TS6.1 | Cratonic Stability and Instability: From Deep Processes to Surface Changes
Orals |
Mon, 10:45
Mon, 16:15
EDI
Cratonic Stability and Instability: From Deep Processes to Surface Changes
Convener: Ya-Nan ShiECSECS | Co-conveners: Sascha Brune, Ling Chen, Oğuz H Göğüş, Zhong-Hai Li
Orals
| Mon, 28 Apr, 10:45–12:30 (CEST)
 
Room G2
Posters on site
| Attendance Mon, 28 Apr, 16:15–18:00 (CEST) | Display Mon, 28 Apr, 14:00–18:00
 
Hall X2
Orals |
Mon, 10:45
Mon, 16:15
Cratons, the oldest and most stable parts of Earth's lithosphere, have withstood billions of years of tectonic activity. However, some cratonic lithosphere can become unstable under certain conditions, leading to profound geological changes. Understanding the processes that drive cratonic stability and instability is essential for deciphering the complex interactions between the deep mantle, lithosphere, and surface processes. These mechanisms play a critical role in the evolution of mountain ranges, magmatism, change in surface topography, with even potential implications for climate. Despite their importance, the triggers behind cratonic destabilization, including mechanical and compositional variations, deep mantle dynamics, and long-term surface effects, remain areas of active debate. In this session, we invite contributions that investigate the causes, effects, and observational evidence related to cratonic stability and instability over time. Topics may include, but are not limited to geological, geophysical and geochemical signatures, numerical modeling, and case studies of cratonic regions undergoing or having experienced significant transformations. We aim to bring together these diverse perspectives to enhance our understanding of how cratonic regions evolve over time, linking deep processes with surface phenomena and broader tectonic and environmental changes.

Orals: Mon, 28 Apr | Room G2

The oral presentations are given in a hybrid format supported by a Zoom meeting featuring on-site and virtual presentations. The button to access the Zoom meeting appears just before the time block starts.
10:45–10:50
10:50–11:00
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EGU25-6422
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solicited
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On-site presentation
Jason P. Morgan, Paola Vannucchi, and Jamie Connolly

Transmogrification is a continent-shaping process in which thick sedimentary basins form on oceanic lithosphere, radioactively heat themselves and their underlying crust and mantle, and then partially melt to form ‘transmogrified continental crust’. Here we explore thermochemical models of crustal evolution in the Archean and Hadean by coupling 1-D thermal evolution models to a thermodynamic PerpleX model for the chemical changes that take place as (mostly) terrestrial and/or arc-derived sediments are buried and heated. We focus on exploring a Hadean evolution scenario in which plate tectonic processes started near the end of Earth’s accretion phase, consistent with a geochemically significant amount of early atmospheric Xe and Kr having been recycled by subduction into the mantle sources of modern mantle-derived basalts.

Preliminary results indicate that early Archean transmogrification can rapidly (<~50 Ma) induce a thick sediment pile to partially melt and differentiate. Transmogrification will also shape the thermal evolution of underlying cratonic mantle, and perhaps even trigger a lithospheric delamination event associated with renewed basaltic/komatiitic volcanism. We are currently exploring to what extent this mode of crustal and lithospheric evolution could lead to the formation of Archean-typifying TTG-Greenstone Belt assemblages.

How to cite: Morgan, J. P., Vannucchi, P., and Connolly, J.: Numerical Experiments on Archean Transmogrification and Craton Building, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-6422, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-6422, 2025.

11:00–11:10
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EGU25-5364
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ECS
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On-site presentation
Junlin Hua, Stephen Grand, Thorsten Becker, Helen Janiszewski, Chujie Liu, Daniel Trugman, and Hejun Zhu

Continental cratons are characterized by thick lithospheric roots that remain intact for billions of years. However, in the geological past, some cratonic roots appear to be thinned or completely removed, with the reasons for such thinning being debated. In this study, we obtain a high-resolution full-waveform seismic tomographic model for North America which uniquely illuminates an ongoing craton-thinning. Extensive drip-like transport of lithosphere is imaged from the base of the craton beneath the central United States to the mantle transition zone. Geodynamical modeling suggests that such dripping is possibly mobilized by the sinking of the deep Farallon slab, whose associated mantle flow can drag material at the base of the craton from afar to the dripping location. There, lithospheric material may descend within the ambient downward mantle flow, even though the slab is presently in the lower mantle. Dripping lithosphere could also be facilitated by prior lithospheric weakening such as due to volatiles released from the slab. Our findings show how cratonic lithosphere could be altered by external forces, and that subduction may play a key role in craton mobilization and thinning even when slabs are at great depths in the mantle.

