SE - recent papers

Structural drivers of exhumation in compressional orogens: examples from western Nepal

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 21:36:16 +0200

Structural drivers of exhumation in compressional orogens: examples from western Nepal Mary Braza, Nadine McQuarrie, Claire Battistella, and Delores M. Robinson Solid Earth, 17, 1011–1034, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-1011-2026, 2026 We evaluate the changes in geometry, kinematic sequence, and shortening rates that are necessary for integrating the cross-section geometry and kinematics with a thermal model and a landscape evolution model. Model results highlight that a combination of uplift over a northernly fault ramp and young out-of-sequence thrusts is required to reproduce the cooling ages and modern geomorphic metrics in western Nepal.

Public response to two rare earthquakes: crowdsourcing constraints on crustal structure in south Bohemian Massif

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:36:16 +0200

Public response to two rare earthquakes: crowdsourcing constraints on crustal structure in south Bohemian Massif Pavla Hrubcová, Matěj Machek, Jiří Vackář, Anna Pohořalá, Hana Kampfová Exnerová, Petr Špaček, and Jan Zedník Solid Earth, 17, 979–989, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-979-2026, 2026 Two rare earthquakes in the Bohemian Massif in 2024 and 2025 were analysed from crowdsourced macroseismic and seismological data. Both events occurred at large depths (~ 24 km) and were widely felt. Non-even distribution of observations reflects contrasting attenuation and control on geology in the Bohemian Massif. Results show that crowdsourced data can effectively constrain deep geological structures and complement instrumental observations in regions with sparse seismicity.

Structural controls on lithium-bearing fluid flow in Clayton Valley, Nevada

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:36:16 +0200

Structural controls on lithium-bearing fluid flow in Clayton Valley, Nevada Adam J. Cawood, David A. Ferrill, Isaac A. Rangel-Landeros, Kristina L. Butler, Daniel E. Ibarra, Zachary T. Sickmann, Madigan R. Blake, Brandon Swanson, Kevin J. Smart, Lee Ann Munk, David F. Boutt, Lisa D. Stockli, Daniel F. Stockli, and Catherine A. Gagnon Solid Earth, 17, 991–1010, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-991-2026, 2026 Faults and fractures can act as long-lived pathways that move lithium through the Earth. By combining field observations, chemical analyses, and dating of minerals, we show that these structures repeatedly channel fluids over millions of years. This process controls where lithium accumulates and helps explain how valuable deposits form. Understanding these pathways improves our ability to identify and assess lithium resources.

From strong plates to weak boundaries: strain localization in the lithospheric mantle with low- to high-temperature dislocation creep

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:36:16 +0200

From strong plates to weak boundaries: strain localization in the lithospheric mantle with low- to high-temperature dislocation creep Etienne Van Broeck, Fanny Garel, Catherine Thoraval, Diane Arcay, and D. Rhodri Davies Solid Earth, 17, 947–977, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-947-2026, 2026 Earth’s solid shell is made of stiff tectonic plates which can break apart to form new weak plate boundaries. We use numerical models of plate extension to investigate how mechanical properties control the concentration of deformation leading to such a boundary as hot mantle rises underneath. We highlight feedbacks, and quantify how and why, under various deformation mechanisms, the plate weakens as temperature and strain rate increase. We compare the model predictions to natural rifting cases.

Gas migration and slope instability in the Danube Fan: insights from integrated OBS-MCS seismic analysis

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:36:16 +0200

Gas migration and slope instability in the Danube Fan: insights from integrated OBS-MCS seismic analysis Helene-Sophie Hilbert, Anke Dannowski, Jörg Bialas, Felix Gross, Jasper Hoffmann, Dirk Klaeschen, and Christian Berndt Solid Earth, 17, 923–946, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-923-2026, 2026 This study investigates gas hydrate distribution in the Danube Fan, NW Black Sea. Using seismic data and drilling results, we analysed the structure, composition, and gas content of underconsolidated sediments. Gas hydrates are present in low concentration and patchy distribution. Free gas is trapped beneath the hydrate stability zone. The area shows signs of past slope failures linked to weak sediments and gas accumulation. The study provides insights into how gas hydrate systems evolve.

