options in the study's attic areas that might boost oil output and oil reserves for the field while avoiding further failures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for reliability in multicore processors, which are ubiquitous in today's computers, smartphones, and various other smart devices, is growing. Several factors can influence the seamless operation of multicore processors. For instance, at high frequencies, challenges such as signal distribution and maintaining low power consumption are prominent. An overheated processor can result in various issues in a computer, including freezes, unexpected shutdowns, and errors while running programs. These issues can have serious consequences, particularly during critical tasks. Processor cores belong to the class of multifunctional elements. Their multifunctionality contributes to the structural flexibility of the processor, allowing functions to be redistributed between cores and ensuring the processor can continue to operate successfully even if individual core blocks fail. This flexibility significantly enhances processor reliability, as demonstrated by quantitative assessments of the fault tolerance of multicore processors. We use mathematical combinatoric methods for studying and quantitating different variants of cores and blocks in multicore processor. Number of conditions of work in view of the faults of individual blocks. With the results we also have a quantitative assessment and analysis of the flexibility and the likelihood of functioning (reliability) of multicore processors, which is the Central focus of this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the post-Miocene neotectonic evolution of the slope-perched sedimentary basins around the Eastern Korean Continental Margin and which category these basins could be classified into. The Hupo Basin, the largest neotectonic sedimentary basin on the Eastern Korean Continental Margin, comprises three key geological components: 1) Neotectonic Sequence, which has divergently filled the Hupo Basin since the Early Pliocene, 2) Hupo Fault, a N-S striking, high-angle thrust (or reverse) fault that bounds the Hupo Basin to the east, and 3) Hupo Bank, a N-S elongated submarine wave-cut platform that sits on top of the uplifted eastern Hupo Fault block. On the basis of stratigraphic and structural restoration, we conclude that the Hupo Basin was formed by the compressional uplift of the Hupo Bank during the incipient subduction of the Ulleung Basin crust after the Miocene. Given the morphostructural features of the Hupo Basin and its host incipient subduction system, we categorize it as a sort of piggyback basins. The basin-forming process shown in this study is commonly found in numerical models that simulate modern cases of subduction initiation around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Coal Geology & Exploration is the property of Xian Research Institute of China Coal Research Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Chenghai Fault in the Chuan–Dian block terminates at the northwestern segment of the Red River Fault, and is a significant seismogenic structure. The kinematic evolution of this fault should be closely related to the regional tectonic deformation. However, it is difficult to obtain information on structural deformation of the Chenghai Fault due to the large amount of precipitation and well-developed vegetation. The Chenghai normal faulting may drive drainage reorganization in this region, which provides a new perspective for reconstructing and evaluating the tectonic history. High-resolution digital elevation models (DEM) obtained by remote sensing greatly facilitate the study of drainage evolution and active tectonics. We use two methods (χ-plot and Gilbert metrics) to measure the drainage divide stability based on the ALOS DEM (12.5 m resolution) and further reproduce the drainage evolution process in response to the asymmetric uplift by numerical modeling. The results show that the Chenghai–Jinsha drainage divide, hosted by the footwall block of the Chenghai Fault, is migrating westward (away from the Chenghai Fault) and will continue moving ~2.2–3.5 km to reach a steady state. Its migration is controlled by the Chenghai normal faulting. The Chenghai–Jinsha drainage divide formed close to the Chenghai Fault's surface trace and continues to migrate westward in response to the asymmetric uplift. It only took a few million years for the Chenghai–Jinsha drainage divide to migrate to its current location based on the numerical modeling. The restoration of the drainage reorganization implies that the Chenghai Fault initiated in the Pliocene, which probably results from kinematic reversal along the Red River Fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continental rifts are characterized by up to 30 km wide rotated fault blocks with stratigraphic dip away from the central rift axis. Although gravity‐induced mass movements are well known features of collapsed fault block crests, I here demonstrate the occurrence of polymodal gravity‐driven mass transport down the back slope of a first‐order rift fault block. I identify (1) early sliding related to syntectonic crestal collapse of second‐order rift faults, (2) large‐scale bed‐parallel sliding of the L‐M Jurassic sedimentary package, and (3) the accumulation of two 7 km long, 1–2 km wide and up to 750 m thick volumes of complexly slumped material in the hanging walls of two ramp‐forming faults. Early sliding is documented by 100 m of repeated Brent Group stratigraphy in a cored well in the study area (well 34/4‐15A). These smaller slides have intact internal stratigraphy but show elevated deformation band densities. The seismic data also show evidence for ca. 2 km of massive translational sliding of the ca. 400 m thick and ca. 300 km2 large Jurassic section above a lowermost Jurassic bedding‐parallel detachment. This translational slide did not deform much internally, except for ductile folding where it slid over underlying active rift faults. Chaotic seismic facies in fault hanging walls are interpreted as contorted Jurassic beds, formed by multiple slumping and sliding events that stacked mobilized sediments into a 750 m thick column. These complex slump volumes occur where fault displacement is highest along two relayed faults. A model is favoured where the large translational slide ruptured with an opening of space against the fault that was progressively filled with slumped material from the footwall. While the large‐scale translational sliding only caused moderate internal subseismic deformation, early sliding and, particularly, the complex slumping caused significant internal deformation. This study shows the importance of carefully searching for and distinguishing between different types of mass movement in rift systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sichuan-Yunnan block is a tectonically active region in China, with frequent large earthquakes occurring in and around it. Despite most earthquakes being concentrated along boundary faults, intraplate faults also have the potential to generate damaging earthquakes. Remote sensing makes it possible to identify these potential earthquake source faults. During an active fault investigation in the Liangshan area, a distinct lithological boundary named Caimashui fault was found. The geometric distribution and kinematic parameter of the fault is crucial for assessing seismic hazards and understanding the deformation pattern within the Sichuan-Yunnan block. The Caimashui fault is mapped with remote sensing interpretation, a field survey, and UAV measurement. Through trenching and Quaternary dating, the Late Quaternary active characteristics of the fault are studied. The fault is a Holocene active dextral strike-slip fault with a reverse component, exhibiting a dextral strike-slip rate of ~0.70 ± 0.11 mm/a. Paleoseismic investigation shows that the last surface rupture event of the Caimashui fault occurred later than 4150 ± 30a BP, with a magnitude of M ≥ 7.0. The fault may act as a secondary splitting fault, absorbing the deformation caused by various sinistral strike-slip rates of the boundary