Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Deep crustal structures'

Bibliography: leaves 189-203. Deals with two interpretation methods, a computer program system AUTOMAG and spectral analysis, used for studying overburden thickness and density structure of the crust. The methods were applied to the Gawler Craton, Eyre Peninsula.

Adaptation et application de la méthode d'inversion gravimétrique 3D avec contraintes sismiques à l'étude des structures crustales profondes des marges passives du nord-ouest du Brésil. Avec une approche de décapage des couches, la méthode a la capacité, la robustesse et la cohérence d'étudier la géométrie de la discontinuité du Moho dans le contexte de l'environnement des marges passives. Les résultats obtenus sont suffisamment précis pour distinguer les transitions entre les différents domaines. Ils permettent également d'identifier les différences au sein d'un même domaine lors de l'analyse de deux profils parallèles, par exemple: imagerie des structures de la croûte terrestre profonde avec la méthode de migration temporelle inverse appliquée à deux profils de données sismiques à grand angle. La méthode permet d'obtenir des images de ce type de structures. L'analyse des deux résultats est un outil important pour étudier la forme et la géométrie de la zone de rétrécissement, même dans les profils avec des tirs asymétriques. Elle montre également la contribution essentielle du champ d'ondes réfracté à son succès. Fusion de trois profils sismiques grand angle subparallèles dans la région nord-ouest du Brésil en un profil unique d'une longueur d'environ 1800 km, offrant une perspective unique sur le processus d'évolution de l'ouverture de l'océan Atlantique sud. Le profil fusionné met en évidence les similitudes entre les marges équatoriale et centrale de l'océan Atlantique Sud, malgré des processus géodynamiques et des périodes d'ouverture différents
Adaptation and application of 3D gravity inversion with seismic constraint method to the study of the deep crustal structures of the Northwest Brazil passive margins. With a layer-stripping approach, the method has the capacity, robustness and coherency to study the geometry of the Moho discontinuity, or any other crustal layer, within the context of the passive margins environment. The obtained results have sufficient accuracy to distinguish transitions between different domains – continental domain, necking zones and oceanic domain. It is also capable to identify differences within the same domain when analyzing two parallel profiles, for example.Imaging of deep crustal structures with Reverse Time Migration method applied to two Wide-Angle Seismic data profiles, acquired by Ocean Bottom Seismometers and Land Seismic Stations. The method has capacity to image these type of structures in the two domains. The analysis of the two results is an important tool to investigate the shape and geometry of the necking zone even in profiles with asymmetric shooting. It is also shown the essential contribution of the refracted wavefield for its success.Merge of three sub-parallel Wide-Angle Seismic profiles in the Northwest area of Brazil into a unique profile of approximately 1800 km in length, providing an unique perspective on the evolution process of the opening of the South Atlantic Ocean. The merged profile showcases the similarities between the Equatorial and Central margins of the South Atlantic Ocean in spite of the different geodynamic processes and time of opening

