| Title | Seismic reflection patterns associated with continental convergent margins through time |
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| Author | Snyder, D B ;
Goleby, B R |
| Source | Tectonophysics 2016., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2016.04.027 |
| Image |  |
| Year | 2016 |
| Alt Series | Earth Sciences Sector, Contribution Series 20150281 |
| Publisher | Elsevier BV |
| Document | serial |
| Lang. | English |
| Media | paper; on-line; digital |
| File format | html; psf; pdf |
| Subjects | tectonics; orogenies; seismic profiles; crustal shortening; faults, thrust; accretion; structural interpretations; folds; faults; turbidites; Cenozoic; Mesozoic; Proterozoic; Precambrian |
| Program | GEM2: Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals Geological Map Flow |
| Released | 2016 12 01 |
| Abstract | The important role of tectonic wedging in accommodating horizontal shortening strain is increasingly recognized to occur at all scales within continental convergence zones. Wedge structures appear most
common in accretionary orogens involving former passive margins with large-volume turbidite sedimentary fans or accretionary prisms. Relatively small-scale wedges can be recognized in outcrop, but crustal scale wedge geometries must be observed and
analysed using seismic reflection methods. Reflection profiles now exist across a large number of accretionary orogen settings of diverse ages and continents. Similarities in seismic patterns within the major eras enable creation of a series of
stylised continental margin transects for each major time period. Relatively low rock strength found in turbidite sediments rich in micas, especially when contrasted with strengths of igneous volcanic arc rocks, plays a major role because it
localizes thrust faults within weaker horizons. Schematic cross sections across accretionary margins that span five geological eras summarize the principal features interpreted on numerous seismic reflection sections. Important details vary, such as
the depths where tectonic wedging initiates, but tectonic wedges of diverse scales are observed in all cross sections. The percentage and degree of consolidation or metamorphism of turbiditic greywackes apparently controls the degree, depth and scale
of the crustal wedging. |
| Summary | (Plain Language Summary, not published)
This review of a global collection of deep seismic reflection sections provides a logical link between seismic reflectors and geological structures
occurring throughout the Earth's crust. This provides an important underpinning for interpretations that will need to be made to construct a 3-D geological map of all of Canada because features deeper than a few kilometers will need to be inferred
from seismic data. |
| GEOSCAN ID | 297262 |
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