faults and the potential energy from the counterclockwise rotation of the Central Yunnan micro-block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: DC‐DC converters play a vital role in the integration of renewable energy sources. Modular multilevel converter (MMC) has emerged as a highly promising option for high‐voltage high‐power applications, for DC‐AC and DC‐DC conversion, thanks to its distinctive characteristics. An inherent limitation of using traditional MMC in DC‐DC conversion is the occurrence of arm energy drift, leading to imbalanced voltages across capacitors of submodules (SMs). Many approaches have been presented in the literature to address the energy drift issue during DC‐DC conversion process. In this paper, a novel bidirectional hybrid modular multilevel DC‐DC converter with balanced arm energy has been proposed. The proposed converter consists of one high‐voltage valve and two legs. Each leg is equipped with half‐bridge submodules (HB‐SMs) in the upper arm and full‐bridge submodules (FB‐SMs) in the lower arm. The proposed architecture enables the parallel connection between series‐connected capacitors of the upper arm and series‐connected capacitors of the lower arm during the equalization period. The parallel connectivity enables the energy transfer between the upper and lower arms in the same leg, hence preventing energy drift issues. A detailed illustration of converter operational concept, mathematical analysis, design, and efficiency estimation are presented. The presented simulation and experimental results show the bidirectional power flow ability and the promising behavior of the proposed converter during normal operating conditions with balanced arm energy. Finally, a comparison between the proposed converter and other existing topologies has been made to show the superiority of the proposed converter over the other alternatives. The proposed converter has a lower count of insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) and eliminates the usage of isolating transformers when compared to the energy equalization modules approach. In addition, unlike the other alternatives, the proposed converter has a DC fault blocking capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive understanding of the characteristics and formation mechanisms of groundwater in mining areas is essential for the effective prevention of coal mine water and the rational management of groundwater resources. The objective of this study was to examine the hydrogeochemical characteristics and evolution of Ordovician groundwater in the Zhuozishan coal mine, located in the northwest region of China. A total of 34 groundwater samples were collected for hydrogeochemical analyses and the investigation of their evolution processes, with the aid of a piper trilinear diagram, a Gibbs diagram, and an ion ratio diagram. The results indicate that the concentration of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), bicarbonate ( HCO 3 − ), chloride (Cl−), sulphate ( SO 4 2 − ), total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH increases from the recharge area to the discharge area, whereas the concentration of calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) decreases. The hydrogeochemical characteristics of the runoff from Zhuozishan to Gongdeer coalfield and further southward display a notable north–south directional change. The groundwater process is primarily controlled by rock weathering action and cation exchange, with Na+ and K+ deriving primarily from cation exchange and only to a minor extent from halite dissolution. In conclusion, the northern part of the coalfield is characterised by a geological structure that creates a retention area with groundwater, resulting in an unordered runoff process with a complex formation mechanism. The middle region is devoid of geological constraints that would alter the flow direction, thus simplifying the process of groundwater formation. In contrast, the southern area experiences an increase in strata depth and fault blocking, which creates a retention zone, thereby rendering the groundwater formation process more complex. This research contributes to the effective management of groundwater resources in this coalfield and other mining sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Natural Gas Geoscience is the property of Natural Gas Geoscience and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Petroleum Geology & Recovery Efficiency is the property of Petroleum Geology & Recovery Efficiency and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Petroleum Geology & Recovery Efficiency is the property of Petroleum Geology & Recovery Efficiency and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Quantitative analysis of the slip rate of active faults and their seismic parameters is important for seismic hazard analysis. In this study, we first construct an elastic block model to obtain the slip rate of boundary faults based on the distribution characteristics of active faults, seismicity, and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) observations in Sichuan–Yunnan, China. Then, the long-term seismic risks of the boundary faults are quantitatively evaluated based on the principle of seismic moment balance. The Sichuan–Yunnan region can be divided into 17 relatively independent and stable subblocks. There is clear zoning in the distribution and mechanisms of boundary fault movement and deformation. The boundary faults exhibit an alternating dextral–sinistral–dextral–sinistral strike-slip pattern from northeast to southwest. Among these boundary faults, the Xianshuihe–Xiaojiang fault zone has a high sinistral strike-slip rate, and the Jinshajiang fault plays an important role in accommodating the movement and deformation of the subblocks in the Chuandian block. The dextral strike-slip rate is approximately 10 mm/yr, which is diffusely transferred to the secondary boundary faults in the Chuandian block. Comparison of the rates of moment accumulation and release reveals that the southern segment of the Xiaojiang fault, the Longriba fault, the Daliangshan fault, and the Yuanmou fault exhibit significant moment deficits, with corresponding moment magnitudes exceeding Mw 7.5. More attention should be given to the strong earthquake risks of these faults. The Xianshuihe–Xiaojiang, Jiali–Lancangjiang, and Red River faults, which are arc shaped, dominate the regional deformation and determine the motion and deformation model of the subblocks and secondary boundary faults within the Chuandian block and the area southwest of the Red River fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Petroleum Geology & Oilfield Development in Daqing is the property of Editorial Department of Petroleum Geology & Oilfield Development in Daqing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper presents geochemical study of bottom sediments from the MSU structure located on the large Gydratny Fault in the Central Basin of Lake Baikal at a depth of 1380 m. The first detailed data on the spatial variations in the qualitative and quantitative composition of the pore waters are presented. Pioneering data were obtained on Li, B, and Sr contents in the pore water of the sediments. It has been established that fluids are actively discharged within the MSU structure, and the main pathways of their near-surface migration are confined to the tops of hills of this structure on the downthrown fault block. The fluids are highly mineralized (up to 2900 mg/L), showing the highest mineralization ever found in Lake Baikal sediments. The waters are significantly enriched in Mg, Li, B, and Sr but depleted in K. The waters are thought to be generated by the processes of authigenic formation and illitization of smectite at depths of 1 to 2.5 km in the sedimentary sequence. The maximum values of concentration gradients are recorded in the pore waters of the sediments of the western hill, which may indicate a gradual westward shift of the center of the fluid seepage activity along the fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The non‐permanent dc short‐circuit fault is a crucial issue in overhead