Articles | Volume 13, issue 11
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1731-2022
© Author(s) 2022. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1731-2022
© Author(s) 2022. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
14 Nov 2022
Research article |
| 14 Nov 2022
| 14 Nov 2022
The Luangwa Rift Active Fault Database and fault reactivation along the southwestern branch of the East African Rift
Luke N. J. Wedmore
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
Tess Turner
School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
Juliet Biggs
School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
Jack N. Williams
School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
Department of Geology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Henry M. Sichingabula
Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
Christine Kabumbu
Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
Kawawa Banda
Department of Geology, School of Mines, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
Related authors
Jack N. Williams, Luke N. J. Wedmore, Åke Fagereng, Maximilian J. Werner, Hassan Mdala, Donna J. Shillington, Christopher A. Scholz, Folarin Kolawole, Lachlan J. M. Wright, Juliet Biggs, Zuze Dulanya, Felix Mphepo, and Patrick Chindandali
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 3607–3639, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-3607-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-3607-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We use geologic and GPS data to constrain the magnitude and frequency of earthquakes that occur along active faults in Malawi. These faults slip in earthquakes as the tectonic plates on either side of the East African Rift in Malawi diverge. Low divergence rates (0.5–1.5 mm yr) and long faults (5–200 km) imply that earthquakes along these faults are rare (once every 1000–10 000 years) but could have high magnitudes (M 7–8). These data can be used to assess seismic risk in Malawi.
Jack N. Williams, Hassan Mdala, Åke Fagereng, Luke N. J. Wedmore, Juliet Biggs, Zuze Dulanya, Patrick Chindandali, and Felix Mphepo
Solid Earth, 12, 187–217, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-187-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-187-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Earthquake hazard is often specified using instrumental records. However, this record may not accurately forecast the location and magnitude of future earthquakes as it is short (100s of years) relative to their frequency along geologic faults (1000s of years). Here, we describe an approach to assess this hazard using fault maps and GPS data. By applying this to southern Malawi, we find that its faults may host rare (1 in 10 000 years) M 7 earthquakes that pose a risk to its growing population.
Henry M. Zimba, Miriam Coenders-Gerrits, Kawawa E. Banda, Petra Hulsman, Nick van de Giesen, Imasiku A. Nyambe, and Hubert H. G. Savenije
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 3633–3663, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-3633-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-3633-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The fall and flushing of new leaves in the miombo woodlands co-occur in the dry season before the commencement of seasonal rainfall. The miombo species are also said to have access to soil moisture in deep soils, including groundwater in the dry season. Satellite-based evaporation estimates, temporal trends, and magnitudes differ the most in the dry season, most likely due to inadequate understanding and representation of the highlighted miombo species attributes in simulations.
Hubert T. Samboko, Sten Schurer, Hubert H. G. Savenije, Hodson Makurira, Kawawa Banda, and Hessel Winsemius
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 12, 155–169, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-12-155-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-12-155-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The study investigates how low-cost technology can be applied in data-scarce catchments to improve water resource management. More specifically, we investigate how drone technology can be combined with low-cost real-time kinematic positioning (RTK) global navigation satellite system (GNSS) equipment and subsequently applied to a 3D hydraulic model so as to generate more physically based rating curves.
C. Scott Watson, John R. Elliott, Susanna K. Ebmeier, Juliet Biggs, Fabien Albino, Sarah K. Brown, Helen Burns, Andrew Hooper, Milan Lazecky, Yasser Maghsoudi, Richard Rigby, and Tim J. Wright
Geosci. Commun., 6, 75–96, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-6-75-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-6-75-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We evaluate the communication and open data processing of satellite Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data, which measures ground deformation. We discuss the unique interpretation challenges and the use of automatic data processing and web tools to broaden accessibility. We link these tools with an analysis of InSAR communication through Twitter in which applications to earthquakes and volcanoes prevailed. We discuss future integration with disaster risk-reduction strategies.
Henry Zimba, Miriam Coenders-Gerrits, Kawawa Banda, Bart Schilperoort, Nick van de Giesen, Imasiku Nyambe, and Hubert H. G. Savenije
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 1695–1722, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-1695-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-1695-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Miombo woodland plants continue to lose water even during the driest part of the year. This appears to be facilitated by the adapted features such as deep rooting (beyond 5 m) with access to deep soil moisture, potentially even ground water. It appears the trend and amount of water that the plants lose is correlated more to the available energy. This loss of water in the dry season by miombo woodland plants appears to be incorrectly captured by satellite-based evaporation estimates.
Jack N. Williams, Luke N. J. Wedmore, Åke Fagereng, Maximilian J. Werner, Hassan Mdala, Donna J. Shillington, Christopher A. Scholz, Folarin Kolawole, Lachlan J. M. Wright, Juliet Biggs, Zuze Dulanya, Felix Mphepo, and Patrick Chindandali
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 3607–3639, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-3607-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-3607-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We use geologic and GPS data to constrain the magnitude and frequency of earthquakes that occur along active faults in Malawi. These faults slip in earthquakes as the tectonic plates on either side of the East African Rift in Malawi diverge. Low divergence rates (0.5–1.5 mm yr) and long faults (5–200 km) imply that earthquakes along these faults are rare (once every 1000–10 000 years) but could have high magnitudes (M 7–8). These data can be used to assess seismic risk in Malawi.
Henry Zimba, Miriam Coenders-Gerrits, Kawawa Banda, Petra Hulsman, Nick van de Giesen, Imasiku Nyambe, and Hubert Savenije
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2022-114, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2022-114, 2022
Manuscript not accepted for further review
Short summary
Short summary
We compare performance of evaporation models in the Luangwa Basin located in a semi-arid and complex Miombo ecosystem in Africa. Miombo plants changes colour, drop off leaves and acquire new leaves during the dry season. In addition, the plant roots go deep in the soil and appear to access groundwater. Results show that evaporation models with structure and process that do not capture this unique plant structure and behaviour appears to have difficulties to correctly estimating evaporation.
Hubert T. Samboko, Sten Schurer, Hubert H. G. Savenije, Hodson Makurira, Kawawa Banda, and Hessel Winsemius
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 11, 1–23, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-1-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-1-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The study was conducted along the Luangwa River in Zambia. It combines low-cost instruments such as UAVs and GPS kits to collect data for the purposes of water management. A novel technique which seamlessly merges the dry and wet bathymetry before application in a hydraulic model was applied. Successful implementation resulted in water authorities with small budgets being able to monitor flows safely and efficiently without significant compromise on accuracy.
Jack N. Williams, Hassan Mdala, Åke Fagereng, Luke N. J. Wedmore, Juliet Biggs, Zuze Dulanya, Patrick Chindandali, and Felix Mphepo
Solid Earth, 12, 187–217, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-187-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-187-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Earthquake hazard is often specified using instrumental records. However, this record may not accurately forecast the location and magnitude of future earthquakes as it is short (100s of years) relative to their frequency along geologic faults (1000s of years). Here, we describe an approach to assess this hazard using fault maps and GPS data. By applying this to southern Malawi, we find that its faults may host rare (1 in 10 000 years) M 7 earthquakes that pose a risk to its growing population.
Jack N. Williams, Virginia G. Toy, Cécile Massiot, David D. McNamara, Steven A. F. Smith, and Steven Mills
Solid Earth, 9, 469–489, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-9-469-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-9-469-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
We present new data on the orientation of fractures, their fill, and their density around the Alpine Fault, a plate boundary fault on the South Island of New Zealand. Fractures < 160 m of the fault are filled and show a range of orientations, whilst fractures at greater distances (< 500 m) are open and parallel to the rock's mechanical weakness. We interpret the latter fracture set to reflect near-surface processes, whilst the latter are potentially linked to deep-seated Alpine Fault seismicity.
Jack N. Williams, Joseph J. Bevitt, and Virginia G. Toy
Sci. Dril., 22, 35–42, https://doi.org/10.5194/sd-22-35-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/sd-22-35-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
We compare images of drillcore from the Alpine Fault in New Zealand that were collected using X-ray computed tomography (CT) and neutron tomography (NT). Both techniques provide 3-D images of the core's internal structure, which would not be possible through visual analysis alone. We find that CT scans are more beneficial, as they can image a wider range of rock types, and this scanning technique is more practical. Nevertheless, NT provides complementary scans over limited intervals of core.