How to cite: Hua, J., Grand, S., Becker, T., Janiszewski, H., Liu, C., Trugman, D., and Zhu, H.: Observations of active cratonic thinning beneath North America consistent with Farallon slab-induced dripping , EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-5364, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-5364, 2025.

11:10–11:20
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EGU25-2430
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ECS
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On-site presentation
Rui-Min Zhang, Zhong-Hai Li, and Wei Leng
Mantle plume constitutes a crucial component in geodynamics, linking the deep interior of the Earth to the surficial tectonic plate. Numerical simulation holds significant importance in exploring plume dynamics and its interaction with the overlying lithosphere. Although the 3D model can more effectively capture the geometric characteristics of the plume, the 2D simulation demonstrates remarkable computational efficiency in large-scale and high-resolution situations, especially when complex geological processes are in play. As a result, both 2D and 3D models have been widely utilized in previous numerical research endeavors. Nevertheless, with the same parameters, these two types of models may produce distinct outcomes. The key issue then becomes how to establish the scaling relationship between the 2D and 3D models. In this regard, we conduct a systematic comparison of the 2D and 3D mantle plume evolution within two different scenarios. In the first scenario where there is only a plume head, for the 2D plume to align with the 3D model, it should possess a relatively smaller diameter (ranging from 65% to 100%) and a lower temperature (decreased by 10 - 50 K). In the second scenario where there is a continuous plume tail, the 2D plume tail needs to have a much smaller diameter (ranging from 30% to 45%) yet a slightly higher temperature (increased by 20 - 100 K) to approximate the 3D result. Further analytical investigations reveal that such differences are mainly governed by the conservation of area in the 2D case versus the conservation of volume in the 3D case for plume materials. These numerical and analytical findings establish quantitative relationships between the 2D and 3D plume models, which offer a theoretical basis not only for interpreting previous models but also for guiding future studies. 

How to cite: Zhang, R.-M., Li, Z.-H., and Leng, W.: Quantitative Analysis and Scaling Relationship in 2D and 3D Numerical Modeling of Mantle Plume-Lithosphere Interaction, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-2430, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-2430, 2025.

11:20–11:30
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EGU25-14184
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On-site presentation
Jikun Feng, Huajian Yao, and Ling Chen

A craton refers to the ancient and stable core of a continent, and craton destruction is typically characterized by significant lithospheric thinning, internal deformation, and volcanic activity. One of the key features of craton destruction is the loss of the ancient lithospheric keel, which many researchers believe results from large-scale delamination along the mid-lithospheric discontinuity (MLD). However, simple lithospheric delamination alone cannot explain the extensive volcanic activity and significant tectonic deformation observed within cratons. Many cratons experience lithospheric thinning without undergoing full destruction. Therefore, the modification of the mantle lithosphere above the MLD following lithospheric thinning may be crucial to understanding craton destruction. This study focuses on the North China Craton, of which at least the eastern part has been destroyed since the Mesozoic, using anisotropic characteristics to constrain the modification of the residual mantle lithosphere (above the MLD). Our results show that the entire mantle lithosphere in the craton destruction zone exhibits a consistent fast-wave polarization direction, likely a result of a thorough modification during craton destruction. This intense modification may have rendered the originally shallow mantle lithosphere unable to resist further tectonic deformation after losing its deeper counterpart in the early Cretaceous, and thus could have easily reoriented the anisotropic minerals in response to the regional lithospheric extension. Such a process might have led to the formation of large amounts of both mantle- and crust-derived magma, giving rise to the coeval intensive magmatism of multiple sources in the North China Craton.

How to cite: Feng, J., Yao, H., and Chen, L.: Modification of the Shallow Mantle Lithosphere during Craton Destruction, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-14184, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-14184, 2025.

11:30–11:40
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EGU25-6350
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On-site presentation
Humbert Fabien

The Kaapvaal craton, which hosts rocks as old as 3.6 billion years, began to stabilize around 3.2 billion years ago with the progressive development of its subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). This craton, which has undergone continuous and relatively well-preserved geological evolution through numerous episodes of erosion, sedimentation and magmatic additions, provides a unique setting for studying the evolution of geodynamics. This study focuses primarily on the interpretation of existing literature and some newly acquired data for HFSE, REE and Lu-Hf and Sm-Nd isotopes, due to their immobility during low temperature alteration processes.