high voltage dc transmission (HVDC) lines. In this paper, a cross connected (CC) cell also known as hexagonal switch cell (HSC) based modular multilevel converter (MMC) with dc short‐circuit fault ride through feature is addressed for an HVDC system. During normal operation, the CC cell‐MMC is capable of producing an identical number of levels while using fewer power devices than full‐bridge (FB) and clamp double sub‐module (CDSM)‐based MMCs. Similarly to the FB‐MMC and CDSM‐MMC, the provided CC cell‐MMC not only blocks the dc fault current but can also function as a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) during a DC‐Bus fault. The Proposed control technique uses MMC as a STATCOM to inject reactive power during a pole‐to‐pole DC‐Bus fault to keep the grid stable. The control approach comprises injecting zero‐sequence voltage into each phase to balance the mean voltage of capacitors and arm currents. The fundamental zero‐sequence voltage is obtained by a simple stationary reference frame‐based controller. The control strategy's efficacy is evaluated in MATLAB and confirmed in the Opal‐RT environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mass flow-dominated fan delta complex is developed by the rapid deposition of coarse-grained materials in front of uplifted areas under the influence active tectonism. This is important for providing clues about the first opening stages of marine basins. The study aims to shed light on the fact that mass flow-dominated fan delta complexes play an active role in determining the characterization of tectonism controlling basin opening. In the study area, mass flow-dominated deposits of the Deliktaş Fan Delta Complex (DFDC) represent the first deposits of the southern part of the Middle Eocene Elazığ Marine Basin, whose development is controlled by normal block faults. The basin consists of the alluvial fan succession, the fan delta succession and the turbidite succession overlying both successions. DFDC is composed of fan delta facies assemblages deposited in the form of shallow water coastal prism in front of the multifeeder areas controlled by extensional tectonism. Conglomerates and sandstones predominate in the DFDC successions. The system forming the DFDC is a good example for high-energy, mass flow-dominated, multifeeder fan delta environments with different source areas surrounding the Elazığ Basin from the north and south. Sedimentological studies were carried out from 11 measured stratigraphic sections taken from the DFDC, and three different sequences were defined. These sequences contain the deposits belonging to fan delta plain and fan delta front facies assemblages. The facies architecture of the successions of the DFDC was defined based on measured stratigraphic sections, litho-correlation and field observations, and with the help of the obtained data, the sedimentation evolution of the sequences belonging to it was revealed with three-dimensional basin models. In this way, an approach to the primary geodynamics of the Elaziğ Basin was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 22 May 2021, an earthquake (98.3° E and 34.59° N) struck Maduo town in Qinghai province, occurring along a relatively obscure secondary fault within the block. We utilized 105 archived Sentinel-1A/B acquisitions to investigate the coseismic deformation and the evolution of postseismic displacements in both the temporal and spatial domains, as well as the associated dynamic mechanisms of the 2021 Maduo earthquake. The interference fringes and coseismic deformation revealed that the primary feature of this event was the rupture along a left-lateral strike-slip fault. The released seismic moment was close to 1.88 ×   10 20   N · m , which is equivalent to an Mw 7.45 event. Simultaneously, the maximum coseismic slip reached approximately 4 m along the fault plane. The evolution of postseismic displacements in both the temporal and spatial domains over 450 days following the mainshock was further analyzed to explore the underlying physical mechanisms. Generally, the patterns of coseismic slip and afterslip were similar, although the postseismic displacements decayed rapidly over time. The modeled afterslip downdip of the coseismic rupture (at depths of 15–40 km) effectively explains the postseismic deformation, with a released moment estimated at 4.57 ×   10 19   N · m (corresponding to Mw 7.04). Additionally, we found that regions with high coseismic slip tend to exhibit weak seismicity, and that afterslip and aftershocks are likely driven by each other. Finally, we estimated the Coulomb Failure Stress changes ( Δ C F S ) triggered by both coseismic rupture and aseismic slip resulting from this event. The co- and postseismic Δ C F S show similar patterns, but the magnitude of the postseismic Δ C F S is much lower ( ≤ 0.01 MPa). We found that Δ C F S notably increased on the Yushu segment of the Garze-Yushu-Xianshuihe Fault (GYXF), as well as the Maqin–Maqu and Tuosuo Lake sections of the East Kunlun Fault (EKF). Therefore, we infer that these fault segments may have a higher potential seismic risk and should be carefully monitored in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacts of the growth and linkage of fault segments on sedimentation in a lacustrine rift basin, the Weixinan Depression, the Beibuwan Basin, in the northern South China Sea, which has been demonstrated to have huge petroleum potential, are elucidated on the basis of well-constrained 3D seismic data. Two main fault systems, the No. 1 boundary fault system and the No. 2 fault system, were developed in the Weixinan Depression. The evolution of the lower basement is based on the No. 1 fault system, which controls the distribution of depocenters (ranging from 450–800 m) within the lower structural layer. It includes the five fault segments isolated at the initial stage, the interaction and propagation stage, the linkage stage, and the decline stage. The No. 2 fault system governs the deposition of the upper structural layer with a series of discrete depocenters in the hangingwall. Initially, it comprises several right-order echelon branching faults. Each branch fault rapidly reached the existing length and maintained a constant length while establishing soft links with each other in the subsequent displacement accrual. The development of topographic slopes, transition zones, transverse anticlines, and related fault troughs and gullies related to the activity of the No. 1 boundary fault system is the main controlling factor that induces the differential development of the western, middle, and eastern sections of steep slope fans. The differential subsidence effect along the No. 2 fault system is responsible for the multiple 'rising-stable' stage changes in the relative lake level during the development of axial delta deposits. This study will help elucidate the different controls of extensional fault systems on associated sedimentation, as well as rift basin development in the South China Sea and similar areas throughout the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Geomechanics is the property of Journal of Geomechanics Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