Related subject area
Subject area: Tectonic plate interactions, magma genesis, and lithosphere deformation at all scales | Editorial team: Structural geology and tectonics, paleoseismology, rock physics, experimental deformation | Discipline: Structural geology
Driven magmatism and crustal thinning of coastal southern China in response to subduction
Selection and characterization of the target fault for fluid-induced activation and earthquake rupture experiments
Naturally fractured reservoir characterisation in heterogeneous sandstones: insight for uranium in situ recovery (Imouraren, Niger)
Influence of water on crystallographic preferred orientation patterns in a naturally-deformed quartzite
Multiscalar 3D temporal structural characterisation of Smøla island, mid-Norwegian passive margin: an analogue for unravelling the tectonic history of offshore basement highs
Localized shear versus distributed strain accumulation as shear-accommodation mechanisms in ductile shear zones: Constraining their dictating factors
Impact of faults on the remote stress state
Subduction plate interface shear stress associated with rapid subduction at deep slow earthquake depths: example from the Sanbagawa belt, southwestern Japan
Multiple phase rifting and subsequent inversion in the West Netherlands Basin: implications for geothermal reservoir characterization
Analogue modelling of basin inversion: implications for the Araripe Basin (Brazil)
Geomorphic expressions of active rifting reflect the role of structural inheritance: A new model for the evolution of the Shanxi Rift, North China
Natural fracture patterns at Swift Reservoir anticline, NW Montana: the influence of structural position and lithology from multiple observation scales
Rapid hydration and weakening of anhydrite under stress: implications for natural hydration in the Earth's crust and mantle
Analogue experiments on releasing and restraining bends and their application to the study of the Barents Shear Margin
Structural framework and timing of the Pahtohavare Cu ± Au deposits, Kiruna mining district, Sweden
Does the syn- versus post-rift thickness ratio have an impact on the inversion-related structural style?
Inversion of accommodation zones in salt-bearing extensional systems: insights from analog modeling
Structural control of inherited salt structures during inversion of a domino basement-fault system from an analogue modelling approach
Kinematics and time-resolved evolution of the main thrust-sense shear zone in the Eo-Alpine orogenic wedge (the Vinschgau Shear Zone, eastern Alps)
Role of inheritance during tectonic inversion of a rift system in basement-involved to salt-decoupled transition: analogue modelling and application to the Pyrenean–Biscay system
Water release and homogenization by dynamic recrystallization of quartz
Hydrothermal activity of the Lake Abhe geothermal field (Djibouti): Structural controls and paths for further exploration
Time-dependent frictional properties of granular materials used in analogue modelling: implications for mimicking fault healing during reactivation and inversion
Large grain-size-dependent rheology contrasts of halite at low differential stress: evidence from microstructural study of naturally deformed gneissic Zechstein 2 rock salt (Kristallbrockensalz) from the northern Netherlands
Analogue modelling of the inversion of multiple extensional basins in foreland fold-and-thrust belts
A contribution to the quantification of crustal shortening and kinematics of deformation across the Western Andes ( ∼ 20–22° S)
Rift thermal inheritance in the SW Alps (France): insights from RSCM thermometry and 1D thermal numerical modelling
Clustering has a meaning: optimization of angular similarity to detect 3D geometric anomalies in geological terrains
Shear zone evolution and the path of earthquake rupture
Mechanical compaction mechanisms in the input sediments of the Sumatra subduction complex – insights from microstructural analysis of cores from IODP Expedition 362
Detecting micro fractures: a comprehensive comparison of conventional and machine-learning-based segmentation methods
Multiscale lineament analysis and permeability heterogeneity of fractured crystalline basement blocks
Structural characterization and K–Ar illite dating of reactivated, complex and heterogeneous fault zones: lessons from the Zuccale Fault, Northern Apennines
How do differences in interpreting seismic images affect estimates of geological slip rates?
Progressive veining during peridotite carbonation: insights from listvenites in Hole BT1B, Samail ophiolite (Oman)
Tectonic evolution of the Indio Hills segment of the San Andreas fault in southern California, southwestern USA
Structural diagenesis in ultra-deep tight sandstones in the Kuqa Depression, Tarim Basin, China
Variscan structures and their control on latest to post-Variscan basin architecture: insights from the westernmost Bohemian Massif and southeastern Germany
Multi-disciplinary characterizations of the BedrettoLab – a new underground geoscience research facility
Biotite supports long-range diffusive transport in dissolution–precipitation creep in halite through small porosity fluctuations
De-risking the energy transition by quantifying the uncertainties in fault stability
Virtual field trip to the Esla Nappe (Cantabrian Zone, NW Spain): delivering traditional geological mapping skills remotely using real data
Marine forearc structure of eastern Java and its role in the 1994 Java tsunami earthquake
Roughness of fracture surfaces in numerical models and laboratory experiments
Impact of basement thrust faults on low-angle normal faults and rift basin evolution: a case study in the Enping sag, Pearl River Basin
Evidence for and significance of the Late Cretaceous Asteroussia event in the Gondwanan Ios basement terranes
Investigating spatial heterogeneity within fracture networks using hierarchical clustering and graph distance metrics
Dating folding beyond folding, from layer-parallel shortening to fold tightening, using mesostructures: lessons from the Apennines, Pyrenees, and Rocky Mountains
Deformation-enhanced diagenesis and bacterial proliferation in the Nankai accretionary prism
Rheological stratification in impure rock salt during long-term creep: morphology, microstructure, and numerical models of multilayer folds in the Ocnele Mari salt mine, Romania
Jinbao Su, Wenbin Zhu, and Guangwei Li
Solid Earth, 15, 1133–1141, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1133-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1133-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The late Mesozoic igneous rocks in the South China Block exhibit flare-ups and lulls, which form in compressional or extensional backgrounds. The ascending of magma forms a mush-like head and decreases crustal thickness. The presence of faults and pre-existing magmas will accelerate emplacement of underplating magma. The magmatism at different times may be formed under similar subduction conditions, and the boundary compression forces will delay magma ascent.
Peter Achtziger-Zupančič, Alberto Ceccato, Alba Simona Zappone, Giacomo Pozzi, Alexis Shakas, Florian Amann, Whitney Maria Behr, Daniel Escallon Botero, Domenico Giardini, Marian Hertrich, Mohammadreza Jalali, Xiaodong Ma, Men-Andrin Meier, Julian Osten, Stefan Wiemer, and Massimo Cocco
Solid Earth, 15, 1087–1112, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1087-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1087-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We detail the selection and characterization of a fault zone for earthquake experiments in the Fault Activation and Earthquake Ruptures (FEAR) project at the Bedretto Lab. FEAR, which studies earthquake processes, overcame data collection challenges near faults. The fault zone in Rotondo granite was selected based on geometry, monitorability, and hydro-mechanical properties. Remote sensing, borehole logging, and geological mapping were used to create a 3D model for precise monitoring.
Maxime Jamet, Gregory Ballas, Roger Soliva, Olivier Gerbeaud, Thierry Lefebvre, Christine Leredde, and Didier Loggia
Solid Earth, 15, 895–920, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-895-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-895-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study characterizes the Tchirezrine II sandstone reservoir in northern Niger. Crucial for potential uranium in situ recovery (ISR), our multifaceted approach reveals (i) a network of homogeneously distributed orthogonal structures, (ii) the impact of clustered E–W fault structures on anisotropic fluid flow, and (iii) local changes in the matrix behaviour of the reservoir as a function of the density and nature of the deformation structure.
Jeffrey M. Rahl, Brendan Moehringer, Kenneth S. Befus, and John S. Singleton
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1567, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1567, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
At the high temperatures present in the deeper crust, minerals such as quartz can flow much like silly putty. The detailed mechanisms of how atoms are reorganized depends upon several factors, such as the temperature and the rate of which the mineral changes shape. We present observations from a naturally-deformed rock showing that the amount of water present also influences the type of deformation in quartz, with implications for geological interpretations.
Matthew S. Hodge, Guri Venvik, Jochen Knies, Roelant van der Lelij, Jasmin Schönenberger, Øystein Nordgulen, Marco Brönner, Aziz Nasuti, and Giulio Viola
Solid Earth, 15, 589–615, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-589-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-589-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Smøla island, in the mid-Norwegian margin, has complex fracture and fault patterns resulting from tectonic activity. This study uses a multiple-method approach to unravel Smøla's tectonic history. We found five different phases of deformation related to various fracture geometries and minerals dating back hundreds of millions of years. 3D models of these features visualise these structures in space. This approach may help us to understand offshore oil and gas reservoirs hosted in the basement.
Pramit Chatterjee, Arnab Roy, and Nibir Mandal
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1077, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1077, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Understanding the strain accumulation processes in ductile shear zones is essential to explain the failure mechanisms at great crustal depths. This study explores the rheological and kinematic factors determining the varying modes of shear accommodation in natural shear zones. Numerical simulations suggest that an interplay of the following parameters: initial bulk viscosity, bulk shear rate, and internal cohesion governs the dominance of one accommodation mechanism over the other.
Karsten Reiter, Oliver Heidbach, and Moritz O. Ziegler
Solid Earth, 15, 305–327, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-305-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-305-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
It is generally assumed that faults have an influence on the stress state of the Earth’s crust. It is questionable whether this influence is still present far away from a fault. Simple numerical models were used to investigate the extent of the influence of faults on the stress state. Several models with different fault representations were investigated. The stress fluctuations further away from the fault (> 1 km) are very small.
Yukinojo Koyama, Simon R. Wallis, and Takayoshi Nagaya
Solid Earth, 15, 143–166, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-143-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-143-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Stress along a subduction plate boundary is important for understanding subduction phenomena such as earthquakes. We estimated paleo-stress using quartz recrystallized grain size combined with deformation temperature and P–T paths of exhumed rocks. The obtained results show differential stresses of 30.8–82.7 MPa consistent over depths of 17–27 km in the paleo-subduction boundary. The obtained stress may represent the initial conditions under which slow earthquakes nucleated in the same domain.
