We used computer models to study how mountains formed by the collision of tectonic plates can later affect the breakup of these same plates. Our results show that in large, warm mountain belts, new faults form due to the orogen being  weak overall, while in smaller, colder belts, breakup follows old fault zones. Microcontinents that were accreted during collision can create new continental fragments during extension. These findings help explain how past geological events shape continent margins.

The Wufeng–Longmaxi (WF-LMX) Formation is the most important shale gas play in China. Here, we present a feasible approach using nanoindentation to characterize the mechanical properties of the WF-LMX Formation. Mechanical properties varied synchronously with mineral and organic content across the vertical drilling profile, reflecting changes in lithology and sedimentary facies. The effect of shale constituents on micromechanics is essentially controlled by the sedimentary environment.

The spatial correlation between the crustal magma reservoir and seismicity is crucial for investigating the dynamics of the Wudalianchi volcanic systems. A high-resolution 3-D shear-wave velocity crustal model reveals a distinct low-velocity body located at depths of ∼ 10–23 km below the Wudalianchi volcano. Together with the earthquake distribution, this provides new insights into the magmatic activity of the active Wudalianchi volcano.

Subsurface geometries of ancient faults mapped by high-resolution geophysical surveys use reflected seismic waves. Such surveys in southern Canada map faults which host significant gold or nickel deposits. Reflectors are considered to be brittle if upper-crustal, lava flows if folded or broken, and mid-crustal if mostly parallel. Steep fault zones possibly first formed in ocean settings when the lava erupted. Folding and horizontal shortening probably occurred during later mountain building.

Reflection seismic data can provide high-resolution images of the Earth's crust and allow a better understanding of crustal structure on all continents. In this paper we revisit reflection seismic data that were acquired previously across the central part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Merging individual components of the data set in a more optimal manner resulted in a new image of the crust below the Scandinavian Caledonides with a revised interpretation of the crustal structure in the west.

Sinkholes and caves underground pose challenges for various industries in the karst area, particularly those, such as construction, agriculture, and infrastructure development, dependent on stable ground conditions. In this study, we applied seismic reflection, a geophysical method, to delineate shallow subsurface complex geological structures and to better understand limestone cave formation in Shenzhen, China.

The manuscript re-analyses seismic data from the UPPLAND profile in the Fennoscandian Shield, focusing on P- and S-wave velocity models. Significant differences between prior and present models emerge in the lower crust and mantle and in the Moho depth. The new model suggests ca. 7.1 km s^-1 in the lower crust and 8.05 km s^-1 in the upper mantle, with Moho at 43–50 km. Two tectonic interpretations are proposed to explain these findings, emphasising the complexities of seismic data interpretation.

This study applies low-temperature thermochronology, combined with thermal history modelling, to precisely characterize the differential exhumation and cooling history along the central-northern western margin of the Ordos Basin. Results reveal that multiple Mesozoic exhumation phases were closely linked to the Yanshanian orogeny, while rapid Cenozoic exhumation was driven by the Himalayan tectonics.

We assessed the poro–perm relations of both host rocks and fault rocks of Mesozoic carbonate rocks, by integrating a laboratory petrophysical study with a digital image analysis. Three different protocols were employed to compute permeability: (i) Effective Medium Theory on laboratory data, (ii) constant crack aperture and (iii) crack density values from 2D images. Carbonate host rocks did not show a clear poro–perm trend due to the presence of stiff, sub-rounded pores and of small vugs.