ABSTRACT Geophysical images and structural cross sections of accretionary wedges are usually aligned orthogonal to the subduction trench axis. These sections often reveal underplated duplexes of subducted oceanic sediment and igneous crust that record trench-normal shortening and wedge thickening facilitated by down-stepping of the décollement. However, this approach may underrecognize trench-parallel strain and the effects of faulting associated with flexure of the downgoing plate. New mapping of a recently exposed transect across a portion of the Marin Headlands terrane, California, United States, documents evidence for structural complexity over short spatio-temporal scales within an underplated system. We documented the geometry, kinematics, vergence, and internal architecture of faults and folds along ~2.5 km of section, and we identified six previously unmapped intraformational imbricate thrusts and 13 high-angle faults that accommodate shortening and flattening of the underthrust section. Thrust faults occur within nearly every lithology without clear preference for any stratigraphic horizon, and fold vergence varies between imbricate sheets by ~10°–40°. In our map area, imbricate bounding thrusts have relatively narrow damage zones (≤5–10 m) and sharp, discrete fault cores and lack veining, in contrast to the wide, highly veined fault zones previously documented in the Marin Headlands terrane. The spacing of imbricate thrusts, combined with paleoconvergence rates, indicates relatively rapid generation of new fault surfaces on ~10–100 k.y. time scales, a process that may contribute to strain hardening and locking within the seismogenic zone. The structural and kinematic complexity documented in the Marin Headlands is an example of the short spatial and temporal scales of heterogeneity that may characterize regions of active underplating. Such features are smaller than the typical spatial resolution of geophysical data from active subduction thrusts and may not be readily resolved, thus highlighting the need for cross-comparison of geophysical data with field analogues when evaluating the kinematic and mechanical processes of underplating.

Abstract We investigate the evolution of the Iberia–Newfoundland margin from Permian post-orogenic extension to Early Cretaceous break-up. We used a Quantitative Basin Analysis approach to integrate seismic stratigraphic interpretations and drill-hole data of two representative sections across the Iberia–Newfoundland margin with kinematic models for lithospheric thinning and subsequent flexural readjustment. We model the distribution of extension and thinning, palaeobathymetry, crustal structure, and subsidence and uplift history as functions of space and time. We start our modelling following post-orogenic extension, magmatic underplating and thermal re-equilibration of the Permian lithosphere. During the Late Triassic–Early Jurassic, broadly distributed, depth-independent lithospheric extension evolved into Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous depth-dependent thinning as crustal extension progressed from distributed to focused deformation. During this time, palaeobathymetries rapidly deepened across the margin. Modelling of the southern and northern profiles highlighted the rapid development of crustal deformation from south to north over a 5–10 myr period, which accounts for the rapid change in Tithonian–Valanginian, deep- to shallow-water sedimentary facies between the Abyssal Plain and the adjacent Galicia Bank, respectively. Late-stage deformation of both margins was characterized by brittle deformation of the remaining continental crust, which led to exhumation of subcontinental mantle and, eventually, continental break-up and seafloor spreading.

Abstract Ponding conditions of basalts erupted from fissure zones at São Miguel Island (Azores) were investigated through microthermometry of fluid inclusions, hosted in olivines and clinopyroxenes, and whole-rock and mineral chemistry. The Região dos Picos and Achada das Furnas fissure zones formed between central volcanoes and erupted geochemically similar magmas for the last 30 kyr. Hydrocarbonic fluid inclusions that survived to diffusion and re-equilibration recorded a maximum density value of 1000 kg m −3 (29.3 km) at both fissure zones, at the intersection with the feeding systems of older central volcanoes. The maximum density decreases to 875 kg m −3 (23.5 km) towards the central segment of Região dos Picos. Further trapping of low-density fluids is occasional and limited to a few samples. While the deepest event is interpreted to mark the vertical variation of the Moho at each location, all other events are only representative of short-time ponding with fluid re-equilibration. The deepening of the Moho towards the central volcanoes might be the effect of long-lasting underplating. However, the periodic stretching of the lithosphere, in response to the differential stress field acting at central volcanoes, would have been responsible for the thinning of the crust at the central segment of the fissure zone. Supplementary material: Whole-rock geochemistry with international standard used, and representative analyses of selected mineral phases from the two segments of the Região dos Picos fissure zone is available at www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18818

Abstract The South Atlantic presalt petroleum system has unique elements which are related to the basin bounding structural fabric, accommodation space and climatic conditions. The development of both high total organic carbon lacustrine source rocks and hypersaline/hyperal-kaline microbial carbonates requires sequestration of these basins from marine conditions. Sequestration is accomplished by an outer-high which was isostatically elevated by magmatic under-plating. This magmatic under-plating is occurs along the margin from the Santos Basin to the Espírito Santo Basin and the conjugate Kwanza Basin. Where the outer high is absent, such as in the Brazilian Pelotas Basin and Namibian basins, the presalt petroleum system fails to develop. In Gabon where under-plating and basin sequestration occurs, a Brazilian style presalt system fails to develop due to high clastic influx. Gabon lacks the microbial hypersaline carbonate reservoir. Similar Brazilian style presalt petroleum systems are likely however, to occur on other passive margins where similar structural styles create a sequestered basin. These basins should occur in regions which are transitional from classic volcanic margins to true nonvolcanic margins. Through better understanding of the Brazilian presalt geodynamic setting we can position ourselves to identify new basins with similar petroleum systems which have created the giant Brazilian presalt discoveries.