CHARACTERISTICS OF LATE QUATERNARY ACTIVITY OF THE SOUTHERN RIYUESHAN FAULT

doi:10.3969/j.issn.0253-4967.2022.01.001

Abstract

Abstract:

Due to the collision between the Indian plate and the Eurasian plate, the Tibetan plateau has experienced violent uplift and strong intraplate deformation inside the plateau, which has a great impact on the tectonic evolution of the surrounding areas. The northeastern edge of the Tibetan plateau is the forefront of the northeastward expansion of the Tibetan plateau, which is the ideal place to study the deformation of the plateau as well as the far-field deformation associated with continental collision between the Eurasia and India plates. In recent years, scholars have gained a certain understanding of the characteristics of late Quaternary tectonic activity in the northeast margin of Tibetan plateau. Within the northeastern margin of Tibetan plateau, there are two major fault systems: One is the near EW-trending left-lateral strike-slip fault system, including the Kunlun, Haiyuan and western Qinling faults, the other one is the NNW-trending right-lateral strike-slip fault system, including the Elashan and Riyueshan faults. They are sub-parallel to each other. Since the Riyueshan Fault is one of the major right-lateral strike-slip faults in the northeastern margin of Tibetan plateau, its activity is of great significance for understanding the plateau expansion. Previous studies mainly focused on its northern part which is believed to be active during Holocene. However, its southern part is believed to be active during late Pleistocene, but not active since Holocene. Therefore, there are little studies focusing on the late Quaternary activities of the southern part of the Riyueshan Fault. Hence, our understanding about the characteristics of the late Quaternary activity is insufficient. During our preliminary field survey along the southern Riyueshan Fault, we found distinct deformation of Holocene landforms, such as the young alluvial fan, terrace risers and channels, which indicate its late Quaternary activity. In this study, we firstly analyze the fault geometry of the southern Riyueshan Fault based on high-resolution Superview-1 remote sensing images and carry out field verification. Based on fault geometry characteristics, fault strike orientation etc., we divided the southern Riyueshan Fault into two segments from north to south. One is the Guide segment(generally trending in NW 20°)and the other is the Duohelmao segment(generally striking in NS). During our field investigation, we found two typical sites for slip rate studies, the Rixiaolongwa site on the Guide segment and the Niemari site on the Duohemao segment, respectively. We collected high-resolution images using UAV, and then generated high-resolution DEM of these two sites. By measuring the offsets and corresponding dating results of multi-level terrace risers, we obtained the displacements of the three-level and two-level terraces at Rixiaolongwa and Niemari site, respectively. Then we collected the OSL and ¹⁴C samples on different terrace risers to constrain the age of each terrace. In the Rixiaolongwa area, the corresponding offsets of T1, T2 and T3 terraces are(26.3±3.1)m, (32.7±7.1)m and(38.6±8)m, and the age sequence is(7840±30)a BP, (9 350~10 700)a BP and(11.9±1.3)ka BP, respectively. In the Nimari area, the corresponding offsets of T1 and T2 terraces are(6.3±0.7)m and(9.7±1.7)m, and the ages are(2 860±30)a BP and(3 460±30)a BP, respectively. By applying Monte Carlo method, we obtained the corresponding slip rates of(3.37+0.55/-0.68)mm/a and(2.69+0.41/-0.38)mm/a for the Guide and Duohemao segment, which is comparable to the previously suggested slip rate of northern Riyueshan Fault. Finally, we discussed the role of the Riyueshan Fault in the tectonic deformation of northeastern Tibetan plateau.

