The Eurasian continent was subject to multiphase intensive intracontinental deformation in the Cenozoic(Fig.1A).However,its Cenozoic intra-continental deformation process and the driving force has long been disputed,w...The Eurasian continent was subject to multiphase intensive intracontinental deformation in the Cenozoic(Fig.1A).However,its Cenozoic intra-continental deformation process and the driving force has long been disputed,which is only associated with the Indo-Asian collision(Molnar and Tapponnier,1975;Jolivet et al.,1990;Tapponnier et al.,2001;Yin,2010;Xu et al.,2013;Zhao et al.,2016),is caused by the Pacific-Asian collision(Cui,1997;Schellart and Lister,2005;Fan et al.,2019),or is connected with a combined effect of the Indo-Asian collision and the Pacific-Eurasia convergence(Ren et al.,2002;Li et al.,2013;Shi et al.,2015;Liu et al.,2019).展开更多
Boroujerd area has located in the border zone of Zagros mountain and Sanandaj-Sirjan belt in the southwest Iran. Six geomorphic indices were calculated in the study area. Through averaging these indices we obtain inde...Boroujerd area has located in the border zone of Zagros mountain and Sanandaj-Sirjan belt in the southwest Iran. Six geomorphic indices were calculated in the study area. Through averaging these indices we obtain index of active tectonics (Iat). The values of the index were divided into classes to define the degree of active tectonics. Therefore, relative tectonic activity was calculated and their values were classified and analyzed in two groups. Regions were identified as low and moderate levels. In analyzing data and combining them with tectonic setting the results were often associated and justified with regional geology. Our results show that the highest value has located along faulted area, which shows 3 classes of relative tectonic activity (moderate level). Also, other values have located along folded area (low level). Therefore, middle part of study area (sub-basin No. 4) is showing the more active uplifting related to surroundings region (sub-basin No. 1, 2 and 3). In other words, sub-basin No. 4 has got the more active uplifting by quaternary movements of several faults such as Doroud fault.展开更多
Kashaf rud river is located in border zone of East Alborz and Kopet Dagh physiographic provinces in the north east Iran. Geomorphic indices are useful tools to show the neotectonic regimes. These indices have got the ...Kashaf rud river is located in border zone of East Alborz and Kopet Dagh physiographic provinces in the north east Iran. Geomorphic indices are useful tools to show the neotectonic regimes. These indices have got the advantage of being calculated from Arc GIS and remote sensing packages over large area as a useful tool to identify geomorphic anomalies possibly related to active tectonics. In this research, seven geomorphic indices (stream-gradient index, valley floor width-valley height ratio, mountain-front sinuosity, drainage basin asymmetry, hypsometric integral, drainage basin shape and transverse topographic symmetry factor) were calculated along the Kashaf rud river. Then, based on a new index or modified index of active tectonics (Miat) values that calculated by average of seven geomorphic indices, relative tectonic activities levels were revealed. The low class of Miat is mainly in the sub-basins of No. 6, 10, 13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24 & 28 while the rest of the study area has moderate tectonic activities in the other sub-basins. Our results show that the moderate value has located along faulted area, which shows 2 class of relative tectonic activity. These faults have been formed above an old suture zone between Cimmerian and Eurasian plates.展开更多
A linear regression analysis of 28 selected tide-gauge stations of the Zhujiang Estuary shows that there has been a tendency of local sea level rise at a rate of 2.028 mm per year. The origin of the variation is signi...A linear regression analysis of 28 selected tide-gauge stations of the Zhujiang Estuary shows that there has been a tendency of local sea level rise at a rate of 2.028 mm per year. The origin of the variation is significantly attributed to the local tectonic movement of discrepant fault-block. Based on this, four types of relative local sea level changes are classified. According to calculation, half of the fertile land, or 800 km2 of the delta plain will have been submerged by sea water by about 2040. This will yield a significant influence on the economic construction and human activities.展开更多
The topographic margin of the Tibetan Plateau adjacent to the Sichuan Basin is one of the World’s most impressive continental escarpments, rising from ～600 meters in the basin to peak elevations exceeding 6km across...The topographic margin of the Tibetan Plateau adjacent to the Sichuan Basin is one of the World’s most impressive continental escarpments, rising from ～600 meters in the basin to peak elevations exceeding 6km across a horizontal distance of only 50～60km. Despite this relief, recent geodetic results (King et al., 1997; Chen et al., 1999) indicate that active shortening across this margin of the plateau is <3mm/a, and is within uncertainty of zero. Recent geodynamic models for active deformation in eastern Tibet (Royden et al., 1997) explain this discrepancy as a consequence of flow of lower crust from beneath the central plateau. These models predict relatively high rates of rock uplift in the near absence of horizontal shortening. Rivers along this margin of the plateau are actively incising into bedrock and afford the opportunity to better resolve the distribution of rock uplift along the margin.展开更多
This research investigates dynamic earth processes within the South Setifian allochthonous ensemble,providing insights into landscape evolution and seismotectonic activity within the Tellian mountain chain.Focusing on...This research investigates dynamic earth processes within the South Setifian allochthonous ensemble,providing insights into landscape evolution and seismotectonic activity within the Tellian mountain chain.Focusing on the Jebel Gustar and Kef Lahmar area,which includes 14 sub-basins,this research uses a DEM-based technique to assess Holocene activities,lineament characteristics,and stream systems.Five geomorphic indices are used to assess relative active tectonics:the stream lengthgradient index(SL),drainage basin asymmetry(AF),valley-floor width to valley height ratio(VF),drainage basin shape(BS),and mountain front sinuosity(SMF).A weighted overlay of these five indices produces the Index of Relative Active Tectonics(IRAT)map.The findings reveal significant neotectonic activity in the study area,supported by profound basement faulting.This research highlights the morpho-structural processes and neotectonics activity in the Jebel Gustar,providing a framework for investigating the evolution of this structure.Additionally,it enhances comprehension of the interactions between the alpine range's internal zones in Eastern Algeria and the Atlasic domain.This study proposes a systematic approach to evaluate the tectonic and geomorphological dynamics of the South Setif region.展开更多
