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Evidence for fault weakness and fluid flow within an active low-angle normal fault
J S Floyd1, J C Mutter, A M Goodliffe
1Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, Palisades, New York 10964, USA. jsfloyd@ldeo.columbia.edu
Nature
|July 19, 2001
Summary
Shallow-dipping normal faults can slip easily due to serpentinite fault gouge and high fluid pressures. This research reveals fault weakness mechanisms in the Woodlark Basin, crucial for understanding crustal extension.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Tectonics
- Structural Geology
Background:
- Shallow-dipping normal faults accommodate significant crustal extension.
- Understanding their slip behavior under low shear stress is key.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the composition and physical properties of a shallow-dipping normal fault.
- To investigate the mechanisms of fault weakness and strain localization.
Main Methods:
- Genetic algorithm inversion of seismic reflection data.
- Analysis of seismic velocities and inferred porosity.
Main Results:
- Identified a 33-m-thick serpentinite fault gouge layer at 4-5 km depth.
- Observed low seismic velocities (1.7 km/s) indicating high porosity and fluid pressures in isolated zones.
- Correlated fault properties with a magnitude 6.2 earthquake.
Conclusions:
- Hydrothermal fluid flow and high extensional stresses create fault weakness.
- Serpentinite gouge and high fluid pressures facilitate slip on low-angle normal faults.
- Findings are relevant to active tectonics in spreading centers like the Woodlark Basin.
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