The Palaeo-Mesoarchean transition marks significant changes in both geodynamic (from vertical to transitional tectonics) and magmatic processes. During this period, magmatism changed from mixed calc-alkaline and tholeiitic affinities derived from 'asthenospheric' sources to a pure tholeiitic series stemming from the (proto-)SCLM and/or asthenosphere. Almost all Meso- and Neoarchean igneous units show 'arc-like' geochemical signatures (e.g., negative Nb, Ta and Ti anomalies), mainly due to crustal assimilation. Only a few occurrences may reflect clear fluid metasomatism of the mantle sources. A major shift occurred in the early Paleoproterozoic, characterized by a protracted magmatic phase lasting over 500 Myr, with events showing significantly high Th/Nb ratios. These signatures are likely to be from refertilized sources, linked to a major metasomatic event and hence a significant but transient subduction (or comparable) process at the Archean-Proterozoic transition. After 1830 Ma, the frequency of magmatism decreases significantly, leaving only three major events (at ~1400, 1100 and 180 Ma), if we except kimberlites and lamproites. During this time, the Kaapvaal craton gradually evolved into a component of larger continental masses (i.e., proto-Kalahari then Kalahari cratons). However, these post-Paleoproterozoic events show much more diverse magmatic source signatures than earlier periods, including contributions from previously unobserved sources (e.g., OIB-like or enriched mantle OIB).

The data suggest that most (but not all) post-Paleoarchean magmatic events are associated with plume-related activity involving melting of the SCLM at shallow depths (i.e., spinel mantle), consistent with conclusions from previous studies that considered these events separately.  However, a relatively inert Late Mesoarchean SCLM alone would not be sufficient to generate such widespread and long-lasting magmatic activity, particularly if it exhibits enriched geochemical signatures. Overall, the geochemical data support an evolving SCLM that underwent periods of (local) melting, depletion and refertilization.

How to cite: Fabien, H.: Geochemical variation of intraplate magmatism and its sources in the Kaapvaal craton (Southern Africa) from Paleoarchean to present: implications for the evolution of its mantle lithosphere., EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-6350, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-6350, 2025.

11:40–11:50
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EGU25-6930
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On-site presentation
Jianhua Li, Shuwen Dong, Guochun Zhao, and Yueqiao Zhang

Lithospheric extension at passive margins is commonly classified into three end-member scenarios: pure shear, simple shear, and depth-dependent deformation. However, how lithospheric extension evolves in an intraplate setting remains enigmatic due to the lack of reliable constraints on the deep lithospheric architecture. Here we integrated seismic reflection profiles and surface geology across the ~800-km-wide Cretaceous intraplate extensional system of South China to illustrate depth-dependent kinematic decoupling of extension in a mechanically stratified lithosphere. The extension was initially distributed in magma-poor conditions as expressed by normal faulting in the upper crust and lower-crustal flow toward the rift axis. Necking of the crust and Moho uplift led to mantle shear-zone formation, lower-crustal flow toward the rift flanks, and deep mantle flow. We demonstrate that the extensional modes vary with decreasing mantle strength from magma-poor to magma-rich domains, as reflected in decreasing crust-mantle decoupling with increased Moho temperatures and the replacement of a two-layer (brittle vs ductile) mantle by a fully ductile mantle. These findings reveal a first-order lithospheric configuration of intraplate depth-dependent extension driven by far-field stresses attributable to slab retreat. Extension-related strain fields across the lithosphere are uniform ~NW-SE, indicating vertically coherent deformation. Stress transmission across this coherent system might occur as follows: (1) basal shear stresses at the lithospheric base may enhance the simple shearing at the crust-mantle Moho interface, promoting ductile stretching in the lower crust, and (2) mantle shear zones localized strain by acting as strain-transfer structures between the lower crust and the lithospheric mantle. We establish the crustal and lithospheric mantle deformation fields accompanying the retreating subduction. Our data compilation suggests a tectonic coupling between slab rollback, mantle flow, and lithospheric extension in South China. Rollback-induced mantle flow likely drove lithospheric extension in South China by imposing shear forces at the lithosphere base.