Annelotte Weert, Kei Ogata, Francesco Vinci, Coen Leo, Giovanni Bertotti, Jerome Amory, and Stefano Tavani
Solid Earth, 15, 121–141, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-121-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-121-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
On the road to a sustainable planet, geothermal energy is considered one of the main substitutes when it comes to heating. The geological history of an area can have a major influence on the application of these geothermal systems, as demonstrated in the West Netherlands Basin. Here, multiple episodes of rifting and subsequent basin inversion have controlled the distribution of the reservoir rocks, thus influencing the locations where geothermal energy can be exploited.
Pâmela C. Richetti, Frank Zwaan, Guido Schreurs, Renata S. Schmitt, and Timothy C. Schmid
Solid Earth, 14, 1245–1266, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-1245-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-1245-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The Araripe Basin in NE Brazil was originally formed during Cretaceous times, as South America and Africa broke up. The basin is an important analogue to offshore South Atlantic break-up basins; its sediments were uplifted and are now found at 1000 m height, allowing for studies thereof, but the cause of the uplift remains debated. Here we ran a series of tectonic laboratory experiments that show how a specific plate tectonic configuration can explain the evolution of the Araripe Basin.
Malte Froemchen, Ken J. W. McCaffrey, Mark B. Allen, Jeroen van Hunen, Thomas B. Phillips, and Yueren Xu
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2563, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2563, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The Shanxi Rift is a young active rift in North China that formed superimposed on a Proterozoic orogen. The impact of these structures on the active rift faults is poorly constrained. Here we quantify the landscape response to active faulting and compare these to published maps of inherited structures. We find that inherited structures played an important role in the segmentation of the Shanxi Rift and in the development of Rift Interaction Zones, the most active regions of the Shanxi Rift.
Adam J. Cawood, Hannah Watkins, Clare E. Bond, Marian J. Warren, and Mark A. Cooper
Solid Earth, 14, 1005–1030, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-1005-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-1005-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Here we test conceptual models of fracture development by investigating fractures across multiple scales. We find that most fractures increase in abundance towards the fold hinge, and we interpret these as being fold related. Other fractures at the site show inconsistent orientations and are unrelated to fold formation. Our results show that predicting fracture patterns requires the consideration of multiple geologic variables.
Johanna Heeb, David Healy, Nicholas E. Timms, and Enrique Gomez-Rivas
Solid Earth, 14, 985–1003, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-985-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-985-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Hydration of rocks is a key process in the Earth’s crust and mantle that is accompanied by changes in physical traits and mechanical behaviour of rocks. This study assesses the influence of stress on hydration reaction kinetics and mechanics in experiments on anhydrite. We show that hydration occurs readily under stress and results in localized hydration along fractures and mechanic weakening. New gypsum growth is selective and depends on the stress field and host anhydrite crystal orientation.
Roy Helge Gabrielsen, Panagiotis Athanasios Giannenas, Dimitrios Sokoutis, Ernst Willingshofer, Muhammad Hassaan, and Jan Inge Faleide
Solid Earth, 14, 961–983, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-961-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-961-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The Barents Shear Margin defines the border between the relatively shallow Barents Sea that is situated on a continental plate and the deep ocean. This margin's evolution history was probably influenced by plate tectonic reorganizations. From scaled experiments, we deduced several types of structures (faults, folds, and sedimentary basins) that help us to improve the understanding of the history of the opening of the North Atlantic.
Leslie Logan, Ervin Veress, Joel B. H. Andersson, Olof Martinsson, and Tobias E. Bauer
Solid Earth, 14, 763–784, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-763-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-763-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The Pahtohavare Cu ± Au deposits in the Kiruna mining district have a dubious timing of formation and have not been contextualized within an up-to-date tectonic framework. Structural mapping was carried out to reveal that the deposits are hosted in brittle structures that cut a noncylindrical, SE-plunging anticline constrained to have formed during the late-Svecokarelian orogeny. These results show that Cu ± Au mineralization formed more than ca. 80 Myr after iron oxide–apatite mineralization.
Alexandra Tamas, Dan M. Tamas, Gabor Tari, Csaba Krezsek, Alexandru Lapadat, and Zsolt Schleder
Solid Earth, 14, 741–761, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-741-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-741-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Tectonic processes are complex and often difficult to understand due to the limitations of surface or subsurface data. One such process is inversion tectonics, which means that an area initially developed in an extension (such as the opening of an ocean) is reversed to compression (the process leading to mountain building). In this research, we use a laboratory method (analogue modelling), and with the help of a sandbox, we try to better understand structures (folds/faults) related to inversion.
Elizabeth Parker Wilson, Pablo Granado, Pablo Santolaria, Oriol Ferrer, and Josep Anton Muñoz
Solid Earth, 14, 709–739, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-709-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-709-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This work focuses on the control of accommodation zones on extensional and subsequent inversion in salt-detached domains using sandbox analogue models. During extension, the transfer zone acts as a pathway for the movement of salt, changing the expected geometries. When inverted, the salt layer and syn-inversion sedimentation control the deformation style in the salt-detached cover system. Three natural cases are compared to the model results and show similar inversion geometries.
Oriol Ferrer, Eloi Carola, and Ken McClay
Solid Earth, 14, 571–589, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-571-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-571-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Using an experimental approach based on scaled sandbox models, this work aims to understand how salt above different rotational fault blocks influences the cover geometry and evolution, first during extension and then during inversion. The results show that inherited salt structures constrain contractional deformation. We show for the first time how welds and fault welds are reopened during contractional deformation, having direct implications for the subsurface exploration of natural resources.
Chiara Montemagni, Stefano Zanchetta, Martina Rocca, Igor M. Villa, Corrado Morelli, Volkmar Mair, and Andrea Zanchi
Solid Earth, 14, 551–570, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-551-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-551-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The Vinschgau Shear Zone (VSZ) is one of the largest and most significant shear zones developed within the Late Cretaceous thrust stack in the Austroalpine domain of the eastern Alps. 40Ar / 39Ar geochronology constrains the activity of the VSZ between 97 and 80 Ma. The decreasing vorticity towards the core of the shear zone, coupled with the younging of mylonites, points to a shear thinning behavior. The deepest units of the Eo-Alpine orogenic wedge were exhumed along the VSZ.
Jordi Miró, Oriol Ferrer, Josep Anton Muñoz, and Gianreto Manastchal
Solid Earth, 14, 425–445, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-425-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-425-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Using the Asturian–Basque–Cantabrian system and analogue (sandbox) models, this work focuses on the linkage between basement-controlled and salt-decoupled domains and how deformation is accommodated between the two during extension and subsequent inversion. Analogue models show significant structural variability in the transitional domain, with oblique structures that can be strongly modified by syn-contractional sedimentation. Experimental results are consistent with the case study.
Junichi Fukuda, Takamoto Okudaira, and Yukiko Ohtomo
Solid Earth, 14, 409–424, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-409-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-409-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We measured water distributions in deformed quartz by infrared spectroscopy mapping and used the results to discuss changes in water distribution resulting from textural development. Because of the grain size reduction process (dynamic recrystallization), water contents decrease from 40–1750 wt ppm in host grains of ~2 mm to 100–510 wt ppm in recrystallized regions composed of fine grains of ~10 µm. Our results indicate that water is released and homogenized by dynamic recrystallization.
Bastien Walter, Yves Géraud, Alexiane Favier, Nadjib Chibati, and Marc Diraison
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-397, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-397, 2023
Preprint archived
Short summary
Short summary
Lake Abhe in southwestern Djibouti is known for its exposures of massive hydrothermal chimneys and hot springs on the lake’s eastern shore. This study highlights the control of the main structural faults of the area on the development of these hydrothermal features. This work contributes to better understand hydrothermal fluid pathways in this area and may help further exploration for the geothermal development of this remarkable site.
Michael Rudolf, Matthias Rosenau, and Onno Oncken
Solid Earth, 14, 311–331, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-311-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-311-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Analogue models of tectonic processes rely on the reproduction of their geometry, kinematics and dynamics. An important property is fault behaviour, which is linked to the frictional characteristics of the fault gouge. This is represented by granular materials, such as quartz sand. In our study we investigate the time-dependent frictional properties of various analogue materials and highlight their impact on the suitability of these materials for analogue models focusing on fault reactivation.
Jessica Barabasch, Joyce Schmatz, Jop Klaver, Alexander Schwedt, and Janos L. Urai
Solid Earth, 14, 271–291, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-271-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-271-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We analysed Zechstein salt with microscopes and observed specific microstructures that indicate much faster deformation in rock salt with fine halite grains when compared to salt with larger grains. This is important because people build large cavities in the subsurface salt for energy storage or want to deposit radioactive waste inside it. When engineers and scientists use grain-size data and equations that include this mechanism, it will help to make better predictions in geological models.