With the continuous construction of high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission projects, higher requirements are placed on the frequency security of the regional power systems. In order to ensure the frequency security of regional power systems, this paper proposes a transient frequency analytical method considering the emergency frequency control (EFC). Firstly, the aggregated system frequency response (SFR) model is constructed by reducing the order of the generator governor equation, the EFC equation, and the load model equation. Then, based on the aggregation model, the analytical solution of the transient frequency nadir of the regional power system is derived. The model can quickly and accurately calculate the transient frequency nadir of the regional power system considering EFC after the HVDC block fault. Finally, based on an actual regional power system model, the accuracy and applicability of the proposed method under HVDC block fault are verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Malay Basin is a mature hydrocarbon province currently being re‐assessed for CO2 storage. Selecting an appropriate storage site requires a comprehensive understanding of the structural and stratigraphic history of the basin. However, previous studies have been limited to observations from either regional 2D seismic lines or individual 3D seismic volumes. In this study, we access and utilise a basin‐wide (ca. 36,000 km2) 3D seismic and well database to describe the structural and stratigraphic features of the basin, particularly those within the uppermost ca. 4 km (Oligocene to Recent) and gain new insights into the basin's evolution. E–W transtensional rift basins first developed due to sinistral shear across an NW‐SE strike‐slip zone. The NW‐SE basin morphology seen today was generated during the late Oligocene–early Miocene, during which time dextral motion across marginal hinge zones created en‐echelon antithetic, extensional faults and pull‐apart basins, especially well preserved along the western margin of the basin. Collisional forces to the southeast during the early to middle Miocene resulted in the shallowing of the basin, intermittent connection to the South China Sea and a cyclic depositional pattern. Around 8 Ma (late Miocene), a significant uplift of the basin resulted in a major unconformity with up to 4.2 km of erosion and exhumation in the southeast. In the centre and northwest of the basin, the inversion of deeper E–W rifts resulted in the folding of Miocene sequences and the formation of large anticlines parallel to the rift‐bounding faults. The Pliocene to Pleistocene history is more tectonically quiescent, but some extensional faulting continued to affect the northwest part of the basin. Larger glacio‐eustatic sea‐level fluctuations during this time resulted in major changes in sedimentation and erosion on the Sunda Shelf, including the formation of a middle‐Pliocene unconformity. These structural events have created a variety of hydrocarbon traps across the basin of different ages, including transpressional anticlines, rollover anticlines and tilted fault blocks. Each of these has discrete and distinct trap elements with important implications for their CO2 storage potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral deposits are commonly associated with and hosted in volcanic successions. Volcanic facies analysis as applied in mineral exploration is powerful for characterising host stratigraphy to understand volcanological and eruption processes, depositional setting, and tectonic processes before, during and after ore-forming events. However, the specialist experience required in studying ancient, deformed successions impedes the uptake of facies analysis as a routinely applied technique in mineral exploration. This challenge is reflected in the literature with a paucity of examples where 3D models are developed directly from facies analysis and is worth addressing, as stratigraphic approaches are commonly inadequate for understanding and modelling the complexities within ancient volcanic terrains. We address this gap by demonstrating a technique that uses digitised graphic logs to construct correlation charts in a graphics editor to interpret 'restored' volcanic successions within fault blocks. This approach is validated with concurrent cross-sections that depict the structural-stratigraphic framework. The work is iteratively revised until the interpretation is internally consistent across both the correlation chart and the cross-section. This technique is presented within a four-phase workflow that guides the reader from initial scoping, through to graphic logging, interpretation of volcanic successions by locality (or fault block) and finally a synthesis and 3D model. This workflow was developed from our experiences in the buried and deformed Ordovician Cowal Igneous Complex that hosts world-class gold deposits that are currently being mined at E42 (open pit) and GRE46 (underground mine). A case study of the Cowal Igneous Complex is presented to demonstrate the value and real-world application of this workflow. Volcanic facies analysis is a powerful tool for the production of 3D models with application to mining and exploration settings. Graphic logging-based techniques and workflows were developed during 3D reconstructions of ancient and buried volcanic successions in the Cowal Igneous Complex of the Ordovician Macquarie Arc of New South Wales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deformation along strike-slip plate margins often accumulates within structurally partitioned and rheologically heterogeneous crustal blocks within the plate boundary. In these cases, contrasts in the physical properties and state of juxtaposed crustal blocks may play an important role in accommodation of deformation. Near the San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA, the Pacific-North American plate-bounding San Andreas fault bisects the Santa Cruz Mountains (SCM), which host numerous distinct, fault-bounded lithotectonic blocks that surround the San Andreas fault zone. In the SCM, a restraining bend in the San Andreas fault (the SCM bend) caused recent uplift of the mountain range since ca. 4 Ma. To understand how rheologic heterogeneity within a complex fault zone might influence deformation, we quantified plausible bounds on deformation and uplift across two adjacent SCM lithotectonic blocks on the Pacific Plate whose stratigraphic and tectonic histories differ. This was accomplished by combining 31 new apatite (U-Th)/He ages with existing thermochronological datasets to constrain exhumation of these two blocks. Additionally, surface exposures of the latest Miocene to late Pliocene Purisima Formation interpreted in 18 structural cross sections spanning the SCM allowed construction and restoration of Pliocene deformation in a three-dimensional geologic model. We found that rock uplift and deformation concentrated within individual Pacific Plate lithotectonic blocks in the SCM. Since 4 Ma, maximum principal strain computed for the more deformed block adjacent to the fault exceeded that computed for the less deformed block by at least 375%, and cumulative uplift has been more spatially extensive and higher in magnitude. We attribute the difference in uplift and deformation between the two blocks primarily to contrasts in lithotectonic structure, which resulted from diverging geologic histories along the evolving plate boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of a group of parallel or connected faults causes the creation of fault zones. The effect of brittle spots on the region's rocks differs, and the amount of stress in other parts of the fault varies. In addition to the different amounts of stress in other parts of the fault, the fracture rate of the rock mass in the fault area is variable in such a way that the parts that have not been deformed, in the form of blocks surrounded by severely crushed elements that create a weaker matrix and cause Inhomogeneity in the brittle fault zone, which is called bimrock. Bimrock (block-in-matrix rock) includes mélanges, fault rocks, weathered rocks, and other complex geological mixtures in strong blocks surrounded by a weaker matrix. Investigation and research on the geometry of brittle faults and the impact of these faults on the rocks of the region and establishing a relationship between the mechanism of faults and resistance characteristics is necessary. In this research, we did the geometrical analysis of the North Tehran fault and the Pourkan Verdij fault by examining fault branches and s-c structures in the fault zone. Also, the geomechanical properties of the fault rocks and Bimrocks in the area were investigated using two-dimensional analysis of the outcrop images of the fault zone by "Image Analysis" software and rock mechanics tests. As a result, the survey conducted in the cross-section of these two faults from the front side of the fault zone to the end of the fault zone showed that the volume ratio and uniaxial strength of the fault stone blocks of the North Tehran fault zone show regular changes. In such a way