Middle Triassic ignimbrites as markers of Eoalpine high-pressure metamorphism and large-scale lateral extrusion of Adria derived units at the edge of the European Alps

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:36:16 +0200

Middle Triassic ignimbrites as markers of Eoalpine high-pressure metamorphism and large-scale lateral extrusion of Adria derived units at the edge of the European Alps Matija Vukovski, Damir Slovenec, Mirko Belak, Branimir Šegvić, Ivan Mišur, Duje Smirčić, Marija Horvat, Duje Kukoč, Tonći Grgasović, and Goran Slivšek Solid Earth, 17, 895–922, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-895-2026, 2026 We studied Middle Triassic calc-alkaline rocks from the Alps–Dinarides transition zone to clarify their origin and tectonic provenance. Zircon geochronology dates them at 246 to 240 million years. Phengitic muscovite geobarometry reveals high-pressure, low-temperature (HP–LT) metamorphic overprint, indicating deep burial during Cretaceous Eoalpine subduction. Their present tectonic position reflects large-scale post-metamorphic extrusion, revising present understanding of the tectonics of the Alps–Dinarides transition zone.

A vast Caledonian fan and an Ediacaran arc: the contrasting provenance of Devonian clastics of Brunia (Bohemian Massif)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 21:36:16 +0200

A vast Caledonian fan and an Ediacaran arc: the contrasting provenance of Devonian clastics of Brunia (Bohemian Massif) Stephen Collett, Igor Soejono, Tomáš Kumpan, Pavel Hanžl, Jitka Míková, Nikol Novotná, and Jiří Sláma Solid Earth, 17, 867–893, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-867-2026, 2026 Brunia is a Neoproterozoic crustal block whose pre-Variscan history is unclear. New U–Pb and Lu–Hf detrital zircon data from Devonian strata reveal two provenance types. Type-1 spectra reflect recycling of local Brunia arc sources and show isotopic similarity to West Avalonia, indicating a shared Neoproterozoic history. Type-2 spectra match Fennoscandian datasets, implying sediment input from the Caledonides and an Early Devonian connection between Brunia and Baltica.

Perturbation analysis of travel-time accuracy for core phases reconstructed from seismic interferometry

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:36:16 +0200

Perturbation analysis of travel-time accuracy for core phases reconstructed from seismic interferometry Yingjie Xia, Xuping Feng, and Xiaofei Chen Solid Earth, 17, 855–866, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-855-2026, 2026 By analyzing the faint, late-arriving seismic waves from large earthquakes, we can create accurate maps of Earth's deep core. This study provides a new mathematical foundation to confirm the reliability of this method, showing that precise measurements are possible even when earthquake sources are not perfectly distributed. Our findings help improve imaging of Earth's interior, making it more trustworthy.

Lower Carboniferous igneous intrusions within the crystalline basement of the Baltic Basin (SW edge of the East European Craton, Poland) – insight based on seismic data interpretation and seismic forward modelling

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:36:16 +0200

Lower Carboniferous igneous intrusions within the crystalline basement of the Baltic Basin (SW edge of the East European Craton, Poland) – insight based on seismic data interpretation and seismic forward modelling Piotr Krzywiec, Łukasz Słonka, and Paweł Poprawa Solid Earth, 17, 825–853, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-825-2026, 2026 Igneous intrusions that could be associated with volcanic eruptions on Earth’s surface can be also seen on geophysical data at great depths, well beyond the reach of boreholes. Our results show how advance analysis of seismic data together with regional geological information could be used to predict their key characteristics such as lithology, thickness and overall geometry that are necessary in order to understand Earth’s magmatic activity.

Statistical characteristics of non-volcanic tremor distributions along the Mexican Subduction Zone

Thu, 28 May 2026 21:36:16 +0200

Statistical characteristics of non-volcanic tremor distributions along the Mexican Subduction Zone Quetzalcoatl Rodríguez-Pérez, Víctor Hugo Márquez-Ramírez, and Francisco Ramón Zúñiga Solid Earth, 17, 803–824, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-803-2026, 2026 We studied the statistical properties of weak signals known as non-volcanic tremors along the Mexican coast to understand how the earth moves deep underground. By analyzing the timing and size of these faint tremors, we discovered they behave similarly to regular earthquakes but follow complex, persistent patterns. Our findings suggest these movements are influenced by underground fluids and nonlinear forces. This work clarifies how energy builds up, improving our grasp of earthquake risks.