The Mottled Zone（MZ） or Hatrurim Formation,which occurs near the Levantine Transform in the South Levant,has been studied during the last 150 years but its origin remains debatable.Mottled Zone Complex/Complexes（MZ...The Mottled Zone（MZ） or Hatrurim Formation,which occurs near the Levantine Transform in the South Levant,has been studied during the last 150 years but its origin remains debatable.Mottled Zone Complex/Complexes（MZC/MZCs） consist of brecciated carbonate and low-temperature calcium-hydro-silicate rocks,which include unusual high- and ultra-high-temperature low-pressure（HT-LP） meta-morphic mineral assemblages.The MZ has been regarded as a product of combustion of bituminous chalks of the Ghareb Fm.of Cretaceous（Maastrichtian） age.In this paper we present detailed geographic, geomorphologic,structural and geological data from the MZCs of the South Levant,which show that the MZCs cannot be stratigraphically correlated with the Ghareb Fm.,because MZC late Oligocene-late Pleistocene deposits occur within or unconformable i.e.,with stratigraphic hiatus,overlap both the late Cretaceous and,in places,Neogene stratigraphic units.We propose an alternative model for the formation of MZCs by tectonically induced mud volcanism during late Oligocene-late Pleistocene time. This model explains（i） the presence of dikes and tube-like bodies,which consist of brecciated exotic clastic material derived from stratigraphically and hypsometrically lower horizons;（ii） mineral assemblages of sanidinite facies metamorphism;（iii） multi-stage character of HT-LP pyrometamorphism;and （iv） multi-stage low-temperature hydrothermal alteration.High temperatures（up to 1500℃） mineral assemblages resulted from combustion of hydrocarbon gases of mud volcanoes.Mud volcanism was spatially and structurally related to neotectonic folds and deformation zones formed in response to opening of the Red Sea rift and propagation of the Levantine Transform Fault.Our model may significantly change the prospects for oil-and-gas deposits in the region.展开更多
The Luan River is the most important water system in north-eastern Hebei Province,China and is located in the transitional zone of the Eastern Yan Mountains,North China Plain and Songliao Plain.The well-developed rive...The Luan River is the most important water system in north-eastern Hebei Province,China and is located in the transitional zone of the Eastern Yan Mountains,North China Plain and Songliao Plain.The well-developed river terraces of its tributary,the Yixun River,provide excellent information for studying neotectonics and climate change.There are seven terraces in the lower reaches of the Yixun River,numbered T7-T1.The optically stimulated luminescence dating results of 23 samples show that terraces T7-T2 formed at 111.36±5.83 ka,78.20±4.45 ka,65.29±4.15 ka,56.44±3.07 ka,40.08±2.66 ka,and 13.14±0.76 ka,respectively.A comparison with the oxygen isotope curves of deep-sea sediments reveals that the sediment formation of each terrace corresponded to cold periods of marine isotope stages MIS 4 and MIS 2 and the relatively cold periods of MIS 5e,MIS 3,and MIS 1.Since the Late Pleistocene,the incision rate of the Yixun River has ranged from 0.371-1.740 mm/a.During the formation of T7-T6,T5-T4,T4-T3,and T3-T2,the incision rate was low.However,in the two stages during which T6-T5 and T2-T1 formed(13.14±0.76 ka to 0.58±0.08 ka and 10.79±0.64 ka to 0.16±0.01 ka),these rates reached 1.554 mm/a and 1.592-1.740 mm/a,respectively.At approximately 30 ka,the activity of the Langying Fault increased,leading to footwall uplift.The river gathered in the north of Langying to form the ancient Erdaowan Lake,which resulted in the drying of the river in the lower reaches of the Yixun River during the last glacial maximum without forming river deposits.In the Early Holocene,headward erosion in the lower reaches of the Yixun River was enhanced,which resulted in the disappearance of the lake,and incised meandering formed due to increased neotectonism.Based on the analyses of river incision and the formation of ancient lakes and incised meandering,it was inferred that there have been three periods of strong tectonism in the river basin since the Late Pleistocene.展开更多
Structurally,the North Almora Thrust(NAT),is placed in the northern proximity of the Almora Nappe(AN)in the Kumaun Lesser Himalaya.The NAT is characterized by the presence of a zone of mylonitic rocks of basal Saryu F...Structurally,the North Almora Thrust(NAT),is placed in the northern proximity of the Almora Nappe(AN)in the Kumaun Lesser Himalaya.The NAT is characterized by the presence of a zone of mylonitic rocks of basal Saryu Formation(1800±100 Ma)in the hanging wall and the metasedimentaries of Inner Lesser Himalayan rocks as the footwall block.The NAT has been dextrally offset by two estabilished maj or faults i.e.Saryu River Fault(SRF)in Saryu Valley and Dwarahat-Chaukhutia Fault(DCF)in Ramganga valley.In present study,we identified four new faults,based on field study,geomorphic landform and magnetic fabric analysis.These faults are N-S trending Pancheshwar Fault,NE-SW Rameshwer Fault,NNE-SSW trending Kosi Fault,and NNE-SSW trending Gagas Fault(GF).Our results show that the zone is bound by cross cutting relation with NAT and these fault zones are comparatively more active than other regions.Furthermore,we suggest that the steep and NW-SE orientation of magnetic foliation within the NAT zone is a result of NE-SW oriented progressive regional compression.The magnetic foliations represent the unseen internal foliations in the rocks developed due to preferred alignment of magnetic minerals and can be found through the Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility(AMS)study.Variation in the alignment of the field and magnetic foliations are developed due to superimposed brittle deformation along the faults over the pre-existing field foliations.Magnetic foliations represent the impact of last stage deformation and significant to find brittle deformation and finite strain in the rocks of the study area.The lowering of anisotropy(Pj)away from the fault zone represents distribution of strain across the NAT zone.AMS fabric confirms the presence of faults developed across the NAT zone and also explains the deformation pattern along these faults.The geomorphic anomalies and steepness changes across the NAT zone are correlated with active deformation along the NAT and associated transverse faults.展开更多
Neotectonic investigations using morphotectonic parameters such as basin asymmetry, drainage anomalies, digital data interpretation and geomorphic field evidences were carried out in Satluj river valley downstream of ...Neotectonic investigations using morphotectonic parameters such as basin asymmetry, drainage anomalies, digital data interpretation and geomorphic field evidences were carried out in Satluj river valley downstream of Khab in the Kaurik Chango Fault (KCF) zone. The study reveals the presence of a northsouth trending fault which is similar to the KCF. Unpaired, tilted terraces, V shaped valleys, deep gorges and lakes are the manifestations of fault movement in the area. Presence of deformation structures preserved in the palaeolake profile at Morang indicates that the area has also been seismically active in the past. In this paper we present a conceptual model of the formation of lakes in KCF zone. Morphometric analysis was carried out with the help of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and field investigations.展开更多
The Red Sea continental margin （RSCM） corresponds to a wide hinge zone between Red Sea and Arabian plate. This margin has been studied through geological and geophysical observations primarily in regard to the evolu...The Red Sea continental margin （RSCM） corresponds to a wide hinge zone between Red Sea and Arabian plate. This margin has been studied through geological and geophysical observations primarily in regard to the evolution of Red Sea rift. This margin is characterized by occurrence of thin sediments, significant onshore uplift, tectonic subsidence of the offshore sedimentary basin, active faulting and seismicity. Studies indicate that sedimentary sequences of the margin are deformed by faults and folds resulting from at least two phases of extension and a phase of uplift. During the two phases of extension due to regional plate stress the sequence was cut by set of extensional faults. While during the phase of uplift the sequence was deformed by folding and faulting. The present paper aims to clear the structural development of RSCM during these tectonic episodes, taken as particular tectonic event, by two-dimensional finite element modeling on plane strain condition. Elastic theology is assumed for the oceanic, continental and transitional crust along with syntectonic deposits. Stress field, shear stress and fault distribution suggests that mantle plume weakened the crust following rifting due to regional stress and developed the margin. These results are well consistent with those from present seismicity, active faulting and neotectonic studies.展开更多