Nicolás Molnar and Susanne Buiter
Solid Earth, 14, 213–235, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-213-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-213-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Progression of orogenic wedges over pre-existing extensional structures is common in nature, but deciphering the spatio-temporal evolution of deformation from the geological record remains challenging. Our laboratory experiments provide insights on how horizontal stresses are transferred across a heterogeneous crust, constrain which pre-shortening conditions can either favour or hinder the reactivatation of extensional structures, and explain what implications they have on critical taper theory.
Tania Habel, Martine Simoes, Robin Lacassin, Daniel Carrizo, and German Aguilar
Solid Earth, 14, 17–42, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-17-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-17-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The Central Andes are one of the most emblematic reliefs on Earth, but their western flank remains understudied. Here we explore two rare key sites in the hostile conditions of the Atacama desert to build cross-sections, quantify crustal shortening, and discuss the timing of this deformation at ∼20–22°S. We propose that the structures of the Western Andes accommodated significant crustal shortening here, but only during the earliest stages of mountain building.
Naïm Célini, Frédéric Mouthereau, Abdeltif Lahfid, Claude Gout, and Jean-Paul Callot
Solid Earth, 14, 1–16, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-1-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-1-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We investigate the peak temperature of sedimentary rocks of the SW Alps (France), using Raman spectroscopy on carbonaceous material. This method provides an estimate of the peak temperature achieved by organic-rich rocks. To determine the timing and the tectonic context of the origin of these temperatures we use 1D thermal modelling. We find that the high temperatures up to 300 °C were achieved during precollisional extensional events, not during tectonic burial in the Western Alps.
Michał P. Michalak, Lesław Teper, Florian Wellmann, Jerzy Żaba, Krzysztof Gaidzik, Marcin Kostur, Yuriy P. Maystrenko, and Paulina Leonowicz
Solid Earth, 13, 1697–1720, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1697-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1697-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
When characterizing geological/geophysical surfaces, various geometric attributes are calculated, such as dip angle (1D) or dip direction (2D). However, the boundaries between specific values may be subjective and without optimization significance, resulting from using default color palletes. This study proposes minimizing cosine distance among within-cluster observations to detect 3D anomalies. Our results suggest that the method holds promise for identification of megacylinders or megacones.
Erik M. Young, Christie D. Rowe, and James D. Kirkpatrick
Solid Earth, 13, 1607–1629, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1607-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1607-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Studying how earthquakes spread deep within the faults they originate from is crucial to improving our understanding of the earthquake process. We mapped preserved ancient earthquake surfaces that are now exposed in South Africa and studied their relationship with the shape and type of rocks surrounding them. We determined that these surfaces are not random and are instead associated with specific kinds of rocks and that their shape is linked to the evolution of the faults in which they occur.
Sivaji Lahiri, Kitty L. Milliken, Peter Vrolijk, Guillaume Desbois, and Janos L. Urai
Solid Earth, 13, 1513–1539, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1513-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1513-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Understanding the mechanism of mechanical compaction is important. Previous studies on mechanical compaction were mostly done by performing experiments. Studies on natural rocks are rare due to compositional heterogeneity of the sedimentary succession with depth. Due to remarkable similarity in composition and grain size, the Sumatra subduction complex provides a unique opportunity to study the micromechanism of mechanical compaction on natural samples.
Dongwon Lee, Nikolaos Karadimitriou, Matthias Ruf, and Holger Steeb
Solid Earth, 13, 1475–1494, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1475-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1475-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
This research article focuses on filtering and segmentation methods employed in high-resolution µXRCT studies for crystalline rocks, bearing fractures, or fracture networks, of very small aperture. Specifically, we focus on the identification of artificially induced (via quenching) fractures in Carrara marble samples. Results from the same dataset from all five different methods adopted were produced and compared with each other in terms of their output quality and time efficiency.
Alberto Ceccato, Giulia Tartaglia, Marco Antonellini, and Giulio Viola
Solid Earth, 13, 1431–1453, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1431-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1431-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The Earth's surface is commonly characterized by the occurrence of fractures, which can be mapped, and their can be geometry quantified on digital representations of the surface at different scales of observation. Here we present a series of analytical and statistical tools, which can aid the quantification of fracture spatial distribution at different scales. In doing so, we can improve our understanding of how fracture geometry and geology affect fluid flow within the fractured Earth crust.
Giulio Viola, Giovanni Musumeci, Francesco Mazzarini, Lorenzo Tavazzani, Manuel Curzi, Espen Torgersen, Roelant van der Lelij, and Luca Aldega
Solid Earth, 13, 1327–1351, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1327-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1327-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
A structural-geochronological approach helps to unravel the Zuccale Fault's architecture. By mapping its internal structure and dating some of its fault rocks, we constrained a deformation history lasting 20 Myr starting at ca. 22 Ma. Such long activity is recorded by now tightly juxtaposed brittle structural facies, i.e. different types of fault rocks. Our results also have implications on the regional evolution of the northern Apennines, of which the Zuccale Fault is an important structure.
Wan-Lin Hu
Solid Earth, 13, 1281–1290, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1281-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1281-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Having a seismic image is generally expected to enable us to better determine fault geometry and thus estimate geological slip rates accurately. However, the process of interpreting seismic images may introduce unintended uncertainties, which have not yet been widely discussed. Here, a case of a shear fault-bend fold in the frontal Himalaya is used to demonstrate how differences in interpretations can affect the following estimates of slip rates and dependent conclusions.
Manuel D. Menzel, Janos L. Urai, Estibalitz Ukar, Thierry Decrausaz, and Marguerite Godard
Solid Earth, 13, 1191–1218, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1191-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1191-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Mantle rocks can bind large quantities of carbon by reaction with CO2, but this capacity requires fluid pathways not to be clogged by carbonate. We studied mantle rocks from Oman to understand the mechanisms allowing their transformation into carbonate and quartz. Using advanced imaging techniques, we show that abundant veins were essential fluid pathways driving the reaction. Our results show that tectonic stress was important for fracture opening and a key ingredient for carbon fixation.
Jean-Baptiste P. Koehl, Steffen G. Bergh, and Arthur G. Sylvester
Solid Earth, 13, 1169–1190, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1169-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1169-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The San Andreas fault is a major active fault associated with ongoing earthquake sequences in southern California. The present study investigates the development of the Indio Hills area in the Coachella Valley along the main San Andreas fault and the Indio Hills fault. The Indio Hills area is located near an area with high ongoing earthquake activity (Brawley seismic zone), and, therefore, its recent tectonic evolution has implications for earthquake prediction.
Jin Lai, Dong Li, Yong Ai, Hongkun Liu, Deyang Cai, Kangjun Chen, Yuqiang Xie, and Guiwen Wang
Solid Earth, 13, 975–1002, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-975-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-975-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
(1) Structural diagenesis analysis is performed on the ultra-deep tight sandstone. (2) Fracture and intergranular pores are related to the low in situ stress magnitudes. (3) Dissolution is associated with the presence of fracture.
Hamed Fazlikhani, Wolfgang Bauer, and Harald Stollhofen
Solid Earth, 13, 393–416, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-393-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-393-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Interpretation of newly acquired FRANKEN 2D seismic survey data in southeeastern Germany shows that upper Paleozoic low-grade metasedimentary rocks and possible nappe units are transported by Variscan shear zones to ca. 65 km west of the Franconian Fault System (FFS). We show that the locations of post-Variscan upper Carboniferous–Permian normal faults and associated graben and half-graben basins are controlled by the geometry of underlying Variscan shear zones.
Xiaodong Ma, Marian Hertrich, Florian Amann, Kai Bröker, Nima Gholizadeh Doonechaly, Valentin Gischig, Rebecca Hochreutener, Philipp Kästli, Hannes Krietsch, Michèle Marti, Barbara Nägeli, Morteza Nejati, Anne Obermann, Katrin Plenkers, Antonio P. Rinaldi, Alexis Shakas, Linus Villiger, Quinn Wenning, Alba Zappone, Falko Bethmann, Raymi Castilla, Francisco Seberto, Peter Meier, Thomas Driesner, Simon Loew, Hansruedi Maurer, Martin O. Saar, Stefan Wiemer, and Domenico Giardini
Solid Earth, 13, 301–322, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-301-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-301-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Questions on issues such as anthropogenic earthquakes and deep geothermal energy developments require a better understanding of the fractured rock. Experiments conducted at reduced scales but with higher-resolution observations can shed some light. To this end, the BedrettoLab was recently established in an existing tunnel in Ticino, Switzerland, with preliminary efforts to characterize realistic rock mass behavior at the hectometer scale.
Berit Schwichtenberg, Florian Fusseis, Ian B. Butler, and Edward Andò
Solid Earth, 13, 41–64, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-41-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-41-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Hydraulic rock properties such as porosity and permeability are relevant factors that have an impact on groundwater resources, geological repositories and fossil fuel reservoirs. We investigate the influence of chemical compaction upon the porosity evolution in salt–biotite mixtures and related transport length scales by conducting laboratory experiments in combination with 4-D analysis. Our observations invite a renewed discussion of the effect of sheet silicates on chemical compaction.