Key words: southern Riyueshan Fault, northeastern margin of Tibetan plateau, Late Quaternary activity, slip rate

摘要：

青藏高原东北缘是青藏高原向NE扩展的最前缘, 是理解高原扩张的最佳场所。日月山断裂是青藏高原东北缘一条NNW走向的右旋走滑断裂, 对其开展活动性研究对于理解高原扩张有重要意义。目前对该断裂南段的晚第四纪活动性质研究较少, 对其晚第四纪的活动特征认识尚且不足。文中基于日月山断裂南段的野外考察资料, 通过高精度遥感影像解译并结合典型位错点无人机摄影测量等方法获得其精细的几何展布, 根据断裂的展布特征自北向南将日月山断裂南段分为贵德和多禾茂2段。结合年代学研究, 初步确定日月山断裂南段存在全新世活动, 结合典型位错点多级地貌面定年与蒙特卡洛方法, 厘定了贵德段和多禾茂段全新世以来的水平滑动速率分别为(3.37+0.55/-0.68)mm/a和(2.69+0.41/-0.38)mm/a。结合前人的研究资料分析认为, 在NE向主应力下, 鄂拉山和日月山等断裂发生右旋走滑和NE向压扁, 共同吸收青藏高原东北缘块体NE向的地壳缩短。

关键词: 青藏高原东北缘, 日月山断裂, 晚第四纪活动, 滑动速率

CLC Number:

P315.2

ZHANG Chi, LI Zhi-min, REN Zhi-kun, LIU Jin-rui, ZHANG Zhi-liang, WU Deng-yun. CHARACTERISTICS OF LATE QUATERNARY ACTIVITY OF THE SOUTHERN RIYUESHAN FAULT[J]. SEISMOLOGY AND GEOLOGY, 2022, 44(1): 1-19.

张驰, 李智敏, 任治坤, 刘金瑞, 张志亮, 武登云. 日月山断裂南段晚第四纪活动特征[J]. 地震地质, 2022, 44(1): 1-19.

Figures/Tables 13

Fig. 1 Simplified tectonic map of the northeast margin of the Tibetan plateau.

Fig. 2 Geological map of the southern section of Riyueshan Fault.

Fig. 3 Active fault geometry and geomorphological characteristics of the Guide section of the southern section of the Riyueshan Fault.

Fig. 4 Active fault geometry and geomorphological characteristics of the Duohemao section of the southern section of the Riyueshan Fault.

Fig. 5 Bedrock section of the fault.

Fig. 6 Field photos and sketches showing the faulted landform and sampling sites at the Rixiaolongwa study area.

Fig. 7 Interpretation of faulted landform of the Rixiaolongwa study area based on UAV-derived high-resolution DEM.

Fig. 8 Measurement and backslip of the displaced terrace risers in the Rixiaolongwa study area based on LaDiCaoz_v2 software.

Fig. 9 The slip rate of Rixiaolongwa area based on Monte Carlo method.

Fig. 10 Fault geometry and faulted landform of the Niemari study area based on field photo and high-resolution UAV-derived DEM.

Fig. 11 Sampling sites of the Nierima study area, indicating the occurrence of the most recent earthquake.

Fig. 12 The measurement and recovery of the riser offset in the Niemari study area based on LaDiCaoz_v2 software.

Fig. 13 The slip rate of Niemari area based on Monte Carlo method.