Morphometric analysis is defined as the quantitative measurement of landscape shape. Morphometric studies of a watershed helps the researcher to compare different landform and calculate the geomorphic indices that may...Morphometric analysis is defined as the quantitative measurement of landscape shape. Morphometric studies of a watershed helps the researcher to compare different landform and calculate the geomorphic indices that may be useful for identifying a particular characteristic such as the level of neotectonic activity in a watershed. The present study has been carried out in Kakoi River Watershed which is a part of Lower Subansiri River Basin in Assam. The study area is geo-dynamically unstable region characterized by active faults, continuing crustal movements and complicated structural region which fall under the seismic zone V of India. In recent century, the Lower Suabsiri River Basin has gone tremendous morphological changes due to active tectonics activities. After the Assam Earthquake of 1950, some of the rivers like Subansiri and its tributaries Dirgha, Kadam and Kakoi suddenly changed their channels giving birth to new channels. The present study is to examine the neotectonic domains and the changes of river course. The geomorphic indices such as Hypsometric Integral (HI), Elongation ratio (Re), Asymmetry Factor (AF), Stream-length Gradient Index (SI), Mountain Front Sinuosity (Mfs), Basin shape index (Bs), Ratio of Valley floor width to Valley Height (Vf) and Channel sinuosity (S) etc. have been studied from remote sensing data. The results shows that the study area is under active tectonic area based on Vf (0.301), Rl (0.461), Bs (3.6), Sl (165.73) and other parameters such as S (1.38) and Mfs (2.02) indicated as moderate active tectonic region. Utilization of geospatial technology and remote sensing data in the present study becomes more reliable and helpful in analyzing, monitoring and understanding the landform changes in a watershed.展开更多
The Iraqi Western and Southern deserts are part of the Iraqi Stable Shelf (Inner Platform) that belongs to the Arabian Plate. Therefore, both deserts lack tectonic forms like folds and faults;however, very rarely faul...The Iraqi Western and Southern deserts are part of the Iraqi Stable Shelf (Inner Platform) that belongs to the Arabian Plate. Therefore, both deserts lack tectonic forms like folds and faults;however, very rarely faults and regional lineaments can be seen in both deserts. Although both deserts are tectonically stable, tens of Neotectonic indications can be seen everywhere in both deserts. Among those indications are: Straight valleys, perpendicular valley bendings, sinkholes aligned along straight lines, dislocated valleys, knickpoints within valleys aligned along straight lines, regional lineaments, anomalous valley shapes, trends, and types, dissected alluvial fans. We have used existing geological maps of different scales and Esri World Imagery to recognize those Neotectonic indications. All those recognized features are excellent indications that both the Iraqi Western and Southern deserts are tectonically not stable. Accordingly, new terminology is suggested instead of the Stable Shelf (Inner Platform) which is the “Less Disturbed Shelf”.展开更多
Neotectonic movement refers to the tectonic movement that has happened since the Cenozoic, which is the latest movement. It has the most important influence on the basins in west China, especially on the hydrocarbon a...Neotectonic movement refers to the tectonic movement that has happened since the Cenozoic, which is the latest movement. It has the most important influence on the basins in west China, especially on the hydrocarbon accumulation in the western foreland basins. We determined the time of neotectonic movement in the Kuqa Foreland Basin, which began from the Neogene, and analyzed the patterns of movement, which were continuous and fast subsidence in the vertical direction and intense lateral compression. The structure styles are that the faulting is weakened and the folding is strengthened gradually from north to south. We studied the control of neotectonic movement on the hydrocarbon accumulation process and model in the Kuqa Foreland Basin with basin simulation technique. The largest subsidence rate of the Kuqa Foreland Basin reached 1,200 m/Ma during the neotectonic movement, leading to rapid maturing of source rock within 5 Ma and a large quantity of hydrocarbon being generated and expelled. The thick neotectonic strata can form high quality reservoirs with the proved gas and oil reserves accounting for 5% and 27% of the total reserves, respectively. 86% of the structural traps were formed in the neotectonic movement period. The faults formed during the neotectonic movement serve as important migration pathways and they exist in the region where the hydrocarbon reservoirs are distributed. Abnormally high pressure caused by the intense lateral compression, thick neotectonic strata deposition and rapid hydrocarbon generation provide driving force for hydrocarbon migration. The accumulation elements match each other well over a short period, leading to many large gas fields formed later in the Kuqa Foreland Basin.展开更多
Neotectonism occurred intensively in the Bozhong depression in the Bohai Bay Basin, which was reflected vertically by dramatic subsidence and a number of uplifts and laterally by notable fault movements. This particul...Neotectonism occurred intensively in the Bozhong depression in the Bohai Bay Basin, which was reflected vertically by dramatic subsidence and a number of uplifts and laterally by notable fault movements. This particularity has resulted in the special petroleum geological conditions of the Bozhong depression which are different from those of adjacent lands. For example, the source rocks of the Shahejie Formation were overpressured and hydrocarbon generation occurred in the late stage; the Dongying Formation was deeply buried below the hydrocarbon-generating threshold, therefore there were sufficient oil sources. The rapid subsidence led to starved sedimentation of the Guantao Formation fine sandstone and the regional Minghuazhen Formation lacustrine shale, which formed the Neogene regional reservoir-caprock association. The active faults formed in the neotectonism became passages for oil to migrate from the Paleogene to Neogene. The traps formed by late fault activity and accompanied anticlines provided spaces for the formation of reservoirs. All the above factors match well with one another in the Bozhong depression, providing favorable conditions for the formation of a series of large oilfields in the region展开更多