that as we move from the front of the site to the end of the fault zone, the amount of rock crushing decreases, and as a result, the volume ratio of the blocks and their resistance increases. While in the Porkan-Verdij fault zone, these changes are not visible in a particular order from the forehead to the end of the site, and the amount of these changes is sudden and less than in the North Tehran fault zone. This is related to the displacement rate created by the fault, the presence of micro-faults, and the distance of the shear planes relative to each other. This study can solve the most severe geotechnical problems related to rock engineering caused by brittle faults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dalangsonggou (DLSG) fault is an internal fault within the Sichuan–Yunnan block, located on the southern side of the Garzê–Yushu fault. On the basis of geological and geomorphological surveys, we estimated the Holocene activity of the DLSG fault. We excavated two trenches and identified two paleoseismic events by analyzing the stratigraphic deformation and radiocarbon dating results of the faulted strata. The occurrence times of these events were determined to be 8420–8346 and 4612–5045 cal BP. The time elapsed since the latest earthquake, which exceeds 4500 years, indicates strong risk of occurrence of a large earthquake on the DLSG fault. Furthermore, the recurrence interval of large earthquakes on the DLSG fault is much longer than that of earthquakes on the Garzê–Yushu fault. Thus, the DLSG fault conducts only regulating effects in terms of regional tectonic deformation compared to the dominant impact of the Garzê–Yushu fault, which is a boundary fault of the block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report ten new zircon (U-Th)/He ages from psammitic greyschists collected in a southwest-northeast profile in the Otago Schist across the Dunstan and Cairnmuir Mountains, New Zealand. Six of the samples have accompanying new detrital zircon U-Pb ages. In this part of the Otago Schist, a broad antiformal core of garnet-biotite-albite zone schist defines a range-scale footwall block to the gently northeast-dipping Thomsons Gorge Fault and the gently southwest-dipping Cromwell Gorge faults. Hanging wall blocks above the faults comprise lower-grade chlorite zone schists. Nine schist samples from footwall and hanging wall blocks close to the low-angle faults exhibit a weighted mean (U-Th)/He age of 82 ± 3 Ma. We interpret that both low-angle fault systems were active prior to c. 82 Ma and confirm that they were extensional. We interpret the antiformal schist core as the late Early Cretaceous (c. < 122–109 Ma) ductile extensional lower plate of a metamorphic core complex. The lower plate (footwall) core was juxtaposed against the upper plate (hanging wall) schists by the low-angle normal decollement faults. Detrital zircon U-Pb ages indicate Carboniferous, Permo-Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous maximum depositional ages of schist protoliths which demand more complex terrane and metamorphic interpretations for the Otago Schist than previously recognised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the oil production from nonmain oil layers is crucial for the complex fault block oilfields during the late stage of high water cut development to ensure stable production and capacity expansion. However, the developing characterization of the nonmain layers and their remaining oil distribution is still inadequate. Developing an efficient mode of development remains a challenge. This paper presents a detailed characterization of the sedimentary microfacies and architecture of a nonmain reservoir based on core and logging data analysis. A flexible injection‐production development strategy model was designed and applied in the Hetan oilfield, located in the southeast of Zhanhua Depression of Bohai Bay Basin as an example. The results show that the nonmain oil layer of the Hetan oilfield is composed of estuary bar microfacies sand bodies. Deposits of various shapes are formed on the side or in front of the main body of the estuary dam, which constitutes the nonmain oil reservoir. The lithology is fine, the sand body thickness is small, and the plane heterogeneity is strong. The distribution is banded, potato‐shaped, and fragmented. The nonmain oil layer has a small oil‐bearing area of 0.1‐1.0 km2 and a high oil saturation of over 58%. The Hetan oilfield has a significant amount of remaining oil enrichment and considerable potential for production digging. To optimize production, a flexible injection and production adjustment scheme is proposed, which includes designing multitarget horizontal wells and utilizing various methods such as optimizing well spacing, coupled injection, and cycle injection. Field tests conducted in the area have shown an increase in the recovery factor of nonmain oil layers from 16.7% to 28.5%. This indicates that identifying and characterizing nonmain oil layers through detailed analysis of sedimentary microfacies and reservoir architecture is useful in the late‐stage development of complex fault block reservoirs to maintain sustainable and efficient oilfield development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of wind power all-DC systems with DC collection and transmission is an effective solution for the extensive development of wind power in deep-sea areas. However, in the event of faults occurring in wind power all-DC systems, the fault propagation speed is extremely rapid, with a wide-ranging impact, and to date, there are no complete DC engineering references available. It is crucial to research the topology and fault isolation methods applicable to large-scale offshore wind power all-DC systems in deep-sea areas. This paper proposes a novel series-connected all-DC system topology and presents corresponding fault isolation methods for internal faults in wind turbine units and faults in high-voltage DC transmission lines. The system simulation model was constructed using PSCAD/EMTDC (v4.6.3), and simulations were conducted for internal faults in the wind turbine units and DC transmission line short-circuit faults. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed system can isolate various DC faults while maintaining stable operation, thereby validating the effectiveness of the control strategies and fault isolation methods proposed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interseismic strain around southwest Japan can be attributed to slip phenomena on the plate interface and processes inside the continental plate, such as block motions and inland fault slips. Although many crustal deformation analyses have been carried out, the simultaneous estimation of these phenomena and comprehensive discussion regarding the effect on the total strain budget remain topics to be investigated. In this study, we conducted numerical experiment to evaluate the possibility of simultaneously monitoring the spatiotemporal evolution of interseismic fault slips and block motions based on state-space modeling. We aimed to estimate fault slips and block motions using the time series of dense continuous Global Navigation Satellite System sites covering southwest Japan, encompassing 25 years from 1996 onward. We calculated synthetic block motions of the forearc region, monotonically increasing back slips on block boundary faults, and long-term slow slip events in the Tokai region, Kii Channel, and Bungo Channel. Subsequently, we generated the expected synthetic displacement time-series at GNSS stations. Applying Kalman filtering, we successfully estimated the spatiotemporal evolution of block motions, cumulative back slips, multiple slow slip events occurring in different regions. Although the contributions of fault slips and block motions showed slight trade-off, main characteristics of the slip distributions and the direction of block motions were well-recovered. We recovered slow slip events with slips of 5–10 cm or larger. We investigated the estimation uncertainty and separation precision of the unknown parameters using the covariance matrix estimated by Kalman filtering. Focusing on the