How to cite: Li, J., Dong, S., Zhao, G., and Zhang, Y.: Cretaceous lithospheric extension and surface responses in South China, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-6930, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-6930, 2025.

11:50–12:00
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EGU25-8628
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On-site presentation
Xiaofeng Liang, Wentao Li, Xu Wang, Shilin Li, Xiaobo Tian, and Ling Chen

The Tarim basin at the northwestern edge of the Tibetan plateau, having a craton core that experienced noticeable internal deformation since the formation of a Permian Large Igneous Province, is an ideal place to investigate craton-mantle plume interaction and how such interaction affects the evolution of a craton. In this study, we investigate the detailed crustal structure of the Tarim Basin based on teleseismic records from two temporary seismic arrays that largely cover the Tarim Basin. Firstly, we construct a high-resolution S-wave velocity structure image down to 15 km depth using multi-frequency receiver functions. The thicknesses and Vp/Vs ratios of the sediments and underlying crust are constrained by H-k analysis jointly using P-to-S converted phases in receiver functions and P reflected phases derived by P-wave coda autocorrelation. Then the image of the sedimentary S-wave velocity structure and the H-k result are used to establish the crustal velocity model for receiver function migration to image discontinuities. Our results in combination with drilling data, experimental rock-physics data and previous geophysical observations reveal two velocity discontinuities in the upper crust, corresponding to the top of the early Permian strata and the upper boundary of the crystalline basement. Several high-Vs anomalies in the upper crust, with an average Vs of ~ 3.4 km/s, cut the upper boundary of the basement but locate under the early Permian strata at a depth of 3 km around the Bachu Uplift. The basement at the Bachu Uplift is uplifted to 6 km depth. The Moho rises to 37 km at the southern part of the Bachu Uplift and deepens to more than 45 km in the northern basin, with an average depth of about 42 km. The most of Vp/Vs ratios between the basement and the Moho exhibit high values (>1.8) at the Bachu Uplift. The high Vs anomalies in the upper crust and high Vp/Vs values in the lower crust suggest that the crust has been modified by mafic intrusions of the Permian mantle plume around the Bachu Uplift. The mafic intrusions cause significant crustal heterogeneity in the western Tarim Basin, which may contribute to the uplift of sediments and basement around the Bachu Uplift during Cenozoic Eurasia-Indian collision, exhibiting a strong spatial correlation between the crustal deformation and the Permian magmatic intrusions. This suggests that the western Tarim Craton, compared to the east, may be weakened in strength by the Permian mantle plume and exhibits more localized Cenozoic deformation.

How to cite: Liang, X., Li, W., Wang, X., Li, S., Tian, X., and Chen, L.: Craton instability induced by plume-originated magma intrusion: Inference from crustal structures of the Tarim Basin, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-8628, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-8628, 2025.

12:00–12:10
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EGU25-6165
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On-site presentation
Shaofeng Liu, Bo Zhang, Pengfei Ma, Simon Williams, Chengfa Lin, Neng Wan, Chenglong Ran, and Michael Gurnis

The mechanisms underlying the deformation and eventual destruction of Earth's cratons remain enigmatic, despite proposed links to subduction and deep mantle plume processes. Here, we study the deformation of the North China Craton using four-dimensional mantle flow models of the plate–mantle system since the late Mesozoic, integrating constraints from lithospheric deformation, mantle seismic tomography, and the evolution of surface topography. We find that flat-slab subduction induced landward shortening and lithospheric thickening, while subsequent flat-slab rollback caused seaward extension and lithospheric thinning. Both subduction phases resulted in substantial topographic changes in basin sediments. Rapid flat-slab rollback, coupled with a viscosity jump and phase change across the 660-km mantle discontinuity, was a key ingredient in shaping a large mantle wedge. We argue that craton deformation through lithospheric extension and thinning was triggered by the subduction of a flat slab and its subsequent rollback. The integration of data into mechanical models provides insights into the four-dimensional dynamic interplay involving subduction, mantle processes, craton deformation, and topography.

How to cite: Liu, S., Zhang, B., Ma, P., Williams, S., Lin, C., Wan, N., Ran, C., and Gurnis, M.: Craton Deformation from Flat-Slab Subduction and Rollback, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-6165, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-6165, 2025.