This paper presents finite element modeling （FEM） to simulate the present-day stress field and crustal deformation using NE-SW structural section in the central Seismic Gap region of the Garhwal Himalaya. Our study ...This paper presents finite element modeling （FEM） to simulate the present-day stress field and crustal deformation using NE-SW structural section in the central Seismic Gap region of the Garhwal Himalaya. Our study deals with the effect of geometrical characteristics and rock layer parameters on the upper crust. Modeling results show that two types of tectonic regimes developed in the central Seismic Gap region： the geotectonics of the northern part has been controlled by regional compression, whereas southern part is characterized by regional extension. Correspondingly, thrust faults are induced in the northern part and normal faults are extensively developed in the southern front. Those evidences noticeably indicate that the compressive tectonic environment of the Himalaya becomes change into the extensional tectonic regime in its front. The computed shear stress accumulation along the northern fiat of Main Himalayan Thrust （MHT） implies that considerable amount of interseismic stress is building up along the MHT system in the Himalaya, which ultimately release through the possible future great Himalayan earthquake （M 〉 8）. The comparison between our modeled stress field, faulting pattern and horizontal shortening rate with the distribution of the microseismic events, focal mechanism solutions, active faulting and GPS data in the central Seismic Gap region shows good agreement.展开更多
Based on the interpretation of two-dimensional seismic data, this paper analyzes the characteristics of three boundary fault systems including the Shajingzi fault, the Aqia fault and the Tumuxiuke fault around the Awa...Based on the interpretation of two-dimensional seismic data, this paper analyzes the characteristics of three boundary fault systems including the Shajingzi fault, the Aqia fault and the Tumuxiuke fault around the Awati sag of the Tarim Basin, and studies its controlling on hydrocarbon accumulation. Neotectonic movement is ubiquitous in oil and gas bearing basins in China, such as Neogene intense activities of large boundary thrusting faults of the Awati sag: Shajingzi fault, Aqia fault and Tumuxiuke fault. Based on a large number of seismic data, it is showed that they have section wise characteristics in the direction of fault strike, and active periods and associated structures formed of different sections are different. Usually, large anticlinal structures are formed in the upper wall, and faulted anticline controlled by companion faults are formed in the bottom wall. Large faults cut the strata from Cambrian up to Neogene. For the anticline in the upper wall, fault activities caused by neotectonic movement played a destructive role in hydrocarbon accumulation, thus the preservation condition is critical for reservoir formation. In this sense, attention should be paid to formations in the upper walls of Aqia fault and Tumuxiuke fault under the Cambrian salt bed, whose plastic deformation could help to heal faults. Companion faults in the bottom wall cut down to the Cambrian and up to the Triassic serving as the pathway for hydrocarbon migration, and associated structures in the bottom wall are noteworthy exploration targets.展开更多
The Late Cenozoic basins in the Weihe-Shanxi Graben, North China Craton are delineated by northeast-striking faults. The faults have, since a long time, been related to the progressive uplift and northeastward expansi...The Late Cenozoic basins in the Weihe-Shanxi Graben, North China Craton are delineated by northeast-striking faults. The faults have, since a long time, been related to the progressive uplift and northeastward expansion of the Tibetan Plateau. To show the relation between the basins and faults, two Pliocene-Pleistocene stratigraphic sections （Chengqiang and Hongyanangou） in the southern part of the Nihewan Basin at the northernmost parts of the graben are studied herein. Based on the sedimentary sequences and facies, the sections are divided into three evolutionary stages, such as alluvial fan-eolian red clay, fan delta, and fluvial, with boundaries at -2.8 and -1.8 Ma. Paleocurrent indicators, the composition of coarse clastics, heavy minerals, and the geochemistry of moderate-fine clastics are used to establish the temporal and spatial variations in the source areas. Based on features from the middle- northern basin, we infer that the Nihewan Basin comprises an old NE-SW elongate geotectogene and a young NW-SE elongate subgeotectogene. The main geotectogene in the mid-north is a half-graben bounded by northeast-striking and northwest-dipping normal faults （e.g., Liulengshan Fault）. This group of faults was mainly affected by the Pliocene （before -2.8-2.6 Ma） NW-SE extension and controlled the deposition of sediments. In contrast, the subgeotectogene in the south was affected by northwest-striking normal faults （e.g., Huliuhe Fault） that were controlled by the subsequent weak NE- SW extension in the Pleistocene. The remarkable change in the sedimentary facies and provenance since -1.8 Ma is possibly a signal of either weak or strong NE-SW extension. This result implies that the main tectonic transition ages of -2.8-2.6 Ma and -1.8 Ma in the Weihe-Shanxi Graben are affected by the Tibetan Plateau in Pliocene-Pleistocene.展开更多
The Quaternary sediments in the Yili Basin can serve as archives for studying the Cenozoic basin-mountain relationship. In this study, based on typical natural sections and boreholes, the surficial sediments of the Hu...The Quaternary sediments in the Yili Basin can serve as archives for studying the Cenozoic basin-mountain relationship. In this study, based on typical natural sections and boreholes, the surficial sediments of the Huocheng area were studied, and their sedimentary ages were obtained using the optically stimulated luminescence(OSL) and electron spin resonance(ESR) dating methods. These dates, combined with changes in the sedimentary facies, provided details of the neotectonic movement in the Yili Basin and adjacent areas. By dating sediments from five sections and three boreholes, we determined that the surficial sediments of the Huocheng area were mainly formed in the Late Pleistocene, with scattered instances of Holocene sediments. The surficial sediments mainly consisted of alluvial fan facies, fluvial facies, lacustrine facies, and desert facies. Based on the activity on the Hongshanzui fault and the northern margin fault of the Wusun Mountains, the Huocheng area was uplifted synchronously with the Tianshan Mountains during the last stage of the Late Pleistocene, causing the desert facies sediments to be superimposed on the former paleo-lake sediments.展开更多
Investigations on stratigraphy, geomorphology and neotectonic movement in the Eastern Kunlun Moun-tains show that there existed a series of ancient lakes, including some saline lakes. in the studied region about30,000...Investigations on stratigraphy, geomorphology and neotectonic movement in the Eastern Kunlun Moun-tains show that there existed a series of ancient lakes, including some saline lakes. in the studied region about30,000 years ago, They were distributed south of the middle Kunlun fault. from the middle-upper reaches of thepresent Narin Gol River in the west to the Alag Lake-Tosou Lake in the east. Of these the ancient Narin GolLake and Kunlun Lake were mainly recharged by the hot water related to valcanos. so the B, Li and K con-tents are relatively high. The neotectonic movement that commenced at 30.000 a B.P. caused the river system in the EasternKunlun Mountains to invade southwards. as a result the ancient lake water was captured to recharge theQarhan area. Therefore, the hot springs related to recent volcanism and faulting on the southern bank of theupper reaches of the Narin Gol River became an important source of saline materials for the Qarhan Lake.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.41672203)China Geological Survey(CGS)(Grant Nos.DD20190018,DD20160060,1212011120099,1212011120100,1212011220259).