structure of the non-diagonal component of the covariance matrix, we evaluated the complex effects of site and subfault locations on the estimated slip spatial distribution bias. For instance, the extent of the correlation between subfaults suggested that the three slow slip regions have different tendency of the uncertainties of slip areas, extending toward landside, seaward, or both of them. Our framework enables the comprehensive evaluation of the contributions and uncertainties of various deformation sources covering the entire subduction zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide (CO2) miscible fracturing huff-and-puff technology now plays a pivotal role in enhancing crude oil recovery rates, particularly in reservoirs with challenging physical properties, strong water sensitivity, high injection pressure, and complex water-injection dynamics. In this study, the oil-increasing mechanism and huff-and-puff effect of CO2 miscible fracturing fluid are investigated through a comprehensive experimental approach. Specifically, experiments on PVT gas injection expansion, minimum miscible pressure, and CO2 miscible fracturing fluid huff and puff are conducted on the G fault block reservoir of the J Oilfield. The experimental findings demonstrate that injecting CO2 into reservoirs leads to an expansion in oil volume, a reduction in viscosity, and an increase in saturation pressure. Crude oil extraction is further enhanced by the addition of solubilizers and viscosity reducers. The use of solubilizers not only increases oil recovery rates but also reduces the minimum miscible pressure required for effective CO2 dispersion. We also found that shut-in times, permeability, and the huff-and-puff method used all have considerable impacts on huff-and-puff recovery rates. This study offers valuable technical insights, supporting the application of CO2 miscible fracturing huff-and-puff technology to enhance oil recovery rates in low-permeability reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the topography in active tectonic areas and assessing the rates and models of active deformation in the upper crust are primary objectives in tectonic geomorphology studies. The drainage pattern of river systems is highly sensitive to tectonically induced changes, and it often preserves the records of the formation and progression of most tectono-geomorphic processes within its boundaries. Therefore, the evolution of landforms is a consequence of the evolution of individual drainage basins in which they are formed. Assessing the rates of tectonic deformation using geomorphic data is a traditionally adopted method to characterize the nature of active faults. Globally, the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is widely used as a crucial tool to analyze the morphotectonic features of drainage basins. In this study, some geomorphic indices were applied to investigate the impact of tectonism on landscape along the Karahayıt Fault and its associated drainage areas. These geomorphic indices are mountain front sinuosity (Smf values between 1.17–1.52), valley floor width-to-height ratio (Vf values between 0.25–1.46), basin asymmetry factor (AF values between 15–72), drainage basin shape (Bs values between 3.18–6.01), hypsometric integral and curve (HI values between 0.32–047), channel sinuosity (S values between 1–1.6), normalized steepness index (Ksn values between 1–390) and Chi integral (χ values between 200–4400). The development of drainage areas on the hanging wall and footwall block of the Karahayit Fault differs depending on the uplift. The drainage areas developed on the hanging wall present different patterns depending on the regional uplift caused by the fault. This reveals that the fault contributed significantly to the development of drainage areas and regional uplift in the region. In addition, the maximum earthquake magnitude that may occur in the future on the Karahayit Fault, whose activity is supported by geomorphic indices, is calculated as 6.23. Since an earthquake of this magnitude may cause loss of life and property in the region, precautions should be taken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large block‐bounding faults on the Tibetan plateau are significant geological structures that accommodate tectonic movements and accumulate stress, leading to large earthquakes. Quantifying the interseismic slip deficit rate helps to better assess the earthquake potential. We combine available InSAR (2015–2020) and interseismic GPS data to determine fault coupling along 14 major block‐bounding faults. Spatially dense InSAR measurements remarkably improve the resolution of the coupling model. Combined with a GPS‐constrained block model, we examine the performance of the inversion approach with the stress constraint and the common Laplacian smoothing based on both synthetic tests and real data. We suggest that, for continental strike‐slip faults, adding the stress constraint can mitigate unphysical coupling distributions due to unreasonable assumptions or modeling artifacts, reducing the model uncertainty and improving the accuracy of the coupling model. This is particularly useful for segments featured by a highly heterogeneous distribution of coupling along the transition zone from locking to creeping region, partially‐coupling segment, and junction zone between main and subsidiary faults. We present a large‐scale fault coupling map along the major block‐bounding faults on the northeastern and eastern Tibetan plateau, highlighting the distinct degrees of fault coupling and lateral variations. The collage of coupling maps along different faults demonstrates the kinematic features over a broad time scale during earthquake cycles ranging from early to late interseismic phases, such as the segments ruptured during the 2001 Kokoxili earthquake and the 1920 Haiyuan earthquake. Plain Language Summary: Large faults at the boundary of blocks accommodate a significant portion of the relative movement between adjacent blocks and accumulate tectonic stress during the interseismic period. Consequently, these faults have a high potential to generate large earthquakes. To evaluate the distribution of strain accumulation, we analyze InSAR (2015–2020) and interseismic GPS measurements to construct a coupling model, which tells us the extent to which two blocks are locked together and accumulate stress before the next earthquake. We focus on 14 major faults on the eastern and northeastern Tibetan plateau. The addition of the spatially dense InSAR data helps to resolve the coupling distribution in greater detail, where GPS observations are limited. We evaluate different approaches to determine fault coupling, including stress constraints and smoothing techniques. Our findings indicate that adding a stress constraint performs better than the smoothing operator and helps mitigate physically unrealistic coupling distributions in the inversion using the spatial smoothing method. The stress constraint improves the accuracy of the coupling model. Based on the stress‐constrained inversion, we present a comprehensive fault coupling map in the northeastern and eastern Tibetan plateau, highlighting the spatial variations of fault coupling, which can be used in earthquake hazard assessment. Key Points: Stress constraints can mitigate unphysical coupling distributions and reduce the uncertainty of the coupling model for continental faultsWe highlight the improvement when using stress constraints in the case of sharp coupling contrasts along the strike‐slip faultWe provide a new coupling model along 14 major block‐bounding faults on the eastern and northeastern Tibetan plateau [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seismic reflection interpretation at magma-poor rifted margins shows that crustal thinning within the hyper-extended domain occurs by in-sequence oceanward extensional faulting which terminates in a sub-horizontal reflector in the topmost mantle immediately beneath tilted crustal fault blocks. This sub-horizontal reflector is interpreted to be a detachment surface that develops sequentially with oceanward in-sequence crustal faulting. We investigate