12:10–12:20
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EGU25-14542
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On-site presentation
Huilin Wang

Cratons, the ancient cores of continental plates, have remained stable for billions of years. The high strength of the cratonic root has long been considered vital for its survival in the dynamic mantle. However, recent high-resolution seismic studies have unveiled widespread velocity discontinuities within the middle of the continental mantle lithosphere in nearly all cratons. These discontinuities, known as mid-lithospheric discontinuities (MLDs), are characterized by a sharp reduction in seismic velocity of 2-7% over 10-20 km, primarily at depths of 80-120 km. They are typically less than 30-40 km thick and are globally distributed. Many researchers propose that MLDs are likely weaker than the melt-depleted lithospheric mantle of cratons, providing a possible explanation for the phenomenon of lithosphere destruction and thinning in various cratonic areas. Despite these regions of lithosphere destruction, many cratons remain stable and possess thick roots even after prolonged plate motion. This study reviews the structure of cratons and the distribution of MLDs, as well as investigates the dynamics of cratonic root in the presence of MLDs using numerical models.

How to cite: Wang, H.: The Structure and Stability of Cratons, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-14542, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-14542, 2025.

12:20–12:30
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EGU25-11066
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solicited
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On-site presentation
Ming Tang

The eastern part of the North China Craton (NCC) underwent massive destruction during the Mesozoic, likely driven by the subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate. We employed recently calibrated geochemical proxies to quantify the thickness evolution of the lithospheric mantle and crust in the eastern NCC during the Mesozoic. We find that the thinning of the eastern NCC lithosphere took place between 130 and 120 Ma. This process likely occurred on an extremely short timescale of less than 10 million years and was most plausibly driven by lithospheric delamination. Concurrently, detrital zircon analyses reveal that the eastern NCC crust first underwent Jurassic crustal thickening, probably due to the low-angle subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate. Intense crustal thickening likely formed a widespread high plateau in the eastern NCC--the ENC plateau. This plateau later collapsed during the Early Cretaceous, coinciding with the rapid lithospheric thinning. We suggest that the NCC lithosphere delamination and the ENC plateau collapse are both linked to the rollback of the paleo-Pacific plate. These findings highlight the interplay of lithospheric mantle and crustal dynamics during the NCC destruction.

How to cite: Tang, M.: Geochemical snapshots of the North China Craton destruction: from mantle to crust, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-11066, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-11066, 2025.

Posters on site: Mon, 28 Apr, 16:15–18:00 | Hall X2

The posters scheduled for on-site presentation are only visible in the poster hall in Vienna. If authors uploaded their presentation files, these files are linked from the abstracts below.
Display time: Mon, 28 Apr, 14:00–18:00
X2.54
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EGU25-5686
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ECS
Xiaoyu Yang, Yonghua Li, and Juan Carlos Afonso

Despite numerous studies on the thinning and destruction of the lithospheric mantle root beneath the North China craton (NCC), the mechanisms for modification from refractory mantle of ancient craton to the fertile one remains poorly understood due to insufficient information of deep thermochemical structure. We investigate the mantle compositional and thermal structure of NCC by jointly inverting Rayleigh wave dispersion, geoid height, elevation and surface heat flow (SHF) using a probabilistic inversion. We image significant differences in the thermochemical structure of lithosphere in the different blocks of NCC. The lithospheric structure of western NCC is dominated by relatively thick lithospheric roots (>150 km) and depleted composition (Mg# ~90–92), supporting the idea of the core of western NCC is well‐preserved. We observe a relatively thinner lithosphere (<100 km) and more fertile signature in the central and eastern NCC, confirming that these areas have undergone lithospheric thinning and modification. We reveal the distinct lithospheric composition in the central and eastern NCC, indicating the difference of mechanisms of lithospheric reactivation. The low Mg# (Mg# ~88.5–90) of the lithospheric mantle beneath the eastern NCC imply that the cratonic root were delaminated and replaced by a new fertile mantle. The coexistence of depleted and fertile mantle (Mg# ~88.5–91.5) beneath the central NCC, implying that the depleted cratonic mantle partially evolved to fertile one through injection of melts/fluids originating from the asthenospheric mantle.

How to cite: Yang, X., Li, Y., and Afonso, J. C.: Thermochemical structure of the Lithospheric mantle beneath the North China Craton, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-5686, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-5686, 2025.