David Healy and Stephen Paul Hicks
Solid Earth, 13, 15–39, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-15-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-15-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The energy transition requires operations in faulted rocks. To manage the technical challenges and public concern over possible induced earthquakes, we need to quantify the risks. We calculate the probability of fault slip based on uncertain inputs, stresses, fluid pressures, and the mechanical properties of rocks in fault zones. Our examples highlight the specific gaps in our knowledge. Citizen science projects could produce useful data and include the public in the discussions about hazards.
Manuel I. de Paz-Álvarez, Thomas G. Blenkinsop, David M. Buchs, George E. Gibbons, and Lesley Cherns
Solid Earth, 13, 1–14, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We describe a virtual geological mapping course implemented in response to travelling and social restrictions derived from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The course was designed to replicate a physical mapping exercise as closely as possible with the aid of real field data and photographs collected by the authors during previous years in the Cantabrian Zone (NW Spain). The course is delivered through Google Earth via a KMZ file with outcrop descriptions and links to GitHub-hosted photographs.
Yueyang Xia, Jacob Geersen, Dirk Klaeschen, Bo Ma, Dietrich Lange, Michael Riedel, Michael Schnabel, and Heidrun Kopp
Solid Earth, 12, 2467–2477, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2467-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2467-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The 2 June 1994 Java tsunami earthquake ruptured in a seismically quiet subduction zone and generated a larger-than-expected tsunami. Here, we re-process a seismic line across the rupture area. We show that a subducting seamount is located up-dip of the mainshock in a region that did not rupture during the earthquake. Seamount subduction modulates the topography of the marine forearc and acts as a seismic barrier in the 1994 earthquake rupture.
Steffen Abe and Hagen Deckert
Solid Earth, 12, 2407–2424, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2407-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2407-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We use numerical simulations and laboratory experiments on rock samples to investigate how stress conditions influence the geometry and roughness of fracture surfaces. The roughness of the surfaces was analyzed in terms of absolute roughness and scaling properties. The results show that the surfaces are self-affine but with different scaling properties between the numerical models and the real rock samples. Results suggest that stress conditions have little influence on the surface roughness.
Chao Deng, Rixiang Zhu, Jianhui Han, Yu Shu, Yuxiang Wu, Kefeng Hou, and Wei Long
Solid Earth, 12, 2327–2350, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2327-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2327-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This study uses seismic reflection data to interpret the geometric relationship and evolution of intra-basement and rift-related structures in the Enping sag in the northern South China Sea. Our observations suggest the primary control of pre-existing thrust faults is the formation of low-angle normal faults, with possible help from low-friction materials, and the significant role of pre-existing basement thrust faults in fault geometry, paleotopography, and syn-rift stratigraphy of rift basins.
Sonia Yeung, Marnie Forster, Emmanuel Skourtsos, and Gordon Lister
Solid Earth, 12, 2255–2275, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2255-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2255-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We do not know when the ancient Tethys Ocean lithosphere began to founder, but one clue can be found in subduction accreted tectonic slices, including Gondwanan basement terranes on the island of Ios, Cyclades, Greece. We propose a 250–300 km southwards jump of the subduction megathrust with a period of flat-slab subduction followed by slab break-off. The initiation and its subsequent rollback of a new subduction zone would explain the onset of Oligo–Miocene extension and accompanying magmatism.
Rahul Prabhakaran, Giovanni Bertotti, Janos Urai, and David Smeulders
Solid Earth, 12, 2159–2209, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2159-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2159-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Rock fractures are organized as networks with spatially varying arrangements. Due to networks' influence on bulk rock behaviour, it is important to quantify network spatial variation. We utilize an approach where fracture networks are treated as spatial graphs. By combining graph similarity measures with clustering techniques, spatial clusters within large-scale fracture networks are identified and organized hierarchically. The method is validated on a dataset with nearly 300 000 fractures.
Olivier Lacombe, Nicolas E. Beaudoin, Guilhem Hoareau, Aurélie Labeur, Christophe Pecheyran, and Jean-Paul Callot
Solid Earth, 12, 2145–2157, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2145-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2145-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This paper aims to illustrate how the timing and duration of contractional deformation associated with folding in orogenic forelands can be constrained by the dating of brittle mesostructures observed in folded strata. The study combines new and already published absolute ages of fractures to provide, for the first time, an educated discussion about the factors controlling the duration of the sequence of deformation encompassing layer-parallel shortening, fold growth, and late fold tightening.
Vincent Famin, Hugues Raimbourg, Muriel Andreani, and Anne-Marie Boullier
Solid Earth, 12, 2067–2085, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2067-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2067-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Sediments accumulated in accretionary prisms are deformed by the compression imposed by plate subduction. Here we show that deformation of the sediments transforms some minerals in them. We suggest that these mineral transformations are due to the proliferation of microorganisms boosted by deformation. Deformation-enhanced microbial proliferation may change our view of sedimentary and tectonic processes in subduction zones.
Marta Adamuszek, Dan M. Tămaş, Jessica Barabasch, and Janos L. Urai
Solid Earth, 12, 2041–2065, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2041-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2041-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We analyse folded multilayer sequences in the Ocnele Mari salt mine (Romania) to gain insight into the long-term rheological behaviour of rock salt. Our results indicate the large role of even a small number of impurities in the rock salt for its effective mechanical behaviour. We demonstrate how the development of folds that occur at various scales can be used to constrain the viscosity ratio in the deformed multilayer sequence.
Cited articles
Abrahamson, N., Atkinson, G., Boore, D., Bozorgnia, Y., Campbell, K., Chiou,
B., Idriss, I. M., Silva, W., and Youngs, R.: Comparisons of the NGA
Ground-Motion Relations, Earthq. Spectra, 24, 45–66,
https://doi.org/10.1193/1.2924363, 2008. a
Aki, K.: Asperities, barriers, characteristic earthquakes and strong motion
prediction (Japan), J. Geophys. Res., 89, 5867–5872,
https://doi.org/10.1029/JB089iB07p05867, 1984. a
Alessio, B. L., Collins, A. S., Siegfried, P., Glorie, S., De Waele, B.,
Payne, J., and Archibald, D. B.: Neoproterozoic tectonic geography of the
south-east Congo Craton in Zambia as deduced from the age and composition of
detrital zircons, Geosci. Front., 10, 2045–2061,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsf.2018.07.005, 2019. a, b
Ambraseys, N. N.: The Rukwa earthquake of 13 December 1910 in East Africa, Terra
Nova, 3, 202–211, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3121.1991.tb00873.x,
1991a. a
Ambraseys, N. N.: Earthquake hazard in the Kenya Rift: the Subukia earthquake
1928, Geophys. J. Int., 105, 253–269,
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246X.1991.tb03460.x, 1991b. a
Ambraseys, N. N. and Adams, R. D.: Reappraisal of major African earthquakes,
south of 20∘ N, 1900–1930, Nat. Hazards, 4, 389–419,
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00126646, 1991. a, b
Bailey, G., King, G., and Manighetti, I.: Tectonics, volcanism, landscape
structure and human evolution in the African Rift, in: Human Ecodynamics:
Proceedings of the Association for Environmental Archaeology Conference 1998
held at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, edited by: Bailey, G. N.,
Charles, R., and Winder, N., 31–46, Symposia of the Association for
Environmental Archaeology, Oxbow Books,
ISBN: 1842170015, 2000. a
Barham, L., Phillips, W. M., Maher, B. A., Karloukovski, V., Duller, G. A.,
Jain, M., and Wintle, A. G.: The dating and interpretation of a Mode 1 site
in the Luangwa Valley, Zambia, J. Hum. Evol., 60, 549–570,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhevol.2010.12.003, 2011. a
Biggs, J., Nissen, E., Craig, T., Jackson, J., and Robinson, D. P.: Breaking
up the hanging wall of a rift-border fault: The 2009 Karonga earthquakes,
Malawi, Geophys. Res. Lett., 37, 1–5, https://doi.org/10.1029/2010GL043179,
2010. a
Bishop, L. C., Barham, L., Ditchfield, P. W., Elton, S., Harcourt‐Smith, W.
E. H., and Dawkins, P.: Quaternary fossil fauna from the Luangwa Valley,
Zambia, J. Quaternary Sci., 31, 178–190, https://doi.org/10.1002/jqs.2855,
2016. a, b
Brun, J.: Narrow rifts versus wide rifts: inferences for the mechanics of
rifting from laboratory experiments, Philos. T. R.
Soc. Lond. Ser. A,
357, 695–712, https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.1999.0349, 1999. a
Bubeck, A., Wilkinson, M., Roberts, G., Cowie, P., McCaffrey, K., Phillips, R.,
and Sammonds, P.: The tectonic geomorphology of bedrock scarps on active
normal faults in the Italian Apennines mapped using combined ground
penetrating radar and terrestrial laser scanning, Geomorphology, 237, 38–51,
2015. a
Buck, W. R.: Modes of continental lithospheric extension, J.
Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 96, 20161–20178,
https://doi.org/10.1029/91JB01485, 1991. a
Chorowicz, J.: The East African rift system, J. Afr. Earth
Sci., 43, 379–410, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2005.07.019, 2005. a
Christophersen, A., Litchfield, N., Berryman, K., Thomas, R., Basili, R.,
Wallace, L., Ries, W., Hayes, G. P., Haller, K. M., Yoshioka, T., Koehler,
R. D., Clark, D., Wolfson-Schwehr, M., Boettcher, M. S., Villamor, P.,
Horspool, N., Ornthammarath, T., Zuñiga, R., Langridge, R. M.,
Stirling, M. W., Goded, T., Costa, C., and Yeats, R.: Development of the
Global Earthquake Model's neotectonic fault database, Nat. Hazards, 79,
111–135, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-015-1831-6, 2015. a, b, c, d
Cohen, A. S., Van Bocxlaer, B., Todd, J. A., McGlue, M., Michel, E., Nkotagu,
H. H., Grove, A., and Delvaux, D.: Quaternary ostracodes and molluscs from
the Rukwa Basin (Tanzania) and their evolutionary and paleobiogeographic
implications, Palaeogeogr. Palaeocl., 392,
79–97, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2013.09.007, 2013. a
Copley, A., Hollingsworth, J., and Bergman, E.: Constraints on fault and
lithosphere rheology from the coseismic slip and postseismic afterslip of the
2006 Mw 7.0 Mozambique earthquake, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol.
Ea., 117, 1–16, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JB008580, 2012. a, b
Craig, T. and Jackson, J.: Variations in the seismogenic thickness of East
Africa, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 126, e2020JB020754,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JB020754, 2021. a, b, c, d
Craig, T. J., Jackson, J. A., Priestley, K., and Mckenzie, D.: Earthquake
distribution patterns in Africa: Their relationship to variations in
lithospheric and geological structure, and their rheological implications,
Geophys. J. Int., 185, 403–434,
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246X.2011.04950.x, 2011. a, b, c
Daly, M. C., Chorowicz, J., and Fairhead, J. D.: Rift basin evolution in
Africa: The influence of reactivated steep basement shear zones, Geol.
Soc. Sp. Publ., 44, 309–334,
https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.SP.1989.044.01.17, 1989. a, b, c, d
Daly, M. C., Green, P., Watts, A. B., Davies, O., Chibesakunda, F., and Walker,
R.: Tectonics and Landscape of the Central African Plateau and their
Implications for a Propagating Southwestern Rift in Africa, Geochem.
Geophy. Geosy., 21, e2019GC008746, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019GC008746,
2020. a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k
Delvaux, D. and Barth, A.: African stress pattern from formal inversion of
focal mechanism data, Tectonophysics, 482, 105–128,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2009.05.009, 2010. a, b, c
Delvaux, D., Kervyn, F., Macheyeki, A., and Temu, E.: Geodynamic significance
of the TRM segment in the East African Rift (W-Tanzania): Active tectonics
and paleostress in the Ufipa plateau and Rukwa basin, J. Struct.
Geol., 37, 161–180, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2012.01.008, 2012. a, b
de Swardt, A. M. J., Garrard, P., and Simpson, J. C.: Major Zones of
Transcurrent Dislocation and Superposition of Orogenic Belts in Part of
Central Africa, GSA Bull., 76, 89–102,
https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1965)76[89:MZOTDA]2.0.CO;2, 1965. a
DISS Working Group: Database of Individual Seismogenic Sources (DISS),
Version 3.3.0: A compilation of potential sources for earthquakes larger than
M 5.5 in Italy and surrounding areas., Istituto Nazional di Geofisica e
Vulcanologia (INGV), https://doi.org/10.13127/diss3.3.0, 2021. a
Dixey, F.: The Geology of Part of the Upper Luangwa Valley, North-Eastern
Rhodesia, Q. J. Geol. Soc., 93, 52–76,
https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.JGS.1937.093.01-04.05, 1937. a
DuRoss, C. B., Personius, S. F., Crone, A. J., Olig, S. S., Hylland, M. D.,
Lund, W. R., and Schwartz, D. P.: Fault segmentation: New concepts from the
Wasatch Fault Zone, Utah, USA, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea.,
121, 1131–1157, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JB012519, 2016. a
Fairhead, J. D. and Girdler, R. W.: How far does the rift system extend
through Africa?, Nature, 221, 1018–1020, https://doi.org/10.1038/2211018a0, 1969. a
Fairhead, J. D. and Henderson, N. B.: The seismicity of southern Africa and
incipient rifting, Tectonophysics, 41, 19–26,
https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-1951(77)90133-0, 1977. a
Farr, T. G., Rosen, P. A., Caro, E., Crippen, R., Duren, R., Hensley, S.,
Kobrick, M., Paller, M., Rodriguez, E., Roth, L., Seal, D., Shaffer, S.,
Shimada, J., Umland, J., Werner, M., Oskin, M., Burbank, D., and Alsdorf, D.:
The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, Rev. Geophys., 45, RG2004,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2005RG000183, 2007. a, b, c
Faure Walker, J., Boncio, P., Pace, B., Roberts, G., Benedetti, L., Scotti,
O., Visini, F., and Peruzza, L.: Fault2SHA Central Apennines database and
structuring active fault data for seismic hazard assessment, Sci.
Data, 8, 87, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-021-00868-0, 2021. a, b
Fenton, C. H. and Bommer, J. J.: The Mw 7 Machaze, Mozambique, Earthquake of 23
February 2006, Seismol. Res. Lett., 77, 426–439,
https://doi.org/10.1785/gssrl.77.4.426, 2006. a
Gerland, P., Raftery, A. E., Ševčíková, H., Li, N., Gu,
D., Spoorenberg, T., Alkema, L., Fosdick, B. K., Chunn, J., Lalic, N., Bay,
G., Buettner, T., Heilig, G. K., and Wilmoth, J.: World population
stabilization unlikely this century, Science, 346, 234–237,
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1257469, 2014. a
Giordano, N., De Risi, R., Voyagaki, E., Kloukinas, P., Novelli, V., Kafodya,
I., Ngoma, I., Goda, K., and Macdonald, J.: Seismic fragility models for
typical non-engineered URM residential buildings in Malawi, Structures, 32,
2266–2278, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.istruc.2021.03.118, 2021. a
Girdler, R. W. and McConnell, D. A.: The 1990 to 1991 Sudan Earthquake
Sequence and the Extent of the East African Rift System, Science, 264,
67–70, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.264.5155.67, 1994. a
Goda, K., Gibson, E. D., Smith, H. R., Biggs, J., and Hodge, M.: Seismic risk
assessment of urban and rural settlements around lake malawi, Front.
Built Environ., 2, 16, https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2016.00030, 2016. a
Hamling, I. J., Hreinsdóttir, S., Clark, K., Elliott, J., Liang, C.,
Fielding, E., Litchfield, N., Villamor, P., Wallace, L., Wright, T. J.,
D'Anastasio, E., Bannister, S., Burbidge, D., Denys, P., Gentle, P., Howarth,
J., Mueller, C., Palmer, N., Pearson, C., Power, W., Barnes, P., Barrell,
D. J., Van Dissen, R., Langridge, R., Little, T., Nicol, A., Pettinga, J.,
Rowland, J., and Stirling, M.: Complex multifault rupture during the 2016 Mw 7.8 Kaikōura earthquake, New Zealand, Science, 356, eaam7194,
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aam7194, 2017. a
Hellebrekers, N., Niemeijer, A. R., Fagereng, Å., Manda, B., and Mvula,
R. L.: Lower crustal earthquakes in the East African Rift System: Insights
from frictional properties of rock samples from the Malawi rift,
Tectonophysics, 767, 228167, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2019.228167, 2019. a
Hodge, M., Biggs, J., Goda, K., and Aspinall, W.: Assessing infrequent large
earthquakes using geomorphology and geodesy: the Malawi Rift, Nat.
Hazards, 76, 1781–1806, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-014-1572-y, 2015. a
Hodge, M., Biggs, J., Fagereng, Å., Elliott, A., Mdala, H., and Mphepo, F.:
A semi-automated algorithm to quantify scarp morphology (SPARTA):
Application to normal faults in southern Malawi, Solid Earth, 10, 27–57,
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-10-27-2019, 2019. a
Hodge, M., Biggs, J., Fagereng, Mdala, H., Wedmore, L. N. J., Williams, J. N.,
Fagereng, Å., Mdala, H., Wedmore, L. N. J., and Williams, J. N.:
Evidence From High‐Resolution Topography for Multiple Earthquakes on High
Slip‐to‐Length Fault Scarps: The Bilila‐Mtakataka Fault, Malawi,
Tectonics, 39, 1–24, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019TC005933, 2020. a, b, c
Huismans, R. and Beaumont, C.: Depth-dependent extension, two-stage breakup
and cratonic underplating at rifted margins, Nature, 473, 74–78,
https://doi.org/10.1038/nature09988, 2011. a
International Seismological Centre, ISC-GEM Earthquake Catalogue,
https://doi.org/10.31905/d808b825, 2021. a, b
Jackson, J. and Blenkinsop, T.: THE Malaŵi Earthquake of March 10, 1989: DEep
faulting within the East African Rift System, Tectonics, 12, 1131–1139,
https://doi.org/10.1029/93TC01064, 1993. a
Jackson, J. and Blenkinsop, T.: The Bilila-Mtakataka fault in Malaŵi: An
active, 100-km long, normal fault segment in thick seismogenic crust,
Tectonics, 16, 137–150, https://doi.org/10.1029/96TC02494, 1997. a, b
Johnson, S. P., De Waele, B., and Liyungu, K. A.: U-Pb sensitive
high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) zircon geochronology of granitoid
rocks in eastern Zambia: Terrane subdivision of the Mesoproterozoic Southern
Irumide Belt, Tectonics, 25, TC6004, https://doi.org/10.1029/2006TC001977, 2006. a, b
Kendall, J.-M. and Lithgow-Bertelloni, C.: Why is Africa rifting?, Geol.