文摘The Eurasian continent was subject to multiphase intensive intracontinental deformation in the Cenozoic(Fig.1A).However,its Cenozoic intra-continental deformation process and the driving force has long been disputed,which is only associated with the Indo-Asian collision(Molnar and Tapponnier,1975;Jolivet et al.,1990;Tapponnier et al.,2001;Yin,2010;Xu et al.,2013;Zhao et al.,2016),is caused by the Pacific-Asian collision(Cui,1997;Schellart and Lister,2005;Fan et al.,2019),or is connected with a combined effect of the Indo-Asian collision and the Pacific-Eurasia convergence(Ren et al.,2002;Li et al.,2013;Shi et al.,2015;Liu et al.,2019).
文摘Boroujerd area has located in the border zone of Zagros mountain and Sanandaj-Sirjan belt in the southwest Iran. Six geomorphic indices were calculated in the study area. Through averaging these indices we obtain index of active tectonics (Iat). The values of the index were divided into classes to define the degree of active tectonics. Therefore, relative tectonic activity was calculated and their values were classified and analyzed in two groups. Regions were identified as low and moderate levels. In analyzing data and combining them with tectonic setting the results were often associated and justified with regional geology. Our results show that the highest value has located along faulted area, which shows 3 classes of relative tectonic activity (moderate level). Also, other values have located along folded area (low level). Therefore, middle part of study area (sub-basin No. 4) is showing the more active uplifting related to surroundings region (sub-basin No. 1, 2 and 3). In other words, sub-basin No. 4 has got the more active uplifting by quaternary movements of several faults such as Doroud fault.
文摘Kashaf rud river is located in border zone of East Alborz and Kopet Dagh physiographic provinces in the north east Iran. Geomorphic indices are useful tools to show the neotectonic regimes. These indices have got the advantage of being calculated from Arc GIS and remote sensing packages over large area as a useful tool to identify geomorphic anomalies possibly related to active tectonics. In this research, seven geomorphic indices (stream-gradient index, valley floor width-valley height ratio, mountain-front sinuosity, drainage basin asymmetry, hypsometric integral, drainage basin shape and transverse topographic symmetry factor) were calculated along the Kashaf rud river. Then, based on a new index or modified index of active tectonics (Miat) values that calculated by average of seven geomorphic indices, relative tectonic activities levels were revealed. The low class of Miat is mainly in the sub-basins of No. 6, 10, 13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24 & 28 while the rest of the study area has moderate tectonic activities in the other sub-basins. Our results show that the moderate value has located along faulted area, which shows 2 class of relative tectonic activity. These faults have been formed above an old suture zone between Cimmerian and Eurasian plates.
文摘A linear regression analysis of 28 selected tide-gauge stations of the Zhujiang Estuary shows that there has been a tendency of local sea level rise at a rate of 2.028 mm per year. The origin of the variation is significantly attributed to the local tectonic movement of discrepant fault-block. Based on this, four types of relative local sea level changes are classified. According to calculation, half of the fertile land, or 800 km2 of the delta plain will have been submerged by sea water by about 2040. This will yield a significant influence on the economic construction and human activities.
文摘The topographic margin of the Tibetan Plateau adjacent to the Sichuan Basin is one of the World’s most impressive continental escarpments, rising from ～600 meters in the basin to peak elevations exceeding 6km across a horizontal distance of only 50～60km. Despite this relief, recent geodetic results (King et al., 1997; Chen et al., 1999) indicate that active shortening across this margin of the plateau is <3mm/a, and is within uncertainty of zero. Recent geodynamic models for active deformation in eastern Tibet (Royden et al., 1997) explain this discrepancy as a consequence of flow of lower crust from beneath the central plateau. These models predict relatively high rates of rock uplift in the near absence of horizontal shortening. Rivers along this margin of the plateau are actively incising into bedrock and afford the opportunity to better resolve the distribution of rock uplift along the margin.
文摘This research investigates dynamic earth processes within the South Setifian allochthonous ensemble,providing insights into landscape evolution and seismotectonic activity within the Tellian mountain chain.Focusing on the Jebel Gustar and Kef Lahmar area,which includes 14 sub-basins,this research uses a DEM-based technique to assess Holocene activities,lineament characteristics,and stream systems.Five geomorphic indices are used to assess relative active tectonics:the stream lengthgradient index(SL),drainage basin asymmetry(AF),valley-floor width to valley height ratio(VF),drainage basin shape(BS),and mountain front sinuosity(SMF).A weighted overlay of these five indices produces the Index of Relative Active Tectonics(IRAT)map.The findings reveal significant neotectonic activity in the study area,supported by profound basement faulting.This research highlights the morpho-structural processes and neotectonics activity in the Jebel Gustar,providing a framework for investigating the evolution of this structure.Additionally,it enhances comprehension of the interactions between the alpine range's internal zones in Eastern Algeria and the Atlasic domain.This study proposes a systematic approach to evaluate the tectonic and geomorphological dynamics of the South Setif region.