References 42

[1]	艾明, 毕海芸, 郑文俊, 等. 2018. 利用无人机摄影测量技术提取活动构造定量参数[J]. 地震地质, 40(6): 1276-1293.
	AI Ming, BI Hai-yun, ZHENG Wen-jun, et al. 2018. Using unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry technology to obtain quantitative parameters of active tectonics[J]. Seismology and Geology, 40(6): 1276-1293. (in Chinese)
[2]	邓起东. 2007. 中国活动构造图(1︰400万)[CM]. 北京: 地震出版社.
	DENG Qi-dong. 2007. Map of Active Tectonics in China(1︰ 4 000 000)[CM]. Seismological Press, Beijing. (in Chinese)
[3]	邓起东, 陈立春, 冉勇康. 2004. 活动构造定量研究与应用[J]. 地学前缘, 11(4): 383-392.
	DENG Qi-dong, CHEN Li-chun, RAN Yong-kang. 2004. Quantitative study and application of active tectonics[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 11(4): 383-392. (in Chinese)
[4]	葛伟鹏, 王敏, 沈正康, 等. 2013. 柴达木-祁连山地块内部震间上地壳块体运动特征与变形模式研究[J]. 地球物理学报, 56(9): 2994-3010.
	GE Wei-peng, WANG Min, SHEN Zheng-kang, et al. 2013. Interseismic kinematics and deformation patterns on the upper crust of Qaidam-Qilianshan block[J]. Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 56(9): 2994-3010. (in Chinese)
[5]	黄帅堂. 2016. 青海日月山断裂带地震危险性评价及其构造意义[D]. 北京: 中国地震局地震预测研究所.
	HUANG Shuai-tang. 2016. Seismic hazard assessment of the Riyueshan fault zone in Qinghai and its tectonic significance[D]. Institute of Earthquake Forecasting, China Earthquake Administration, Beijing. (in Chinese)
[6]	简慧子, 王丽凤, 任治坤, 等. 2020. 基于GPS速度场研究鄂拉山断裂现今滑动速率和闭锁状态[J]. 地球物理学报, 63(3): 347-362.
	JIAN Hui-zi, WANG Li-feng, REN Zhi-kun, et al. 2020. Present-day slip rate and interseismic fault coupling along the Elashan Fault using GPS[J]. Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 63(3): 347-362. (in Chinese)
[7]	李智敏, 苏鹏, 黄帅堂, 等. 2018. 日月山断裂德州段晚更新世以来的活动速率研究[J]. 地震地质, 40(3): 656-671.
	LI Zhi-min, SU Peng, HUANG Shuai-tang, et al. 2018. Slip rates of the Riyue Mt. Fault at Dezhou segment since late Pleistocene[J]. Seismology and Geology, 40(3): 656-671. (in Chinese)
[8]	李智敏, 王强, 屠泓为. 2012. 热水-日月山断裂带遥感特征初步探讨[J]. 高原地震, 24(3): 16-22.
	LI Zhi-min, WANG Qiang, TU Hong-wei. 2012. The remote sensing characteristic preliminary discussion on Reshui-Riyue Mountain fault zone[J]. Plateau Earthquake Research, 24(3): 16-22. (in Chinese)
[9]	刘金瑞, 任治坤, 张会平, 等. 2018. 海原断裂带老虎山段晚第四纪滑动速率精确厘定与讨论[J]. 地球物理学报, 61(4): 1281-1297.
	LIU Jin-rui, REN Zhi-kun, ZHANG Hui-ping, et al. 2018. Late Quaternary slip rate of the Laohushan fault within the Haiyuan fault zone and its tectonic implications[J]. Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 61(4): 1281-1297. (in Chinese)
[10]	刘静, 陈涛, 张培震, 等. 2013. 机载激光雷达扫描揭示海原断裂带微地貌的精细结构[J]. 科学通报, 58(1): 41-45.
	LIU Jing, CHEN Tao, ZHANG Pei-zhen, et al. 2013. Illuminating the active Haiyuan Fault, China by airborne light detection and ranging[J]. Chinese Science Bulletin, 58(1): 41-45. (in Chinese)
[11]	袁道阳, 张培震, 刘百篪, 等. 2004a. 青藏高原东北缘晚第四纪活动构造的几何图像与构造转换[J]. 地质学报, 78(2): 270-278.
	YUAN Dao-yang, ZHANG Pei-zhen, LIU Bai-chi, et al. 2004a. Geometrical imagery and tectonic transformation of Late Quaternary active tectonics in northeastern margin of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau[J]. Acta Geologica Sinica, 78(2): 270-278. (in Chinese)
[12]	袁道阳, 张培震, 刘小龙, 等. 2004b. 青海鄂拉山断裂晚第四纪构造活动及其所反映的青藏高原东北缘的变形机制[J]. 地学前缘, 11(4): 393-403.