X2.55
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EGU25-3904
Tectonic Response Characteristics of the Yanshan Movement in the Ordos Basin - Insights from the Yanshanian Unconsolidated Surface in the Ordos Basin
(withdrawn)
Hao Liu and Dengfa He
X2.56
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EGU25-4959
Ya-Nan Shi and Jason Morgan

Delamination of lower continental lithosphere is known to have occurred under different tectonic settings. However, its fate in the mantle is poorly understood. By analyzing global seismic models, we find that most of likely lithosphere that delaminated during the Cenozoic and Mesozoic is preserved in the mantle transition zone, especially beneath North America and Africa. Numerical experiments indicates that delaminated lithosphere can remain stagnant in the mantle transition zone for tens of millions of years, followed by its potential sinking into the lower mantle or re‐rising to shallower depths depending on its density, the Clapeyron slope of the spinel‐to‐post‐spinel phase change and increase in mantle viscosity at ∼660–1,000 km depths. Re‐ascent occurs when delaminated lithosphere is reheated so that its effective density becomes lower than its surrounding ambient mantle after ∼100 Myr. Delaminated fragments can also potentially be mobilized by underlying global mantle flow to move horizontally away from plume regions.

How to cite: Shi, Y.-N. and Morgan, J.: Constraints on the Fate of Delaminated Lithosphere in the Upper and Mid‐Mantle, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-4959, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-4959, 2025.

X2.57
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EGU25-20926
Long Yun, Ju Wang, Jin Zhang, and Huiping Zhang

In the northern Tibetan Plateau, a series of northeast-striking faults developed within the Xijianquan-Jiujing Transtensional Fault Group (XJTFG), located approximately 150 km north of the Altyn Tagh fault along the southern Beishan Block. Among these, the easternmost Jiujing-Bantan fault (JBF) is the most active. Field mapping data, unmanned aerial vehicle-derived digital topography, Google Earth images, and audio-magnetotelluric profiles along the JBF reveal that this fault, approximately 28 km long, consists of four linear branches forming a negative flower structure. The offset of various landforms (such as terminal facets, terraces, small gullies, and ridges) suggests that the JBF is characterized by left-lateral strike-slip movement with a normal component. The vertical slip rate has been approximately ~0.02 mm/yr since 125 ka BP. Excavated trenches identified four paleoseismic events, which were dated using the optically stimulated luminescence method to ~20, 27-31, 34, and 76-78 ka BP. Estimation of the potential seismicity magnitude along the JBF is 6.3-6.5. These findings, combined with regional geodetic patterns, suggest that Late Quaternary deformation in the northern Tibetan Plateau has extended into the southern Beishan Block. It is inferred that the Late Quaternary tectonics of the JBF were influenced by clockwise transpressional and northeastward movement of the Tashi Block towards the north of the Altyn Tagh fault. This deformation pattern demonstrates strain partitioning and transfer between the northern Tibetan Plateau and the southern Mongolian Plateau.

How to cite: Yun, L., Wang, J., Zhang, J., and Zhang, H.: Late Quaternary tectonics of the Jiujing-Bantan fault along the southern Beishan Block and its implication for the northward growth of the Tibetan Plateau, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-20926, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-20926, 2025.

X2.58
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EGU25-6056
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ECS
Jialei Qiu, Tao Zhang, Yanan Shi, and Jason Morgan

Volcanic feature identification on topographic maps is an emerging area that can leverage advanced machine learning techniques. However, the field faces challenges due to the scarcity of current labeled volcanic data, class imbalances, and limitations in existing models. Current approaches often fail to effectively capture the spatial continuity and hierarchical patterns inherent in volcanic terrains, in particular for intraplate volcanism such as petit-spot volcanoes.

This study began with manually labeled data and employed Support Vector Machines as a preliminary classification tool, which revealed significant limitations in its handling of complex spatial patterns. Subsequently, efforts shifted to Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) with transfer learning to enhance feature extraction and classification. High-resolution topographic data from the Japanese Volcanic Islands and the Second Institute of Oceanography Ministry of Natural Resources of China were integrated. These datasets, enriched by grid-based labeling and data augmentation strategies, have provided the foundation for model training and validation. To date we have prioritized the identification of small volcanic features on Pacific-type (fast-spreading) seafloor. 

Work to date has emphasized the need for high-quality labeled datasets and innovative preprocessing techniques to have reliable machine recognition of volcanic bathymetric features. By incorporating high-precision data from Pacific expeditions, this research will also contribute to the development of future deep learning approaches, laying the groundwork for further advancements in automated volcano identification.