基金Dr.Ella Sokol is acknowledged for joint collaboration while studying metamorphic mineralogy of MSCz.Contribution to IGCP Project #592 sponsored by UNESCOIUGSIn memory of Prof.R.Shagam (Beer-Sheva University),recently passed away,who encouraged our model and supported our researchfulfilled in the frame of Science project of Institute of Geology and Mineralogy,Siberian Branch,Russian Academy of Sciences
文摘The Mottled Zone（MZ） or Hatrurim Formation,which occurs near the Levantine Transform in the South Levant,has been studied during the last 150 years but its origin remains debatable.Mottled Zone Complex/Complexes（MZC/MZCs） consist of brecciated carbonate and low-temperature calcium-hydro-silicate rocks,which include unusual high- and ultra-high-temperature low-pressure（HT-LP） meta-morphic mineral assemblages.The MZ has been regarded as a product of combustion of bituminous chalks of the Ghareb Fm.of Cretaceous（Maastrichtian） age.In this paper we present detailed geographic, geomorphologic,structural and geological data from the MZCs of the South Levant,which show that the MZCs cannot be stratigraphically correlated with the Ghareb Fm.,because MZC late Oligocene-late Pleistocene deposits occur within or unconformable i.e.,with stratigraphic hiatus,overlap both the late Cretaceous and,in places,Neogene stratigraphic units.We propose an alternative model for the formation of MZCs by tectonically induced mud volcanism during late Oligocene-late Pleistocene time. This model explains（i） the presence of dikes and tube-like bodies,which consist of brecciated exotic clastic material derived from stratigraphically and hypsometrically lower horizons;（ii） mineral assemblages of sanidinite facies metamorphism;（iii） multi-stage character of HT-LP pyrometamorphism;and （iv） multi-stage low-temperature hydrothermal alteration.High temperatures（up to 1500℃） mineral assemblages resulted from combustion of hydrocarbon gases of mud volcanoes.Mud volcanism was spatially and structurally related to neotectonic folds and deformation zones formed in response to opening of the Red Sea rift and propagation of the Levantine Transform Fault.Our model may significantly change the prospects for oil-and-gas deposits in the region.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41977258)the China Geological Survey(DD20190310,DD20221761)the National Key R&D Program of China(2018YFC1504704).
文摘The Luan River is the most important water system in north-eastern Hebei Province,China and is located in the transitional zone of the Eastern Yan Mountains,North China Plain and Songliao Plain.The well-developed river terraces of its tributary,the Yixun River,provide excellent information for studying neotectonics and climate change.There are seven terraces in the lower reaches of the Yixun River,numbered T7-T1.The optically stimulated luminescence dating results of 23 samples show that terraces T7-T2 formed at 111.36±5.83 ka,78.20±4.45 ka,65.29±4.15 ka,56.44±3.07 ka,40.08±2.66 ka,and 13.14±0.76 ka,respectively.A comparison with the oxygen isotope curves of deep-sea sediments reveals that the sediment formation of each terrace corresponded to cold periods of marine isotope stages MIS 4 and MIS 2 and the relatively cold periods of MIS 5e,MIS 3,and MIS 1.Since the Late Pleistocene,the incision rate of the Yixun River has ranged from 0.371-1.740 mm/a.During the formation of T7-T6,T5-T4,T4-T3,and T3-T2,the incision rate was low.However,in the two stages during which T6-T5 and T2-T1 formed(13.14±0.76 ka to 0.58±0.08 ka and 10.79±0.64 ka to 0.16±0.01 ka),these rates reached 1.554 mm/a and 1.592-1.740 mm/a,respectively.At approximately 30 ka,the activity of the Langying Fault increased,leading to footwall uplift.The river gathered in the north of Langying to form the ancient Erdaowan Lake,which resulted in the drying of the river in the lower reaches of the Yixun River during the last glacial maximum without forming river deposits.In the Early Holocene,headward erosion in the lower reaches of the Yixun River was enhanced,which resulted in the disappearance of the lake,and incised meandering formed due to increased neotectonism.Based on the analyses of river incision and the formation of ancient lakes and incised meandering,it was inferred that there have been three periods of strong tectonism in the river basin since the Late Pleistocene.
基金Department of Science and Technology(DST),Govt.of India for providing the financial support for sponsored project(No.SR/S4/ES-76/2003/2006,DST-ES,Pl)。
文摘Structurally,the North Almora Thrust(NAT),is placed in the northern proximity of the Almora Nappe(AN)in the Kumaun Lesser Himalaya.The NAT is characterized by the presence of a zone of mylonitic rocks of basal Saryu Formation(1800±100 Ma)in the hanging wall and the metasedimentaries of Inner Lesser Himalayan rocks as the footwall block.The NAT has been dextrally offset by two estabilished maj or faults i.e.Saryu River Fault(SRF)in Saryu Valley and Dwarahat-Chaukhutia Fault(DCF)in Ramganga valley.In present study,we identified four new faults,based on field study,geomorphic landform and magnetic fabric analysis.These faults are N-S trending Pancheshwar Fault,NE-SW Rameshwer Fault,NNE-SSW trending Kosi Fault,and NNE-SSW trending Gagas Fault(GF).Our results show that the zone is bound by cross cutting relation with NAT and these fault zones are comparatively more active than other regions.Furthermore,we suggest that the steep and NW-SE orientation of magnetic foliation within the NAT zone is a result of NE-SW oriented progressive regional compression.The magnetic foliations represent the unseen internal foliations in the rocks developed due to preferred alignment of magnetic minerals and can be found through the Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility(AMS)study.Variation in the alignment of the field and magnetic foliations are developed due to superimposed brittle deformation along the faults over the pre-existing field foliations.Magnetic foliations represent the impact of last stage deformation and significant to find brittle deformation and finite strain in the rocks of the study area.The lowering of anisotropy(Pj)away from the fault zone represents distribution of strain across the NAT zone.AMS fabric confirms the presence of faults developed across the NAT zone and also explains the deformation pattern along these faults.The geomorphic anomalies and steepness changes across the NAT zone are correlated with active deformation along the NAT and associated transverse faults.
文摘Neotectonic investigations using morphotectonic parameters such as basin asymmetry, drainage anomalies, digital data interpretation and geomorphic field evidences were carried out in Satluj river valley downstream of Khab in the Kaurik Chango Fault (KCF) zone. The study reveals the presence of a northsouth trending fault which is similar to the KCF. Unpaired, tilted terraces, V shaped valleys, deep gorges and lakes are the manifestations of fault movement in the area. Presence of deformation structures preserved in the palaeolake profile at Morang indicates that the area has also been seismically active in the past. In this paper we present a conceptual model of the formation of lakes in KCF zone. Morphometric analysis was carried out with the help of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and field investigations.