Basic Earth Parameters from VLBI observations using Bayesian inversions in the time domain: updated insights of the Earth's interior

Fri, 22 May 2026 21:36:16 +0200

Basic Earth Parameters from VLBI observations using Bayesian inversions in the time domain: updated insights of the Earth's interior Yuting Cheng, Véronique Dehant, Attilio Rivoldini, Jérémy Rekier, and Christian Bizouard Solid Earth, 17, 789–801, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-789-2026, 2026 By analyzing 45 years of Very Long Baseline Interferometry data, we found that the liquid outer core and solid mantle are more strongly coupled than expected, likely due to topography at their boundary. The solid inner core is also less rigidly connected to the outer core. These results challenge current models of Earth's deep interior, core dynamics, and magnetic field generation, with implications for geophysics and space navigation.

Distributed right-lateral strain at the northern boundary of the Quito-Latacunga microblock

Thu, 21 May 2026 21:36:16 +0200

Distributed right-lateral strain at the northern boundary of the Quito-Latacunga microblock Nicolas Harrichhausen, Léo Marconato, Laurence Audin, Pierre Lacan, Stéphane Baize, Hervé Jomard, Alexandra Alvarado, James Hollingsworth, Pierre-Henri Blard, Patricia Ann Mothes, Frédérique Rolandone, and Iván Dario Ortiz Martin Solid Earth, 17, 763–787, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-763-2026, 2026 Tectonic plates can be broken into smaller blocks with deformation concentrated at their boundaries. We use remote sensing and field studies to investigate how faulting accommodates deformation at the northern boundary of the Quito-Latacunga microblock (Ecuador & Colombia). We show this boundary is a wide zone characterized by several parallel faults capable of hosting moderate to large (

Persistent deformation in a post-collisional stable continental region: insights from 20 years of cGPS in Romania

Tue, 19 May 2026 21:36:16 +0200

Persistent deformation in a post-collisional stable continental region: insights from 20 years of cGPS in Romania Alexandra Muntean, Laura Petrescu, Boudewijn Ambrosius, Felix Borleanu, Eduard Ilie Nastase, and Ioan Munteanu Solid Earth, 17, 747–762, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-747-2026, 2026 We utilize two decades of continuous GPS data to investigate crustal deformation in Romania, a region that has long been regarded as tectonically stable. Despite the end of major collisions millions of years ago, subcrustal earthquakes and active faults indicate ongoing strain. We estimate horizontal and vertical velocities, strain rates, and dominant deformation styles. Our results reveal localized uplift and extension in the foreland, linked to slab dynamics beneath the southeast Carpathians.

Deciphering the crustal structure of the Lerma Valley (NW Argentina): a multi-method seismic investigation

Tue, 12 May 2026 21:36:16 +0200

Deciphering the crustal structure of the Lerma Valley (NW Argentina): a multi-method seismic investigation Emilio J. M. Criado-Sutti, Andrés Olivar-Castaño, Frank Krüger, Carolina Montero-López, Germán Aranda-Viana, Martin Zeckra, and Sebastian Heimann Solid Earth, 17, 711–733, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-711-2026, 2026 We studied the deep structure beneath the Lerma Valley in northwestern Argentina to better understand how the Earth's crust behaves in this active but little-studied region of the Andes. Using data from local and teleseismic earthquakes, we mapped layers within the crust and found major contrasts between the northern and southern areas. Our results shed new light on how this region formed and evolved, offering important insights into earthquake risks and mountain-building processes.

Patterns of contemporary horizontal stress orientation in the Earth's crust derived from the World Stress Map Database 2025

Tue, 12 May 2026 21:36:16 +0200

Patterns of contemporary horizontal stress orientation in the Earth's crust derived from the World Stress Map Database 2025 Oliver Heidbach and Mojtaba Rajabi Solid Earth, 17, 735–745, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-735-2026, 2026 The World Stress Map project provides the only open-access database of crustal stress information. The new global database has been substantially updated, and now contains more than twice the number of data on the orientation of maximum horizontal stress (SHmax). As data are clustered, we provide mean SHmax orientations on different global grids. The results reveal for intraplate areas that the earlier hypothesis that plate boundary forces control the SHmax orientation needs to be revised.