the geometry and evolution of active and inactive extensional faulting due to flexural isostatic rotation during magma-poor margin hyper-extension using a recursive adaptation of the rolling-hinge model of Buck (1988) and compare modelling results with published seismic interpretation. In the case of progressive in-sequence faulting, we show that sub-horizontal reflectors imaged on published seismic reflection profiles can be generated by the flexural isostatic rotation of faults with initially high-angle geometry. Our modelling supports the hypothesis of Lymer et al. (2019) that the S reflector on the Galician margin is a sub-horizontal detachment generated by the in-sequence incremental addition of the isostatically rotated soles of block-bounding extensional faults. Flexural isostatic rotation produces shallowing of emergent fault angles, fault locking, and the development of new high-angle shortcut fault segments within the hanging wall. This results in the transfer and isostatic rotation of triangular pieces of hanging wall onto exhumed fault footwall, forming extensional allochthons which our modelling predicts are typically limited to a few kilometres in lateral extent and thickness. The initial geometry of basement extensional faults is a long-standing question. Our modelling results show that a sequence of extensional listric or planar faults with otherwise identical tectonic parameters produce very similar seabed bathymetric relief but distinct Moho and allochthon shapes. Our preferred interpretation of our modelling results and seismic observations is that faults are initially planar in geometry but are isostatically rotated and coalesce at depth to form the seismically observed sub-horizontal detachment in the topmost mantle. In-sequence extensional faulting of hyper-extended continental crust results in a smooth bathymetric transition from thinned continental crust to exhumed mantle. In contrast, out-of-sequence faulting results in a transition to exhumed mantle with bathymetric relief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study highlights signatures of seismic activity along the Moradabad Fault (a transverse basement fault) in the upper Ganga plain. Soft-sediment deformation structures have been identified at different locations around the Moradabad Fault (MF) zone and analyzed from a morphological perspective. The deformational structures include deformed cross-beddings, sand volcanoes, water-escape structures, micro-faults, and plastic intrusions. The mechanism of deformation is related to liquefaction and/or fluidization processes. The presence of seismites and epicenters of recent earthquakes in the Moradabad Fault zone irrefutably associates the seismic activity in the Ganga plain with the basement fault activation. Furthermore, subsurface GPR data, surface geomorphic evidence such as channel offset, stream convergence, initiation of new channels, and different stages of river terrace development in the upthrown and downthrown blocks of the fault suggests the active nature of the Moradabad fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most studied permafrost-associated gas hydrate accumulations in Arctic Alaska is the Eileen Gas Hydrate Trend. This study provides a detailed re-examination of the Eileen Gas Hydrate Trend with a focus on the gas hydrate accumulation in the western part of the Prudhoe Bay Unit. This integrated analysis of downhole well log data and published geophysical data has provided new insight on structural, stratigraphic, and reservoir controls on the occurrence of gas hydrates in the Eileen Gas Hydrate Trend. This study revealed the relatively complex nature of the gas hydrate occurrences in the Eileen Gas Hydrate Trend, with gas hydrates present in a series of coarsening upward, laterally pervasive, mostly fine-grained sand beds exhibiting high gas hydrate saturations. Most of the gas hydrate-bearing reservoirs in the Eileen Gas Hydrate Trend are laterally segmented into distinct northwest- to southeast-trending fault blocks, occur in a combination of structural–stratigraphic traps, and are only partially hydrate filled with distinct down-dip water contacts. These findings suggest that the traditional parts of a petroleum system (i.e., reservoir, gas source, gas migration, and geologic timing of the system formation) also control the occurrence of gas hydrates in the Eileen Gas Hydrate Trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sandstone facies from two reservoir blocks (extensional fault walls) of the Dunlin Field have been studied to evaluate the impact of the reservoir charge history on the diagenesis and reservoir quality of these sandstones. The study has identified seven main reservoir sandstone facies (D1–D7) from the reservoir crestal block (oil leg) to the flank block (water leg). These sandstone facies exhibited similar diagenetic patterns, controlled by their depositional parameters, hence having the same porosity and permeability values in both reservoir blocks (legs) until hydrocarbon charging in the Late Cretaceous‐Pliocene. The burial and thermal model indicates that these reservoirs were charged at a temperature of 60–75°C during the 80–50 Ma and 95–100°C during the 10 Ma to Present, and significantly controlled the mesodiagenetic output, notably illite, and quartz authigenesis. The reservoir oil leg recorded a higher amount of recovered bitumen (ca. 95%) than the water leg (ca. 5%), indicating that hydrocarbon charging of the sandstone reservoir was progressive rather than instantaneous, first filling the water leg (palaeo‐oil leg). Subsequent leak‐off depleted this reservoir block and remigrated to fill the reservoir leg (palaeo‐water). The fluctuating oil charging and leakage between these two reservoir fault blocks modulated diagenetic alteration of these reservoir sandstones; hence is the cause of the minor disparity in porosity values between these reservoir legs contrary to the wide variation between conventional reservoir oil‐ and water‐legs distinguished by hydrocarbon emplacement with no such complex history. This study, therefore, demonstrates the importance of evaluating the depositional and diagenetic controls on reservoir quality and charging of hydrocarbon‐bearing sandstones for optimum oil production and recovery in clastic depositional settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3D subsurface structural model was built in a zone of the Greater Bay du Nord area, Flemish Pass Basin, offshore Newfoundland and Labrador, to carry out a post-drilled, fault-seal analysis in a multi-rift, geological complex setting; this aimed to test fault-seal predictions, calibrate computed static fault-zone attributes and estimate hydrocarbon contact depths. Hydrocarbon exploration campaigns in the Greater Bay du Nord area have primarily targeted rotated fault blocks that often exhibit structural segmentation and compartmentalization. A comprehensive approach that combines empirical and deterministic methods for static fault-seal analysis has been implemented. This approach provides insights into open, base and tight fault-seal scenarios, aiding prospect evaluation in this region. Notably, shale gouge ratios (SGRs) in the range 16–25% serve as a crucial indicator of the transition between fault-rock sealing and non-sealing fault segments. Furthermore, it emphasizes the critical role of hydrodynamics when calibrating or evaluating fault-sealing properties. In areas like the Greater Bay du Nord region, characterized by complex geology, it is imperative to regularly update fault-seal models. These updates should align with the availability of new subsurface data, comprehensive analyses and an improved understanding of the petroleum system. Thematic collection: This article is part of the Fault and top seals 2022 collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/fault-and-top-seals-2022 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marginal and deeper marine facies typify the Miocene exposures along the western margin of the Gulf of Suez rift basin. The stratigraphic setting of these facies is a subject of debate and confusing at best. Integrative sedimentological