Soc. Lond. Sp. Publ., 420, 11–30, https://doi.org/10.1144/SP420.17,
2016. a
Kervyn, F., Ayub, S., Kajara, R., Kanza, E., and Temu, B.: Evidence of recent
faulting in the Rukwa rift (West Tanzania) based on radar interferometric
DEMs, J. Afr. Earth Sci., 44, 151–168,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2005.10.008, 2006. a
Kinabo, B. D., Atekwana, E. A., Hogan, J. P., Modisi, M. P., Wheaton, D. D.,
and Kampunzu, A. B.: Early structural development of the Okavango rift zone,
NW Botswana, J. Afr. Earth Sci., 48, 125–136,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2007.02.005, 2007. a
Kolawole, F., Atekwana, E. A., Malloy, S., Stamps, D. S., Grandin, R.,
Abdelsalam, M. G., Leseane, K., and Shemang, E. M.: Aeromagnetic, gravity,
and Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar analyses reveal the
causative fault of the 3 April 2017 Mw 6.5 Moiyabana, Botswana, earthquake,
Geophys. Res. Lett., 44, 8837–8846, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017GL074620,
2017. a
Kolawole, F., Phillips, T. B., Atekwana, E. A., and Jackson, C. A.-L.:
Structural Inheritance Controls Strain Distribution During Early Continental
Rifting, Rukwa Rift, Front. Earth Sci., 9, 707869,
https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2021.707869, 2021. a
Laõ-Dávila, D. A., Al-Salmi, H. S., Abdelsalam, M. G., and
Atekwana, E. A.: Hierarchical segmentation of the Malawi Rift: The influence
of inherited lithospheric heterogeneity and kinematics in the evolution of
continental rifts, Tectonics, 34, 2399–2417, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015TC003953,
2015. a
Loupekine, I. S., Wohlenberg, J., and Janssen, T.: The Toro earthquake of 20
March 1966 and preliminary interpretation of seismograms: Uganda – (mission)
5–19 April 1966, Tech. Rep., UNESCO,
https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000007799_eng (last access: April 2022), 1966. a
Macheyeki, A. S., Mdala, H., Chapola, L. S., Manhiça, V. J., Chisambi,
J., Feitio, P., Ayele, A., Barongo, J., Ferdinand, R. W., Ogubazghi, G.,
Goitom, B., Hlatywayo, J. D., Kianji, G. K., Marobhe, I., Mulowezi, A.,
Mutamina, D., Mwano, J. M., Shumba, B., and Tumwikirize, I.: Active fault
mapping in Karonga-Malawi after the December 19, 2009 Ms 6.2 seismic event,
J. Afr. Earth Sci., 102, 233–246,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2014.10.010, 2015. a
Mackintosh, V., Kohn, B., Gleadow, A., and Gallagher, K.: Long-term
reactivation and morphotectonic history of the Zambezi Belt, northern
Zimbabwe, revealed by multi-method thermochronometry, Tectonophysics, 750,
117–136, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2018.11.009, 2019. a
Matende, K. N., Atekwana, E., Mickus, K., Abdelsalam, M. G., Atekwana, E. A.,
Evans, R., Nyalugwe, V. N., and Emishaw, L.: Crustal and thermal structure
of the Permian – Jurassic Luangwa – Lukusashi – Luano Rift, Zambia:
Implications for strain localization in magma – Poor continental rifts,
J. Afr. Earth Sci., 175, 104090,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2020.104090, 2021. a, b, c
McCarthy, T. S.: The Okavango Delta and its place in the Geomorphological
Evolution of Southern Africa, South Afr. J. Geol., 116, 1–54,
https://doi.org/10.2113/gssajg.116.1.1, 2013. a
Meghraoui, M.: The Seismotectonic Map of Africa, Episodes, 39, 9–18,
https://doi.org/10.18814/epiiugs/2016/v39i1/89232, 2016. a
Morell, K. D., Styron, R., Stirling, M., Griffin, J., Archuleta, R., and Onur,
T.: Seismic Hazard Analyses From Geologic and Geomorphic Data: Current and
Future Challenges, Tectonics, 39, TC005365, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018TC005365, 2020. a
Mortimer, E., Kirstein, L. A., Stuart, F. M., and Strecker, M. R.:
Spatio-temporal trends in normal-fault segmentation recorded by
low-temperature thermochronology: Livingstone fault scarp, Malawi Rift, East
African Rift System, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 455, 62–72,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2016.08.040, 2016. a
Muirhead, J. D., Wright, L. J., and Scholz, C. A.: Rift evolution in regions
of low magma input in East Africa, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 506,
332–346, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2018.11.004, 2019. a
Neely, J. S. and Stein, S.: Why do continental normal fault earthquakes have
smaller maximum magnitudes?, Tectonophysics, 809, 228854,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2021.228854, 2021. a
Ngwenya, N. S. and Tappe, S.: Diamondiferous lamproites of the Luangwa Rift in
central Africa and links to remobilized cratonic lithosphere, Chem.
Geol., 568, 120019, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2020.120019, 2021. a
Novelli, V. I., De Risi, R., Ngoma, I., Kafodya, I., Kloukinas, P.,
Macdonald, J., and Goda, K.: Fragility curves for non-engineered masonry
buildings in developing countries derived from real data based on structural
surveys and laboratory tests, Soft Comput., 25, 6113–6138,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00500-021-05603-w, 2021. a
Nyblade, A. A. and Langston, C. A.: East African earthquakes below 20 km depth
and their implications for crustal structure, Geophys. J.