Enhancing 2D deep seismic reflection imaging using shot domain regularization: a case study from the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt, South China

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 21:36:16 +0200

Enhancing 2D deep seismic reflection imaging using shot domain regularization: a case study from the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt, South China Hui Zhang, Jiayong Yan, Zhendong Liu, Jianguang Han, Hao Wang, and Jiahao Liu Solid Earth, 17, 689–709, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-689-2026, 2026 This study compares four regularization methods for deep seismic reflection data from the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt, South China. The optimal method regularizes and interpolates shot gathers at 100-meter intervals, improving signal-to-noise ratio and resolution, reducing artifacts, and yielding clearer seismic images. Results show data regularization is critical in deep seismic imaging for reliable geological interpretation and accurate mineral deposit detection.

First tomographic imaging of mid-crustal doubling at the Abruzzi outer thrust front, central-southern Italy

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:36:16 +0200

First tomographic imaging of mid-crustal doubling at the Abruzzi outer thrust front, central-southern Italy Rita de Nardis, Donato Talone, Luca De Siena, Maria Adelaide Romano, Francesco Brozzetti, and Giusy Lavecchia Solid Earth, 17, 665–687, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-665-2026, 2026 The Outer Thrust System (OTS) in coastal Abruzzi (Italy) remains debated in terms of its geometry, seismic activity, and deformation style. This study presents a new seismic tomography of the Abruzzi Arc basal thrust, revealing mid-crustal doubling at depths of 14–24 km. The conceptual 3D model highlights deep compressive tectonics influencing the crustal structure. If the thrust is seismogenic, it could have significant implications for regional geodynamics and seismic hazard assessment.

Geological factors and fracture distribution in deep and ultra-deep sandstones in Kuqa Depression, Tarim Basin, China

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:36:16 +0200

Geological factors and fracture distribution in deep and ultra-deep sandstones in Kuqa Depression, Tarim Basin, China Yang Su, Jin Lai, Wenle Dang, Xinjian Zhao, Chuang Han, Yongjia Zhang, Zhongrui Wang, Lei Wang, and Guiwen Wang Solid Earth, 17, 643–664, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-643-2026, 2026 This study integrates geological and geophysical data to examine controls of sedimentary factors, earth stress, and tectonic structure on fracture distribution in deep and ultra-deep sandstones in Kuqa Depression. Key findings show fracture density increases with sandbody thickness and paleostress magnitude, is higher near faults and fold hinges, and is favored by thinner sand-mud interbeds. Increased horizontal stress differences contributes to reduced fracture apertures.

Interpreting the cause of bound earthquakes at underground injection experiments

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:36:16 +0200

Interpreting the cause of bound earthquakes at underground injection experiments Ryan Schultz, Linus Villiger, Valentin Gischig, and Stefan Wiemer Solid Earth, 17, 617–642, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-617-2026, 2026 We use statistical tests to infer MMAX (maximum possible magnitude) from an earthquake catalogue and focus on data from three underground laboratories with controlled injection experiments. There, we find clear evidence for MMAX bounds and corroborate interpretations of fracture growth against other geophysical studies. Unbound sequences occur when stimulation is directed towards pre-existing faults. The validation of our methods against well-studied cases is encouraging and will help validate future interpretations.

High-pressure behaviour and elastic constants of 1M and 2M1 polytypes of phlogopite KMg3Si3AlO10(OH)2

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 21:36:16 +0200

High-pressure behaviour and elastic constants of 1M and 2M1 polytypes of phlogopite KMg3Si3AlO10(OH)2 Gianfranco Ulian, Francesca Ranellucci, and Giovanni Valdrè Solid Earth, 17, 601–616, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-601-2026, 2026 Layer silicates (phyllosilicates) are important minerals because of their ubiquity on the Earth’s crust and due to their ability to release water in the mantle. The present study focuses on the elastic properties of a specific phyllosilicate known as phlogopite [KMg3Si3AlO10(OH)2], which were characterised using first-principles methods. The results show the mineral's anisotropic mechanical behaviour, which also depends on how the mineral layers are stacked in the crystal structure.