Este trabalho tem como objetivo a identificação de feições que permitam (1) a construção do arcabouço crustal profundo e da porção superior do manto em parte da Costa de Angola, (2) a comparação deste arcabouço com o embasamento aflorante e (3) a tentativa de adequar estes resultados aos modelos de ruptura continental já publicados. Para alcançar estes objetivos foi feita a interpretação de cinco linhas sísmicas de reflexão profundas (25 Km de profundidade) na costa de Angola, nas Bacias de Kwanza e Baixo Congo, adquiridas pela ION-GXT. As feições identificadas na sísmica de reflexão auxiliaram na determinação dos limites da crosta continental superior e inferior, no reconhecimento das camadas que compõem a crosta oceânica e na identificação da Descontinuidade de Mohorovicic (que marca o limite entre crosta e manto). A interpretação sísmica associada a dados da literatura (que proporcionaram valores de densidade para os pacotes identificados na interpretação sísmica) permitiram a realização de uma modelagem gravimétrica que foi comparada ao dado gravimétrico adquirido durante a aquisição sísmica. A modelagem gravimétrica serviu para validar a interpretação sísmica, atuando como um controle de qualidade para a interpretação. Caso a anomalia gravimétrica gerada pela modelagem não estivesse de acordo com a anomalia medida, a interpretação sísmica era revista na tentativa de um melhor ajuste entre o resultado modelado e o medido. Este ajuste, no entanto, sempre foi feito honrando os refletores que estavam bem marcados na sísmica. Somado a isto, ainda foi utilizado o dado magnético adquirido no campo, no auxilio da interpretação. O arcabouço crustal obtido com a utilização deste método permitiu a comparação dos resultados da interpretação com os modelos de evolução de margens passivas existentes na literatura, mostrando muitos pontos em comum aos modelos que defendem a possibilidade de ocorrência de manto exumado em margens passivas pobres em magmatismo. A interpretação final destes dados mostrou um domínio proximal marcado por uma crosta continental espessa porém pouco afinada em contato com um domínio distal marcado por uma crosta continental muito afinada (crosta hiper-estirada) e, em direção ao centro do oceano, uma região em que ocorre a exumação do manto. A passagem do domínio proximal para o distal ocorre de forma rápida em uma região denominada Zona de Estrangulamento. À oeste do manto exumado é possível identificar a crosta oceânica. O cruzamento dos resultados obtidos neste trabalho com dados do embasamento aflorante no continente africano sugerem um controle do deste nos valores finais de afinamento da crosta continental sob a bacia e nas regiões de manto exumado. Trabalhos recentes realizados na costa de Angola e do Brasil mostram feições semelhantes às identificadas nesta dissertação.
The main objectives of this study are to identify features on seismic data that allow (1) the building of a deep crustal framework and of the upper portion of the mantle, in part of the Angolan margin; (2) to compare this framework with the adjacent outcropping basement of the African continent and; (3) to try to fit these results to the published continental breakup models. In order to achieve these objectives, five deep reflection seismic lines (25 km of depth) situated in the in Kwanza and Lower Congo Basins on the passive margin of Angola were interpreted. The features identified on seismic were useful to recognize the tripartite division that caracterize the oceanic crust and in defining the Mohorovicic Discontinuity (that represents the limit between crust and mantle). The seismic interpretation associated with the data obtained from the scientific literature (that provided density values for the packages identified on seismic interpretation) allowed the establishment of a gravity modeling that was compared to the gravity data acquired during the seismic acquisition. The gravity model was useful to validate the seismic interpretation, acting as a quality control of the latter. In case of the gravity anomaly generated by the modeling not being in accordance with the measured anomaly, the seismic interpretation was revised in order to obtain a better adjustment between the modeled and the measured result. This adjustment, however, was always done honoring the reflectors that were clearly positioned on seismic. In addition, the magnetic data acquired on the field was used to help on interpretation. The crustal framework obtained by the methodology described above was compared with the passive margin evolution models found on scientific literature, showing some points in common with the models that postulate the occurrence of exhumed mantle in magma-poor passive margins. The final interpretation of these data showed the existence of a proximal domain characterized by a thick continental crust slightly thinned in contact with a distal domain marked by a hyper-extended continental crust. Oceanwards there is a region where the exhumation of the mantle took place. The passage of the proximal to the distal domain is abrupt, here termed as a Necking Zone. Oceanic crust is identified to the west of exhumed mantle. The comparison of the results obtained in this study with data from the outcropping basement on the African continent suggests a basement control on the vales of continental crust thinning attained under the basins and on the regions of exhumed mantle. Recent works done on the Angolan and Brazilian margins show features similar to the ones identified on this dissertation.