	YUAN Dao-yang, ZHANG Pei-zhen, LIU Xiao-long, et al. 2004b. The tectonic activity and deformation features during the Late Quaternary of Elashan Mountain active fault zone in Qinghai Province and its implication for the deformation of the northeastern margins of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 11(4): 393-403. (in Chinese)
[13]	张波. 2012. 西秦岭北缘断裂西段与拉脊山断裂新活动特征研究[D]. 兰州: 中国地震局兰州地震研究所.
	ZHANG Bo. 2012. The study on the new activity characteristics of the western segment of the fault in the northern margin of West Qinling and the Lajishan Fault[D]. Lanzhou Institute of Seismology, China Earthquake Administration, Lanzhou. (in Chinese)
[14]	张培震, 李传友, 毛凤英. 2008. 河流阶地演化与走滑断裂滑动速率[J]. 地震地质, 30(1): 44-57.
	ZHANG Pei-zhen, LI Chuan-you, MAO Feng-ying. 2008. Strath terrace formation and strike-slip faulting[J]. Seismology and Geology, 30(1): 44-57. (in Chinese)
[15]	张培震, 闵伟, 邓起东, 等. 2003. 海原活动断裂带的古地震与强震复发规律[J]. 中国科学(D辑), 33(8): 705-713.
	ZHANG Pei-zhen, MIN Wei, DENG Qi-dong, et al. 2003. Recurrence regularity of paleoearthquakes and strong earthquakes in Haiyuan active fault zone[J]. Science in China(Ser D), 33(8): 705-713. (in Chinese)
[16]	赵保强. 2010. 青海省多禾茂地区SN向断裂特征及成因分析[D]. 北京: 中国地质大学.
	ZHAO Bao-qiang. 2010. Characteristics and genesis analysis to the north-south faults in Duohemao area, Qinghai Province[D]. China University of Geosciences, Beijing. (in Chinese)
[17]	周德敏. 2005. 青藏高原东北缘现今地壳形变的GPS观测研究[D]. 北京: 中国地震局地质研究所.
	ZHOU De-min. 2005. GPS observation of current crustal deformation in the northeast margin of Tibetan plateau[D]. Institute of Geology, China Earthquake Administration, Beijing. (in Chinese)
[18]	Bemis S P, Micklethwaite S, Turner D, et al. 2014. Ground-based and UAV-based photogrammetry: A multi-scale, high-resolution mapping tool for structural geology and paleoseismology[J]. Journal of Structural Geology, 69:163-178. DOI URL
[19]	Clark M K, Farley K A, Zheng D, et al. 2010. Early Cenozoic faulting of the northern Tibetan plateau margin from apatite(U-Th)/He ages[J]. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 296(1-2): 78-88. DOI URL
[20]	Duvall A R, Clark M K. 2010. Dissipation of fast strike-slip faulting within and beyond northeastern Tibet[J]. Geology, 38(3): 223-226. DOI URL
[21]	Gold R D, Cowgill E. 2011. Deriving fault-slip histories to test for secular variation in slip, with examples from the Kunlun and Awatere faults[J]. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 301(1-2): 52-64. DOI URL
[22]	Gold R D, Cowgill E, Arrowsmith J R, et al. 2016. Pulsed strain release on the Altyn Tagh Fault, northwest China[J]. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 459:291-300. DOI URL
[23]	Liu J R, Ren Z K, Zheng W J, et al. 2020. Late Quaternary slip rate of the Aksay segment and its rapidly decreasing gradient along the Altyn Tagh Fault[J]. Geosphere, 16(6): 1538-1557. DOI URL
[24]	Mandl G. 1987. Tectonic deformation by rotating parallel faults: The bookshelf mechanism[J]. Tectonophysics, 141(4): 277-316. DOI URL
[25]	Meyer B, Tapponnier P, Bourjot L, et al. 1998. Crustal thickening in Gansu-Qinghai, lithospheric mantle subduction, and oblique, strike-slip controlled growth of the Tibet plateau[J]. Geophysical Journal International, 135(1): 1-47. DOI URL