基金the Japanese Government Ministry of Education and Sports for the Monbukagakusho scholarship
文摘The Red Sea continental margin （RSCM） corresponds to a wide hinge zone between Red Sea and Arabian plate. This margin has been studied through geological and geophysical observations primarily in regard to the evolution of Red Sea rift. This margin is characterized by occurrence of thin sediments, significant onshore uplift, tectonic subsidence of the offshore sedimentary basin, active faulting and seismicity. Studies indicate that sedimentary sequences of the margin are deformed by faults and folds resulting from at least two phases of extension and a phase of uplift. During the two phases of extension due to regional plate stress the sequence was cut by set of extensional faults. While during the phase of uplift the sequence was deformed by folding and faulting. The present paper aims to clear the structural development of RSCM during these tectonic episodes, taken as particular tectonic event, by two-dimensional finite element modeling on plane strain condition. Elastic theology is assumed for the oceanic, continental and transitional crust along with syntectonic deposits. Stress field, shear stress and fault distribution suggests that mantle plume weakened the crust following rifting due to regional stress and developed the margin. These results are well consistent with those from present seismicity, active faulting and neotectonic studies.
文摘Morphometric analysis is defined as the quantitative measurement of landscape shape. Morphometric studies of a watershed helps the researcher to compare different landform and calculate the geomorphic indices that may be useful for identifying a particular characteristic such as the level of neotectonic activity in a watershed. The present study has been carried out in Kakoi River Watershed which is a part of Lower Subansiri River Basin in Assam. The study area is geo-dynamically unstable region characterized by active faults, continuing crustal movements and complicated structural region which fall under the seismic zone V of India. In recent century, the Lower Suabsiri River Basin has gone tremendous morphological changes due to active tectonics activities. After the Assam Earthquake of 1950, some of the rivers like Subansiri and its tributaries Dirgha, Kadam and Kakoi suddenly changed their channels giving birth to new channels. The present study is to examine the neotectonic domains and the changes of river course. The geomorphic indices such as Hypsometric Integral (HI), Elongation ratio (Re), Asymmetry Factor (AF), Stream-length Gradient Index (SI), Mountain Front Sinuosity (Mfs), Basin shape index (Bs), Ratio of Valley floor width to Valley Height (Vf) and Channel sinuosity (S) etc. have been studied from remote sensing data. The results shows that the study area is under active tectonic area based on Vf (0.301), Rl (0.461), Bs (3.6), Sl (165.73) and other parameters such as S (1.38) and Mfs (2.02) indicated as moderate active tectonic region. Utilization of geospatial technology and remote sensing data in the present study becomes more reliable and helpful in analyzing, monitoring and understanding the landform changes in a watershed.
文摘The Iraqi Western and Southern deserts are part of the Iraqi Stable Shelf (Inner Platform) that belongs to the Arabian Plate. Therefore, both deserts lack tectonic forms like folds and faults;however, very rarely faults and regional lineaments can be seen in both deserts. Although both deserts are tectonically stable, tens of Neotectonic indications can be seen everywhere in both deserts. Among those indications are: Straight valleys, perpendicular valley bendings, sinkholes aligned along straight lines, dislocated valleys, knickpoints within valleys aligned along straight lines, regional lineaments, anomalous valley shapes, trends, and types, dissected alluvial fans. We have used existing geological maps of different scales and Esri World Imagery to recognize those Neotectonic indications. All those recognized features are excellent indications that both the Iraqi Western and Southern deserts are tectonically not stable. Accordingly, new terminology is suggested instead of the Stable Shelf (Inner Platform) which is the “Less Disturbed Shelf”.
基金supported by the Foundation Project of State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Prospecting (PRPDX2008-05)the "973" National Key Basic Research Program (2006CB202308)
文摘Neotectonic movement refers to the tectonic movement that has happened since the Cenozoic, which is the latest movement. It has the most important influence on the basins in west China, especially on the hydrocarbon accumulation in the western foreland basins. We determined the time of neotectonic movement in the Kuqa Foreland Basin, which began from the Neogene, and analyzed the patterns of movement, which were continuous and fast subsidence in the vertical direction and intense lateral compression. The structure styles are that the faulting is weakened and the folding is strengthened gradually from north to south. We studied the control of neotectonic movement on the hydrocarbon accumulation process and model in the Kuqa Foreland Basin with basin simulation technique. The largest subsidence rate of the Kuqa Foreland Basin reached 1,200 m/Ma during the neotectonic movement, leading to rapid maturing of source rock within 5 Ma and a large quantity of hydrocarbon being generated and expelled. The thick neotectonic strata can form high quality reservoirs with the proved gas and oil reserves accounting for 5% and 27% of the total reserves, respectively. 86% of the structural traps were formed in the neotectonic movement period. The faults formed during the neotectonic movement serve as important migration pathways and they exist in the region where the hydrocarbon reservoirs are distributed. Abnormally high pressure caused by the intense lateral compression, thick neotectonic strata deposition and rapid hydrocarbon generation provide driving force for hydrocarbon migration. The accumulation elements match each other well over a short period, leading to many large gas fields formed later in the Kuqa Foreland Basin.
基金This project is supported by the NationM Natural Science Foundation of China(No.40238059).
文摘Neotectonism occurred intensively in the Bozhong depression in the Bohai Bay Basin, which was reflected vertically by dramatic subsidence and a number of uplifts and laterally by notable fault movements. This particularity has resulted in the special petroleum geological conditions of the Bozhong depression which are different from those of adjacent lands. For example, the source rocks of the Shahejie Formation were overpressured and hydrocarbon generation occurred in the late stage; the Dongying Formation was deeply buried below the hydrocarbon-generating threshold, therefore there were sufficient oil sources. The rapid subsidence led to starved sedimentation of the Guantao Formation fine sandstone and the regional Minghuazhen Formation lacustrine shale, which formed the Neogene regional reservoir-caprock association. The active faults formed in the neotectonism became passages for oil to migrate from the Paleogene to Neogene. The traps formed by late fault activity and accompanied anticlines provided spaces for the formation of reservoirs. All the above factors match well with one another in the Bozhong depression, providing favorable conditions for the formation of a series of large oilfields in the region
文摘This paper presents finite element modeling （FEM） to simulate the present-day stress field and crustal deformation using NE-SW structural section in the central Seismic Gap region of the Garhwal Himalaya. Our study deals with the effect of geometrical characteristics and rock layer parameters on the upper crust. Modeling results show that two types of tectonic regimes developed in the central Seismic Gap region： the geotectonics of the northern part has been controlled by regional compression, whereas southern part is characterized by regional extension. Correspondingly, thrust faults are induced in the northern part and normal faults are extensively developed in the southern front. Those evidences noticeably indicate that the compressive tectonic environment of the Himalaya becomes change into the extensional tectonic regime in its front. The computed shear stress accumulation along the northern fiat of Main Himalayan Thrust （MHT） implies that considerable amount of interseismic stress is building up along the MHT system in the Himalaya, which ultimately release through the possible future great Himalayan earthquake （M 〉 8）. The comparison between our modeled stress field, faulting pattern and horizontal shortening rate with the distribution of the microseismic events, focal mechanism solutions, active faulting and GPS data in the central Seismic Gap region shows good agreement.