La marge NE Américaine est une des marges les mieux étudiées au monde, elle a fait l’objet de plusieurs études géophysiques. En comparaison, la marge africaine reste peu étudiée car uniquement deux campagnes océanographiques y ont été menées : la campagne Sismar (2001) au large de la Meseta et la campagne Dakhla (2002) au large du Sahara. La structure profonde de la marge canadienne est connue grâce aux profils de sismique grand-angle SMART-1, 2 et 3. Le premier objectif du projet MIRROR était d’acquérir des profils combinant sismique grand-angle et sismique réflexion sur un segment homologue au profil SMART-1. La comparaison entre les segments homologues de ces deux marges ayant pour but de mieux comprendre le mode d’ouverture de l'océan Atlantique Central. Une comparaison entre les modèles Sismar, Dakhla et Mirror montre que la croûte continentale est plus épaisse au nord et s'amincit vers le sud. La largeur de la zone de transition est plus étroite au sud et les profils Sismar sont localisés sur un bassin sédimentaire posé sur une croûte continentale très amincie. La comparaison avec la marge homologue montre que l'épaisseur, la structure de la croûte continentale et la zone d'amincissement sont très semblables. Par contre, il existe une zone de manteau exhumé et serpentinisé sur le profil Canadien qui n'a pas d’homologue sur la marge africaine. De plus, l'épaisseur de la croûte océanique est différente avec 8 km sur la côte africaine et seulement 3-4 km sur la marge canadienne. Plusieurs hypothèses ont été proposées pour expliquer cette différence (a) une différence d’âge entre les deux croûtes (b) un épaississement lié au passage du point chaud des Canaries (c) une accrétion asymétrique
The NE American margin represents one of the best studied margins in the world, it was the subject of several scientific programs. In comparison, the conjugate NW African margin remains fairly unknown, only two deep seismic cruises were acquired: the SISMAR cruise (2001) offshore the Meseta and the DAKHLA cruise (2002) offshore the Sahara. The deep structure of the Canadian margin is known due to the SMART wide-angle seismic profiles 1, 2 and 3. The first objective of the MIRROR project was to acquire combined wide-angle and deep reflection seismic data offshore a segment conjugate to the SMART-1 profile. The comparison between the homologous segments of these two margins aimed to better understand the opening mechanism of the Central Atlantic Ocean. A comparison between Sismar, Dakhla and Mirror models shows that the continental crust is thicker in the north and thins toward the south. The width of the transition zone is narrower south and Sismar profiles are located on a sedimentary basin placed on a very thinned continental crust. Comparing the Mirror profile with that of the Canadian conjugate margin (Smart 1) shows that the thickness, the structure of the continental crust and the thinning is very similar. However, zones of exhumed and serpentinized mantle were imaged along the Canadian profile that have no conjugate on the African margin. Moreover, the thickness of the oceanic crust is variable with 8 km on the African side and only 3-4 km on the Canadian margin. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain this difference (a) an age difference between the two types of crust (b) thickening associated with the passage of the Canary hotspot (c) an asymmetric accretion or (d) an accretion at slow to ultra-slow speading centers

The Ruby-Humboldt Range in Northeastern Nevada exposes the deepest crust in the western portion of the Sevier Hinterland. The product of unique brittle and ductile accommodations, this block of lower crustal rock is a window into the processes of continental thickening and extension. The structure of the northern tip of the Ruby-Humboldt Range core complex is dominated by a large recumbent fold nappe with a southward closeure cored by Paleoproterozoic-Archean gneissic complexes with complex interdigitated field relationships that record polyphase continental metamorphism. Amphibolite-grade metapelitic rocks within the core and Winchell Lake nappe record a wide range of zircon age dates of metamorphic events the oldest of which at ~2.5 Ga is recorded in adjacent orthogneiss as a crystallization age. At least two younger metamorphic events are recorded within this orthogneiss, most significantly at 1.7-1.8 Ga, an event previously unpublished for this region that links it to Wyoming province activity in addition to inherited component of detrital cores up to 3.7 Ga in age that is among the oldest ages reported in Nevada. The youngest overprint of cretaceous metamorphic overgrowth ranges fro 60-90 Ma in age based on zircon rims in the aforementioned units as well as three garnet amphibolites that intrude the core of the nappe and are interpreted to be metabasic bodies.

This thesis addresses the use of potential field data in two main topics: sub-basalt exploration and structure of the deeper crust. Synthetic models and forward models of the Møre margin were constructed to test the sensitivity of the various potential field methods. The synthetic models demonstrate that forward modelling of the gravity and magnetic data is a valuable tool in basement recognition in sub-basaltic settings and the use of gravity gradients further limits the modelling ambiguity and improves the basement mapping. Deep sills, as observed in the Møre Basin, cannot be identified from the gravity and magnetic data alone but the lava flows have a clear effect on the gravity and magnetic signature if thicker than ~1 km. Experiments with Euler Deconvolution reveal the limitations of the method in sub-basaltic settings. A 3D regional gravity and magnetic model of the Møre margin integrated with seismic and well data gives a novel view on the architecture of the continental crust, the distribution of high density lower crust, and the Moho topography. The isostatic response of the water and sediment loading reflected by the Moho provides further insight in the evolution of the margin. The results from the Møre margin model merged with results from a 3D model of the Vøring and Lofoten margins give a regional view on the deep structures on the mid-Norwegian margin. Combination of the modelling results and isostatic considerations provide means to address the origin of the lower crustal body on the margin and the evolution of the whole mid-Norwegian margin.