[26]	Ren Z K, Zhang Z Q, Chen T, et al. 2016. Clustering of offsets on the Haiyuan Fault and their relationship to paleoearthquakes[J]. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 128(1-2): 3-18.
[27]	Ren Z K, Zhang Z Q, Zhang P Z. 2018a. Different earthquake patterns for two neighboring fault segments within the Haiyuan fault zone[J]. Earth and Planetary Physics, 2(1): 67-73.
[28]	Ren Z K, Zielke O, Yu J X. 2018b. Active tectonics in 4D high-resolution[J]. Journal of Structural Geology, 117:264-271. DOI URL
[29]	Tapponnier P, Xu Z Q, Roger F, et al. 2001. Oblique stepwise rise and growth of the Tibet Plateau[J]. Science, 294(5547): 1671-1677. PMID
[30]	van der Woerd J, Ryerson F J, Tapponnier P, et al. 1998. Holocene left-slip rate determined by cosmogenic surface dating on the Xidatan segment of the Kunlun Fault(Qinghai, China)[J]. Geology, 26(8): 695-698. DOI URL
[31]	Wang S Y, Jiao R H, Ren Z K, et al. 2020. Active thrusting in an intermontane basin: The Kumysh Fault, eastern Tian Shan[J]. Tectonics, 39(8): 1-20.
[32]	Wang S Y, Ren Z K, Wu C Y, et al. 2019. DEM generation from Worldview -2 stereo imagery and vertical accuracy assessment for its application in active tectonics[J]. Geomorphology, 336:107-118. DOI URL
[33]	Wang W, Zheng W J, Zhang P Z, et al. 2017. Expansion of the Tibetan plateau during the Neogene[J]. Nature Communications, 8(1): 1-12. DOI URL
[34]	Yvonne K, Hetzel R, Krbetschek M, et al. 2006. Holocene loess sedimentation along the Qilian Shan(China): Significance for understanding the processes and timing of loess deposition[J]. Quaternary Science Reviews, 25(1-2): 114-125. DOI URL
[35]	Yuan D Y, Champagnac J D, Ge W P, et al. 2011. Late Quaternary right-lateral slip rates of faults adjacent to the lake Qinghai, northeastern margin of the Tibetan plateau[J]. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 123(9-10): 2016-2030. DOI URL
[36]	Yuan D Y, Ge W P, Chen Z W, et al. 2013. The growth of northeastern Tibet and its relevance to large-scale continental geodynamics: A review of recent studies[J]. Tectonics, 32(5): 1358-1370. DOI URL
[37]	Zhang P Z, Burchfiel B C, Molnar P, et al. 1990. Late Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China[J]. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 102(11): 1484-1498. DOI URL
[38]	Zhang P Z, Burchfiel B C, Molnar P, et al. 1991. Amount and style of late Cenozoic deformation in the Liupan Shan area, Ningxia Autonomous Region, China[J]. Tectonics, 10(6): 1111-1129. DOI URL
[39]	Zhang P Z, Molnar P, Xu X W. 2007. Late Quaternary and present-day rates of slip along the Altyn Tagh Fault, northern margin of the Tibetan plateau[J]. Tectonics, 26(5): TC5010.1-TC5010.24.
[40]	Zielke O, Arrowsmith J R. 2012. LaDiCaoz and LiDARimager: MATLAB GUIs for LiDAR data handling and lateral displacement measurement[J]. Geosphere, 8(1): 206-221. DOI URL
[41]	Zielke O, Arrowsmith J R, Ludwig L G, et al. 2010. Slip in the 1857 and earlier large earthquakes along the Carrizo Plain, San Andreas Fault[J]. Science, 327(5969): 1119-1122. DOI PMID
[42]	Zuza A V, Yin A. 2016. Continental deformation accommodated by non-rigid passive bookshelf faulting: An example from the Cenozoic tectonic development of northern Tibet[J]. Tectonophysics, 677-678:227-240. DOI URL