https://se.copernicus.org/articles/ Combined list of the recent articles of the journal Solid Earth and the recent discussion forum Solid Earth Discussions en https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-803-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-803-2026 <b>Statistical characteristics of non-volcanic tremor distributions along the Mexican Subduction Zone</b><br> Quetzalcoatl Rodríguez-Pérez, Víctor Hugo Márquez-Ramírez, and Francisco Ramón Zúñiga<br> Solid Earth, 17, 803–824, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-803-2026, 2026<br> 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. Thu, 28 May 2026 18:16:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-789-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-789-2026 <b>Basic Earth Parameters from VLBI observations using Bayesian inversions in the time domain: updated insights of the Earth's interior</b><br> Yuting Cheng, Véronique Dehant, Attilio Rivoldini, Jérémy Rekier, and Christian Bizouard<br> Solid Earth, 17, 789–801, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-789-2026, 2026<br> 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. Fri, 22 May 2026 18:16:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-763-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-763-2026 <b>Distributed right-lateral strain at the northern boundary of the Quito-Latacunga microblock</b><br> 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<br> Solid Earth, 17, 763–787, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-763-2026, 2026<br> 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 (<M7) earthquakes, such as the one in 2022, and which may be influenced by nearby volcanism. Thu, 21 May 2026 18:16:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-747-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-747-2026 <b>Persistent deformation in a post-collisional stable continental region: insights from 20 years of cGPS in Romania</b><br> Alexandra Muntean, Laura Petrescu, Boudewijn Ambrosius, Felix Borleanu, Eduard Ilie Nastase, and Ioan Munteanu<br> Solid Earth, 17, 747–762, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-747-2026, 2026<br> 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. Tue, 19 May 2026 18:16:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-711-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-711-2026 <b>Deciphering the crustal structure of the Lerma Valley (NW Argentina): a multi-method seismic investigation</b><br> Emilio J. M. Criado-Sutti, Andrés Olivar-Castaño, Frank Krüger, Carolina Montero-López, Germán Aranda-Viana, Martin Zeckra, and Sebastian Heimann<br> Solid Earth, 17, 711–733, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-711-2026, 2026<br> 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. Tue, 12 May 2026 18:16:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-735-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-735-2026 <b>Patterns of contemporary horizontal stress orientation in the Earth's crust derived from the World Stress Map Database 2025</b><br> Oliver Heidbach and Mojtaba Rajabi<br> Solid Earth, 17, 735–745, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-735-2026, 2026<br> 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. Tue, 12 May 2026 18:16:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-689-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-689-2026 <b>Enhancing 2D deep seismic reflection imaging using shot domain regularization: a case study from the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt, South China</b><br> Hui Zhang, Jiayong Yan, Zhendong Liu, Jianguang Han, Hao Wang, and Jiahao Liu<br> Solid Earth, 17, 689–709, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-689-2026, 2026<br> 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. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:16:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-665-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-665-2026 <b>First tomographic imaging of mid-crustal doubling at the Abruzzi outer thrust front, central-southern Italy</b><br> Rita de Nardis, Donato Talone, Luca De Siena, Maria Adelaide Romano, Francesco Brozzetti, and Giusy Lavecchia<br> Solid Earth, 17, 665–687, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-665-2026, 2026<br> 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. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:16:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-643-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-643-2026 <b>Geological factors and fracture distribution in deep and ultra-deep sandstones in Kuqa Depression, Tarim Basin, China</b><br> Yang Su, Jin Lai, Wenle Dang, Xinjian Zhao, Chuang Han, Yongjia Zhang, Zhongrui Wang, Lei Wang, and Guiwen Wang<br> Solid Earth, 17, 643–664, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-643-2026, 2026<br> 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. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:16:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-617-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-617-2026 <b>Interpreting the cause of bound earthquakes at underground injection experiments</b><br> Ryan Schultz, Linus Villiger, Valentin Gischig, and Stefan Wiemer<br> Solid Earth, 17, 617–642, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-617-2026, 2026<br> 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. Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:16:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-601-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-601-2026 <b>High-pressure behaviour and elastic constants of 1M and 2M1 polytypes of phlogopite KMg3Si3AlO10(OH)2</b><br> Gianfranco Ulian, Francesca Ranellucci, and Giovanni Valdrè<br> Solid Earth, 17, 601–616, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-601-2026, 2026<br> 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. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:16:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-573-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-573-2026 <b>On the criticality of return flows in viscous accretionary wedges and its implications for deep-crustal exhumation in subduction zones</b><br> Ayan Patsa and Nibir Mandal<br> Solid Earth, 17, 573–600, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-573-2026, 2026<br> Accretionary wedges are the prime locations of exhumed high-pressure (HP) and low-temperature (LT) metamorphic rocks. Previous tectonic models invoked the corner flow theory with a premise of slab-parallel motion to explain the upward return flow of buried metasediments. In this study, we develop a generalized corner flow model with additional kinematic and rheological factors and evaluate the limiting conditions in which a wedge can set in significant return flows. Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:16:53 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-555-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-555-2026 <b>Fatbox: the Fault Analysis Toolbox</b><br> Pauline Gayrin, Thilo Wrona, Sascha Brune, Derek Neuharth, Nicolas Molnar, Alessandro La Rosa, and John Naliboff<br> Solid Earth, 17, 555–572, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-555-2026, 2026<br> When in extension, the Earth's crust accommodates deformation by breaking. Through time, faults grow into an intricate network that can be detected by changes in topography, or through modelling (numerical or analogue). This study demonstrates how the Python library Fatbox, the Fault Analysis Toolbox, can extract the network pattern automatically from said datasets and measure the geometry and kinematics of the fault network. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 18:16:53 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-537-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-537-2026 <b>Impact of differential stress on fracture due to volume increasing hydration</b><br> Jeremiah J. McElwee, Ikuko Wada, Kazuki Yoshida, Hiroyuki Shimizu, and Atsushi Okamoto<br> Solid Earth, 17, 537–554, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-537-2026, 2026<br> The volume increase associated with many hydration reactions can fracture the surrounding rock, creating new fluid pathways that impact the distribution of fluids and hydration. However, it is unclear how this process is impacted by the background stress state, which varies across tectonic settings. We ran simulations that indicate the fracture pattern is sensitive to the background stress state, suggesting that it may be a key factor guiding hydration in the lithosphere. Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:16:53 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-513-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-513-2026 <b>TCSEIS-1D: An Interactive 1D Code for temperature and composition modelling of the crust and mantle from seismological data</b><br> Mariano S. Arnaiz-Rodríguez and Javier Fullea<br> Solid Earth, 17, 513–535, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-513-2026, 2026<br> We introduce TCSEIS-1D, a new open-source software that connects the physical and chemical structure of the Earth’s crust and mantle with seismic observations. This relationship is often difficult to model, but TCSEIS-1D simplifies the process using geophysical and thermodynamic principles. It allows scientists to explore how variations in temperature and composition influence surface wave dispersion and receiver functions, helping to interpret what seismic data reveals about Earth's interior. Thu, 19 Mar 2026 18:16:53 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-485-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-485-2026 <b>The influence of burial history on physical rock properties: a case study of Lower Jurassic claystones from the Hils and Sack Synclines (Germany)</b><br> Raphael Burchartz, Timo Seemann, Garri Gaus, Lisa Winhausen, Mohammadreza Jalali, Brian Mutuma Mbui, Sebastian Grohmann, Linda Burnaz, Marlise Colling Cassel, Jochen Erbacher, Ralf Littke, and Florian Amann<br> Solid Earth, 17, 485–512, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-485-2026, 2026<br> In Germany, claystones are studied for their suitability as host-rocks for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste. The MATURITY project systematically investigates how gradual burial affects physical properties in the Lower Jurassic Amaltheenton Formation of the Lower Saxony Basin (Germany). Understanding these changes helps assess claystone suitability for long-term waste isolation, improving site selection for deep geological repositories. Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:16:53 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-465-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-465-2026 <b>Constraining the wavefield of volcano-seismic events on Mt. Etna, Italy through a rotational sensor and seismic array observations</b><br> Nele Inken Käte Vesely, Eva Patricia Silke Eibl, Gilda Currenti, Mariangela Sciotto, Giuseppe Di Grazia, Matthias Ohrnberger, and Philippe Jousset<br> Solid Earth, 17, 465–484, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-465-2026, 2026<br> We compare seismometers with the 6C method, which combines rotational and seismometer data, determining signal directions and wave velocities for short and continuous low-frequency volcanic signals at Mt. Etna. Either the cluster or the rotational sensor reliably detect continuous signal directions, aligning with the observatory data. For short signals, 6C directions deviate more, likely due to a complex underground. Combining both methods' velocity results improves understanding volcanic waves. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:16:53 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-453-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-453-2026 <b>Offshore crustal thickness variation along the Palu–Koro strike–slip fault in the Sulawesi region from OBS receiver function analysis</b><br> Tingwei Yang, ChuanChuan Lü, Tianyao Hao, Nicholas Rawlinson, Tao Xu, Pepen Supendi, Sri Widiyantoro, Muhammad Taufiq Rafie, Alfian Alfian, and David Prambudi Sahara<br> Solid Earth, 17, 453–464, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-453-2026, 2026<br> We studied the crust beneath Celebes Sea and Makassar Strait in East Indonesia to better understand how the region formed and moves today. Using ocean-bottom and land-based seismometers, we discovered significant differences in crust thickness and unusual underground structures associated with major faults. These findings help explain past tectonic activity and may improve understanding of earthquake hazards in the area. Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:16:53 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-429-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-429-2026 <b>Where curling stones collide with rock mechanics: cyclical damage accumulation and fatigue in granitoids</b><br> Derek D. V. Leung, Florian Fusseis, and Ian B. Butler<br> Solid Earth, 17, 429–452, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-429-2026, 2026<br> Curling stones often collide with each other during a game. Over time, these collisions cause damage in the striking bands on the sides of the stones. We determined experimentally how hard these stones collide into one another. We then looked at old curling stones to understand how damage builds up in these rocks. We found that early, fast impacts produce fractures until the striking band is saturated in fractures. Repeated impacts after this stage make fractures grow. Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:16:53 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-407-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-407-2026 <b>Feldspar alteration by disequilibrium CO2-H2O fluids in reservoir sandstones: implications for CCS</b><br> Natalie J. C. Farrell, Lining Yang, Michael J. Flowerdew, Chris Mark, Buhari Ardo, Kevin G. Taylor, Nico Bigaroni, Michael Pointon, Lewis Hughes, John Waters, and Lee Paul<br> Solid Earth, 17, 407–427, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-407-2026, 2026<br> Contrary to current CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) models, reaction experiments conducted at subsurface stress and temperature conditions reveal that feldspars, common, reactive grains in sandstone reservoirs, can undergo significant chemical and mechanical changes when exposed to CO₂ enriched water. These chemo-mechanical processes, including grain fracturing, dissolution, and clay precipitation, can modify fluid pathways and rock strength, potentially reducing reservoir productivity and increasing leakage risk. Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:16:53 +0100