How to cite: Qiu, J., Zhang, T., Shi, Y., and Morgan, J.: Submarine Volcanism Identification with Neural Networks, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-6056, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-6056, 2025.

X2.59
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EGU25-4943
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ECS
wei mao
The thinning and destruction of cratons often accompany subduction processes, during which strike-slip faults may form. For instance, the northward propagation of the Tanlu Fault during the Mesozoic coincided with the thinning of the North China Craton. However, the mechanisms underlying the formation of intracontinental strike-slip faults remain poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate how microplate capture by a subducting plate drives the transition from subduction to intracontinental strike-slip motion. Using 3D thermo-mechanical models that incorporate fluid migration, we find that the motion of an oceanic plate transitions from being accommodated at a mid-ocean ridge to the megathrust between the subducting slab and the overriding plate, and ultimately to an emergent, fluid-weakened intracontinental strike-slip fault. This transition occurs during slab detachment, triggered by decaying subduction convergence, the strengthening of the megathrust due to reduced water release, and eventual subduction termination. The extension of the overriding lithosphere facilitates the formation of the strike-slip fault. Our computations suggest that the connection between a low-viscosity, high-permeability subducted plate interface and the lower crust of the overriding plate promotes shearing, fluid transfer, and the eventual development of strike-slip faults.

How to cite: mao, W.: Dynamics of Large-Scale Strike-Slip Fault Formation: Microplate Capture During Subduction Termination, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-4943, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-4943, 2025.

X2.60
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EGU25-10227
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ECS
Jia Shao and Jason Morgan

Oceanic island basalts (OIBs) and mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORBs) exhibit distinct chemical compositions in both major and trace elements, reflecting differences in their mantle sources and melting processes. Mantle plumes are now understood to also contain denser, recycled materials derived from subducted sediments and oceanic basalts — pyroxenites. Compared to peridotites, pyroxenites form a relatively small volume fraction (~20%) of the mantle. They are denser, enriched in pyroxene and aluminum-phase minerals, and thought to contribute a higher concentration of incompatible elements to mantle melts. While typical MORBs are depleted in incompatible elements, some MORBs (EMORBs) located far from hotspots show both trace element and isotopic enrichment, implying that the upper mantle is chemically and isotopically heterogeneous, although MORB sources typically contain a smaller pyroxenite fraction than OIB sources. Pyroxenite lithologies appear to be widespread throughout the mantle.

In this study, we explore the melting processes and variations in the density and viscosity of a bi-lithologic mantle composed of peridotite and pyroxenite, using 1D numerical simulations. The experiments cover a temperature range of 1300–1700°C and pyroxenite contents ranging from 1% to 30%, encompassing conditions representative of both mantle plumes and mid-ocean ridges. Our findings indicate that the melting of upwelling bi-lithologic mantle typically occurs in three stages: (1) preferential melting of pyroxenite at greater depths, (2) simultaneous melting of pyroxenite and peridotite as peridotite starts to melt — especially when the peridotite is damp, and (3) only peridotite melting even when pyroxenite still remains in the source. If the pyroxenite content in the mantle is low and/or the temperature is sufficiently high, pyroxenite can be completely exhausted before peridotite begins to melt, resulting in the absence of stage 2. Pyroxenite melting plays a significant role in reducing mantle density due to the decrease in the volume fraction of the relatively denser pyroxenite. For instance, 56% partial melting of a 20% pyroxenite fraction leads to a mantle density reduction of 0.54%, comparable to the thermal buoyancy effect of a 180°C increase in temperature, assuming a mantle thermal expansivity of 3×10-5 1/K. The effect of pyroxenite melting on mantle viscosity is relatively small (< 0.5 orders of magnitude) due to the small volume fraction of pyroxenite, even though pyroxenite becomes significantly stronger by melt-induced dehydration. Confirming previous findings, these experiments also show that once peridotite begins to melt, a notable increase in mantle viscosity (1–2 orders of magnitude) occurs due to its dehydration, while partial melt-extraction from peridotite will further reduce the compositional density of the mantle.

How to cite: Shao, J. and Morgan, J.: Decompression melting of a wet bi-lithologic mantle and its effects on density and viscosity, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-10227, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-10227, 2025.