基金financially supported by China Geological Survey Project (12120115001801,1211302108022,DD20160169 and DD20190708)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41072102).
文摘Based on the interpretation of two-dimensional seismic data, this paper analyzes the characteristics of three boundary fault systems including the Shajingzi fault, the Aqia fault and the Tumuxiuke fault around the Awati sag of the Tarim Basin, and studies its controlling on hydrocarbon accumulation. Neotectonic movement is ubiquitous in oil and gas bearing basins in China, such as Neogene intense activities of large boundary thrusting faults of the Awati sag: Shajingzi fault, Aqia fault and Tumuxiuke fault. Based on a large number of seismic data, it is showed that they have section wise characteristics in the direction of fault strike, and active periods and associated structures formed of different sections are different. Usually, large anticlinal structures are formed in the upper wall, and faulted anticline controlled by companion faults are formed in the bottom wall. Large faults cut the strata from Cambrian up to Neogene. For the anticline in the upper wall, fault activities caused by neotectonic movement played a destructive role in hydrocarbon accumulation, thus the preservation condition is critical for reservoir formation. In this sense, attention should be paid to formations in the upper walls of Aqia fault and Tumuxiuke fault under the Cambrian salt bed, whose plastic deformation could help to heal faults. Companion faults in the bottom wall cut down to the Cambrian and up to the Triassic serving as the pathway for hydrocarbon migration, and associated structures in the bottom wall are noteworthy exploration targets.
基金supported by Grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41172150)the Ministry of Land and Resources of China(No.201211005–1)+1 种基金China Geological Survey(CGS)(No.1212011120099)China Scholarship Council(CSC)
文摘The Late Cenozoic basins in the Weihe-Shanxi Graben, North China Craton are delineated by northeast-striking faults. The faults have, since a long time, been related to the progressive uplift and northeastward expansion of the Tibetan Plateau. To show the relation between the basins and faults, two Pliocene-Pleistocene stratigraphic sections （Chengqiang and Hongyanangou） in the southern part of the Nihewan Basin at the northernmost parts of the graben are studied herein. Based on the sedimentary sequences and facies, the sections are divided into three evolutionary stages, such as alluvial fan-eolian red clay, fan delta, and fluvial, with boundaries at -2.8 and -1.8 Ma. Paleocurrent indicators, the composition of coarse clastics, heavy minerals, and the geochemistry of moderate-fine clastics are used to establish the temporal and spatial variations in the source areas. Based on features from the middle- northern basin, we infer that the Nihewan Basin comprises an old NE-SW elongate geotectogene and a young NW-SE elongate subgeotectogene. The main geotectogene in the mid-north is a half-graben bounded by northeast-striking and northwest-dipping normal faults （e.g., Liulengshan Fault）. This group of faults was mainly affected by the Pliocene （before -2.8-2.6 Ma） NW-SE extension and controlled the deposition of sediments. In contrast, the subgeotectogene in the south was affected by northwest-striking normal faults （e.g., Huliuhe Fault） that were controlled by the subsequent weak NE- SW extension in the Pleistocene. The remarkable change in the sedimentary facies and provenance since -1.8 Ma is possibly a signal of either weak or strong NE-SW extension. This result implies that the main tectonic transition ages of -2.8-2.6 Ma and -1.8 Ma in the Weihe-Shanxi Graben are affected by the Tibetan Plateau in Pliocene-Pleistocene.
基金financial support of the Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 41772200)China Earthquake Administration teacher research Fund (No. 20140103)+1 种基金China Geological Survey Program (No. 121201011000150021, No.DD20190351)Innovation Leading Talents Program of Qingdao (19–3–2–19–zhc)
文摘The Quaternary sediments in the Yili Basin can serve as archives for studying the Cenozoic basin-mountain relationship. In this study, based on typical natural sections and boreholes, the surficial sediments of the Huocheng area were studied, and their sedimentary ages were obtained using the optically stimulated luminescence(OSL) and electron spin resonance(ESR) dating methods. These dates, combined with changes in the sedimentary facies, provided details of the neotectonic movement in the Yili Basin and adjacent areas. By dating sediments from five sections and three boreholes, we determined that the surficial sediments of the Huocheng area were mainly formed in the Late Pleistocene, with scattered instances of Holocene sediments. The surficial sediments mainly consisted of alluvial fan facies, fluvial facies, lacustrine facies, and desert facies. Based on the activity on the Hongshanzui fault and the northern margin fault of the Wusun Mountains, the Huocheng area was uplifted synchronously with the Tianshan Mountains during the last stage of the Late Pleistocene, causing the desert facies sediments to be superimposed on the former paleo-lake sediments.
文摘Investigations on stratigraphy, geomorphology and neotectonic movement in the Eastern Kunlun Moun-tains show that there existed a series of ancient lakes, including some saline lakes. in the studied region about30,000 years ago, They were distributed south of the middle Kunlun fault. from the middle-upper reaches of thepresent Narin Gol River in the west to the Alag Lake-Tosou Lake in the east. Of these the ancient Narin GolLake and Kunlun Lake were mainly recharged by the hot water related to valcanos. so the B, Li and K con-tents are relatively high. The neotectonic movement that commenced at 30.000 a B.P. caused the river system in the EasternKunlun Mountains to invade southwards. as a result the ancient lake water was captured to recharge theQarhan area. Therefore, the hot springs related to recent volcanism and faulting on the southern bank of theupper reaches of the Narin Gol River became an important source of saline materials for the Qarhan Lake.