Int., 121, 49–62, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246X.1995.tb03510.x, 1995. a, b
Philippon, M., Willingshofer, E., Sokoutis, D., Corti, G., Sani, F., Bonini,
M., and Cloetingh, S.: Slip re-orientation in oblique rifts, Geology, 43,
147–150, https://doi.org/10.1130/G36208.1, 2015. a
Priestley, K., McKenzie, D., and Ho, T.: A Lithosphere–Asthenosphere
Boundary – a Global Model Derived from Multimode Surface‐Wave Tomography
and Petrology, in: Lithospheric Discontinuities, edited by: Yuan, H. and Romanowicz, B., American Geophysical Union Geophysical monograph series, 111–123, https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119249740.ch6, 2018. a, b
Rajaonarison, T. A., Stamps, D. S., and Naliboff, J.: Role of Lithospheric
Buoyancy Forces in Driving Deformation in East Africa From 3D Geodynamic
Modeling, Geophys. Res. Lett., 48, 1–10,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL090483, 2021. a
Reeves, C. V.: Rifting in the Kalahari?, Nature, 237, 95–96,
https://doi.org/10.1038/237095a0, 1972. a
Rodriguez, E., Morris, C. S., Belz, J. E., Chapin, E. C., Martin, J. M.,
Daffer, W., and Hensley, S.: An assessment of the SRTM topographic
products, Tech. Rep., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Jet Propulsion Laboratory,
https://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/srtm/SRTM_D31639.pdf (last access: April 2022), 2005. a
Roberts, E. M., Stevens, N. J., O'Connor, P. M., Dirks, P. H., Gottfried,
M. D., Clyde, W. C., Armstrong, R. A., Kemp, A. I., and Hemming, S.:
Initiation of the western branch of the East African Rift coeval with the
eastern branch, Nat. Geosci., 5, 289–294, https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo1432,
2012. a
Salomon, G. W., New, T., Muir, R. A., Whitehead, B., Scheiber-Enslin, S., Smit,
J., Stevens, V., Kahle, B., Kahle, R., Eckardt, F. D., and Alastair Sloan,
R.: Geomorphological and geophysical analyses of the Hebron Fault, SW
Namibia: implications for stable continental region seismic hazard,
Geophys. J. Int., 229, 235–254, https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggab466,
2021. a
Sarafian, E., Evans, R. L., Abdelsalam, M. G., Atekwana, E., Elsenbeck, J.,
Jones, A. G., and Chikambwe, E.: Imaging Precambrian lithospheric structure
in Zambia using electromagnetic methods, Gondwana Res., 54, 38–49,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2017.09.007, 2018. a, b
Scholz, C. A., Shillington, D. J., Wright, L. J., Accardo, N., Gaherty, J. B.,
and Chindandali, P.: Intrarift fault fabric, segmentation, and basin
evolution of the Lake Malawi (Nyasa) Rift, East Africa, Geosphere, 16,
1293–1311, https://doi.org/10.1130/GES02228.1, 2020. a, b
Scholz, C. H., Koczynski, T. A., and Hutchins, D. G.: Evidence for Incipient
Rifting in Southern Africa, Geophys. J. Roy. Astron.l
Soc., 44, 135–144, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246X.1976.tb00278.x, 1976. a
Schwartz, D. P. and Coppersmith, K. J.: Fault behavior and characteristic
earthquakes: examples from the Wasatch and San Andreas fault zones (USA),
J. Geophys. Res., 89, 5681–5698,
https://doi.org/10.1029/JB089iB07p05681, 1984. a
Shillington, D. J., Scholz, C. A., Chindandali, P. R. N., Gaherty, J. B.,
Accardo, N. J., Onyango, E., Ebinger, C. J., and Nyblade, A. A.: Controls on
Rift Faulting in the North Basin of the Malawi (Nyasa) Rift, East Africa,
Tectonics, 39, 1–3, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019TC005633, 2020. a
Skobelev, S., Hanon, M., Klerkx, J., Govorova, N., Lukina, N., and Kazmin, V.:
Active faults in Africa: a review, Tectonophysics, 380, 131–137,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2003.10.016, 2004. a
Stevens, V. L., Sloan, R. A., Chindandali, P. R., Wedmore, L. N. J., Salomon,
G. W., and Muir, R. A.: The Entire Crust can be Seismogenic: Evidence from
Southern Malawi, Tectonics, 40, TC006654, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020TC006654, 2021. a
Styron, R., García-Pelaez, J., and Pagani, M.: CCAF-DB: the Caribbean and Central American active fault database, Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 831–857, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-20-831-2020, 2020. a, b
Turner, T., Wedmore, L., and Biggs, J.: Luangwa Rift Fault Scarp Measurements (v1.0), Zenodo [data set], https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6513545, 2022a. a, b
Turner, T., Wedmore, L., Biggs, J., Williams, J., Sichingabula, H., Kabumbu, C., and Banda, K.: Luangwa Rift Seismogenic Source Properties (v1.0), Zenodo [data set], https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6513778, 2022b. a, b
USGS: U.S. Geological Survey, Earthquake Hazards Program, Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS) Comprehensive Catalog of Earthquake Events and Products: Various, https://doi.org/10.5066/F7MS3QZH, 2017. a, b
Valentini, A., DuRoss, C. B., Field, E. H., Gold, R. D., Briggs, R. W., Visini,
F., and Pace, B.: Relaxing Segmentation on the Wasatch Fault Zone: Impact on
Seismic Hazard, Bull. Seismol. Soc. Am., 110,
83–109, https://doi.org/10.1785/0120190088, 2020. a
Vittori, E., Delvaux, D., and Kervyn, F.: Kanda fault: A major seismogenic
element west of the Rukwa Rift (Tanzania, East Africa), J.
Geodyn., 24, 139–153, 1997. a
Vrána, S., Prasad, R., and Fediuková, E.: Metamorphic kyanite
eclogites in the lufilian arc of Zambia, Contrib. Mineral.
Petr., 51, 139–160, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00403755, 1975. a
Wang, T., Feng, J., Liu, K. H., and Gao, S. S.: Crustal structure beneath the
Malawi and Luangwa Rift Zones and adjacent areas from ambient noise
tomography, Gondwana Res., 67, 187–198, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2018.10.018,
2019. a, b, c
Wedmore, L., Turner, T., Biggs, J., Williams, J., Sichingabula, H., Kabumbu, C., and Banda, K.: Luangwa Rift Active Fault Database v1.0 (v1.0), Zenodo [data set], https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6513691, 2022. a, b
Wedmore, L. N., Williams, J. N., Biggs, J., Fagereng, Å., Mphepo, F.,
Dulanya, Z., Willoughby, J., Mdala, H., and Adams, B.: Structural
inheritance and border fault reactivation during active early-stage rifting
along the Thyolo fault, Malawi, J. Struct. Geol., 139, 104097,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2020.104097, 2020a. a, b, c, d, e, f
Wedmore, L. N. J., Biggs, J., Williams, J. N., Fagereng, Å., Dulanya, Z.,
Mphepo, F., and Mdala, H.: Active Fault Scarps in Southern Malawi and Their
Implications for the Distribution of Strain in Incipient Continental Rifts,
Tectonics, 39, TC005834, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019TC005834, 2020b. a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i
Wedmore, L. N. J., Biggs, J., Floyd, M., Fagereng, Å., Mdala, H.,
Chindandali, P., Williams, J. N., and Mphepo, F.: Geodetic Constraints on
Cratonic Microplates and Broad Strain During Rifting of Thick Southern
African Lithosphere, Geophys. Res. Lett., 48, GL093785,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GL093785, 2021. a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i
Wesnousky, S. G.: Predicting the endpoints of earthquake ruptures, Nature,
444, 358–360, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature05275, 2006. a
Wesnousky, S. G.: Displacement and geometrical characteristics of earthquake
surface ruptures: Issues and implications for seismic-hazard analysis and the
process of earthquake rupture, Bull. Seismol. Soc.
Am., 98, 1609–1632, https://doi.org/10.1785/0120070111, 2008. a
Williams, J. N., Wedmore, L. N. J., Fagereng, Å., Werner, M. J., Mdala, H., Shillington, D. J., Scholz, C. A., Kolawole, F., Wright, L. J. M., Biggs, J., Dulanya, Z., Mphepo, F., and Chindandali, P.: Geologic and geodetic constraints on the seismic hazard of Malawi’s active faults: The Malawi Seismogenic Source Database (MSSD), Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss. [preprint], https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2021-306, in review, 2021.
Williams, J. N., Fagereng, Å., Wedmore, L. N. J., Biggs, J., Mphepo, F.,
Dulanya, Z., Mdala, H., and Blenkinsop, T.: How Do Variably Striking Faults
Reactivate During Rifting? Insights From Southern Malawi, Geochem.
Geophy. Geosy., 20, 3588–3607, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019gc008219, 2019. a, b
Williams, J. N., Mdala, H., Fagereng, Å., Wedmore, L. N. J., Biggs, J.,
Dulanya, Z., Chindandali, P., and Mphepo, F.: A systems-based approach to
parameterise seismic hazard in regions with little historical or instrumental
seismicity: active fault and seismogenic source databases for southern
Malawi, Solid Earth, 12, 187–217, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-187-2021, 2021. a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q
Williams, J. N., Wedmore, L. N. J., Scholz, C. A., Kolawole, F., Wright, L.
J. M., Shillington, D. J., Fagereng, Å., Biggs, J., Mdala, H., Dulanya,
Z., Mphepo, F., Chindandali, P., and Werner, M. J.: The Malawi Active Fault
Database: an onshore‐offshore database for regional assessment of seismic
hazard and tectonic evolution, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy., 23, GC010425,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2022GC010425, 2022.
a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j
World Bank: Tectonic Shift Rift2018 Report, Tech. Rep., Washington DC, World Bank,
https://www.gfdrr.org/en/publication/tectonic-shift-rift2018-report (last access: April 2022),
2019. a
Yang, Z. and Chen, W. P.: Earthquakes along the East African Rift System: A
multiscale, system-wide perspective, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol.
Ea., 115, 1–31, https://doi.org/10.1029/2009JB006779, 2010. a
Youngs, R. R. and Coppersmith, K. J.: Implications of fault slip rates and
earthquake recurrence models to probabilistic seismic hazard estimates,
Bull. Seismol. Soc. Am., 75, 939–964,
1985. a
Zhang, P., Slemmons, D. B., and Mao, F.: Geometric pattern, rupture
termination and fault segmentation of the Dixie Valley-Pleasant Valley active
normal fault system, Nevada, USA, J. Struct. Geol., 13,
165–176, https://doi.org/10.1016/0191-8141(91)90064-P, 1991. a
Zielke, O. and Strecker, M. R.: Recurrence of large earthquakes in magmatic
continental rifts: Insights from a paleoseismic study along the
Laikipia-Marmanet fault, Subukia Valley, Kenya rift, Bull.
Seismol. Soc. Am., 99, 61–70, https://doi.org/10.1785/0120080015, 2009. a
Short summary
Mapping and compiling the attributes of faults capable of hosting earthquakes are important for the next generation of seismic hazard assessment. We document 18 active faults in the Luangwa Rift, Zambia, in an active fault database. These faults are between 9 and 207 km long offset Quaternary sediments, have scarps up to ~30 m high, and are capable of hosting earthquakes from Mw 5.8 to 8.1. We associate the Molaza Fault with surface ruptures from two unattributed M 6+ 20th century earthquakes.
Mapping and compiling the attributes of faults capable of hosting earthquakes are important for...