and sequence stratigraphic study of successions exposed in the St. Paul and El-Zeit blocks provides insight into the lateral relationships between the two facies and their evolution, a topic that is not fully understood. The St. Paul block, located at the basin margin, has thin shallow marine facies, while the succession of El-Zeit block, situated near the basin axis, consists of basal conglomerates, thin shallow marine carbonates, thick deeper marine shale and marginal evaporites. The facies architecture of these successions is interpreted as belonging to two different depositional models: a fan-delta/lagoon system followed upwards by an alluvial fans/sabkha-tidal flat system in the St. Paul hangingwall basin, and carbonate-siliciclastic-evaporite systems on the hangingwall dip-slope ramp of El-Zeit block. These models may help understanding the sedimentary history of other similar blocks in the rift basin. The studied facies show many striking features such as deposition during tilting of fault block, abrupt facies and thickness variations, coarse clastic shedding, erosion channel filling, onlapping of high standing blocks and evaporite accumulation. These features are the result of major tectonic events that triggered the formation of unconformities at different hierarchical levels during the late early to middle Miocene. These unconformities subdivide the Miocene facies into five depositional sequences separated by basin-wide erosional boundaries. This division greatly improves the age control of marginal marine facies. It affords new insight into the evolution of marginal marine facies along the western margin of the basin in relation to deeper facies in the basin centre. Facies and thickness changes in these tectonically induced sequences indicate that basin floor irregularities, subsidence rates, climatic changes, variable sediment influx, sea-level/brine-level changes and basin isolation/connection to the Mediterranean Sea are also important factors responsible for their evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2021 MW 7.4 Maduo event occurred within the Bayan Har block in eastern Tibet, which provides an opportunity to investigate the stress conditions and rheology of faults within the block. Here, we perform dynamic rupture simulations based on the finite element method to explore the physical conditions underlying this earthquake and the factors that controlled the rupture process. We construct the model with a nonplanar fault inferred from the Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data and aftershocks sequence relocation. Our dynamic model is controlled by slip‐weakening friction law with initial stress on fault resolved from a uniform regional stress field. The preferred model produces an average slip of ∼2.2 m with a maximum slip of ∼4.0 m. There are three asperities distributed along the strike, which have captured the main features of the Maduo event. The simulation results are consistent with the static GPS coseismic surface displacements, InSAR data, and displacement waveforms recorded by high‐rate GNSS stations. By comparing the results with the planar fault model and rotated stress fields, we find that the fault geometry and regional stress field are the primary factors that control the rupture process of the event. Moreover, we infer that the unfavorable orientation and fault bend lead to minor slips on the branch fault. Furthermore, we investigate the potential mechanisms of supershear rupture on the eastern fault segment. Plain Language Summary: The 2021 Maduo event ruptured on an intra‐block fault of the Bayan Har block in the Tibetan Plateau, which has aroused widespread interest among the scientific community. In this study, we perform physics‐based numerical simulations based on a nonplanar fault to reproduce the source process of the event. The surface displacements obtained from our dynamic model are in good agreement with the observations. As the other parameters are relatively simple in our model, the source process of the event is mainly controlled by the geometric fault complexities. Our results also help to constrain the orientation of the regional stress field. We find that the branch fault of the earthquake is unfavorably oriented in the regional stress field as well as the fault bend also impedes the rupture to propagate on it, which leads to a minor slip on the branch fault. Furthermore, we infer that the supershear rupture may be induced by the free surface in the earthquake. Key Points: Our dynamic model reproduced the first‐order rupture characteristics of the Maduo earthquakeThe main factor that controls the multipeak slip pattern of the Maduo event is fault geometryThe orientation of the regional stress field was determined through numerical experiments [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nummulites amakusensis Yabe and Hanzawa-- N. junbarensis Matsumaru -- N. hongoensis Hanzawa -- Discocyclina pratti (Michelin) Assemblage (generic term: Amakusa Assemblage) zone of lower Eocene (Ypresian)/middle Eocene (Lutetian), assigned to Letter Stage a2 and the P9 planktonic foraminifera zone in the Philippine Archipelago, is recognized in 20 stratigraphically positioned samples from the Akashimisaki Formation in the Amakusa Islands, Kyushu district Japan, and also in three samples from the Tachien and Meichi Sandstones, Hsuehshan Range, central Taiwan, based on age diagnostic larger foraminifera of five genera and 15 species, together with associated planktonic foraminifera. At the Bozubana locality (station No. 3), Amakusa Islands, unusual white clastic limestone layers in fault blocks of theAkashimisaki Formation yield reworked late Paleocene (Thanetian) larger foraminifera and Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) planktonic foraminifera in the Bozubana Thrust Fault zone, which was activated by the Peri Tunghai TectonicMovement in the Ryukyu Arc after the Eocene formations were deposited. The Amakusa Assemblage is proposed for a key regional framework in the eastern Tethys indicating the late Early Eocene (Ypresian)/early Middle Eocene (Lutetian) based on zone P9 and Letter Stage a2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whitehead, S.J.; Yeager, K.M.; Feagin, R.A.; Huff, T.P.; Paine, J.G.; Schindler, K.S., and Dixon, T.S., 2024. Growth fault–induced effects on tidal marsh surficial processes and landscape conversion in the Slop Bowl, Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, Texas. Journal of Coastal Research, 40(1), 64–79. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. The Slop Bowl marsh, located in the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge on the Texas coast, is an anthropogenically influenced tidal marsh setting that has experienced rapid rates of landscape conversion and loss over the last ∼70 years. This tidal marsh has been affected by recently active faults and several hydrologic barriers (roads, pipeline channels, and active hydrocarbon-extraction well pads). Geophysical field methods and sedimentological analyses were conducted to better understand the effects of these developments on marsh surficial processes. Lithostratigraphy, shallow geophysical data, GPS surveys, radionuclide dating, and organic matter analyses all exhibited influences connected to growth-fault motion. The location and activity of a major growth fault were identified as contributing to subsidence on the downthrown fault block and causing vertical displacement of the marsh surface. Fault motion, in conjunction with the construction of roads, has disrupted the natural hydrologic pathways that once existed. Their combined effects resulted in transition of the land cover over the past several decades from a saline coastal prairie to a tidal marsh–dominant landscape, with continued future submergence anticipated. As the natural laboratory of the Slop Bowl demonstrates, anthropogenic development, neotectonics, and hydrocarbon extraction can have outsized effects on sedimentation processes, with implications for the long-term sustainability of coastal wetland environments in the northern Gulf of Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]