2008/2009
The area of the present study is the central part of southern Tibet. It consists of two accreted terranes, Lhasa and Himalaya terranes, which today record the deformation history that originated from the processes of collision between the Eurasia and India plates. Our study of the crust/mantle structure in terms of seismic velocity, density, anisotropy and petrologic composition are undoubtedly significant to deepen the understanding of the continent-continent collision and its dynamics. This PhD thesis can be briefly summarized into four parts that are listed in the following. 1) In order to reveal the characteristics of the crust/mantle deformation that has been generated by the Indian/Eurasia collision in the southern Tibet plateau, we study the propagation of Quasi-Love (QL) waves. Our study is based on the results from numerical modeling, which proved that QL is sensitive to lateral variation of seismic anisotropy, rather than heterogeneity and other factors. The results we obtain from processing locally observed seismograms, reveal a West-East variation of crust/mantle deformation in each terrane of the plateau. 2) A 3D density model of central-south Tibet is produced by modeling the Bouguer gravity field using all existing constraints. 3) Integrating seismic velocity and density models of the crust in the Lhasa and Himalaya terranes, we infer crustal composition models in central and southern Tibet. 4) Combining crustal density, velocity and mineralogical composition models, some important issues, such as the Indian slab subduction angle, and the relationship between crustal density and earthquake occurrences are discussed. Some results based on the gravity modeling are summarized as follows: 1) under the constraint of the geometrical structure defined by seismic data, a 3-D density model and Moho interface are proposed for central-south Tibet; 2) the lower crustal density, smaller than 3.2 g/cm3, suggests the absence of eclogite or partial eclogitization due to delamination under the central-south Tibet; 3) seismicity is strong or weak in correspondence of the most negative Bouguer gravity anomaly, so there is not a relationship between them; 4) the composition of the lower crust, determined after the temperature-pressure calibration of seismic P wave velocity, might be one or a mixture of: 1. amphibolite and greenschist facies basalt beneath the Qiangtang terrane; 2. gabbro-norite-troctolite and mafic granulite beneath the Lhasa terrane. When using the data set published by Rudnick & Fountain (1995), the composition of the middle crust turns out to be granulite facies and might be pelitic gneisses. Granulite facies used to be interpreted as residues of partial melting, which coincides with the previous study by Yang et al. (2002) on partial melting in the middle crust. Amphibolite facies are thought to be produced after delamination, when underplating works in the rebound of the lower crust and lithospheric mantle. From the seismology study, I have made the following conclusions: 1) through numerical simulation of surface wave propagation in heterogeneous media, we find that amplitude and polarization of surface wave only change a little when considering heterogeneity and QL waves, generated by surface wave scattering, are caused by lateral variation of anisotropy. 2) QL waves have been identified from the seismograms of selected paths recorded by the Tibetan station CAD, and are utilized to determine the variation of the uppermost mantle anisotropy of the Tibetan plateau. The location of the azimuthal anisotropy gradient is estimated from the group velocities of Rayleigh wave, Love wave and QL wave. We find that a predominant south-north lateral variation of azimuthal anisotropy is located in correspondence of the Tanggula mountain, and a predominant east-west lateral variation of azimuthal anisotropy is found to the north of the Gandese mountain (near 85°E longitude and 30°N latitude) and near the Jinsha river fault (near 85°E longitude and 35°N latitude).
XXI Ciclo
1981

Esta pesquisa está baseada na execução de duas linhas de refração sísmica profunda de 300 km de extensão (L1-Porangatu e L2-Cavalcante) atravessando de oeste para leste o setor central da Província Tocantins, utilizando em cada linha 120 sismógrafos digitais e explosões com tempo controlado e cargas entre 500 e 1000 kg de explosivos a cada 50 km; foram utilizados receptores GPS para o controle da hora e das coordenadas geográficas dos pontos de registro e de explosões. Esse tipo de experimento, com essas condições é pioneiro no Brasil. Os dados deste experimento, considerados de boa qualidade, permitiram, inicialmente, a elaboração de modelos 1D, para cada tiro, utilizando o programa TTInvers. Estes modelos foram relacionados sucessivamente para representar camadas com características semelhantes em um modelo preliminar para modelagem em 2D, que foi realizada com o programa MacRay. Os modelos 2D obtidos representam o resultado final da distribuição de velocidades sísmicas da crosta sob essas linhas. Estes resultados mostram a crosta sob o setor central da Província Tocantins com espessura variando entre 36 e 43 km, cujos parâmetros estão correlacionados com as principais estruturas geológicas existentes na superfície. Os valores médios de VP e da razão VP/VS na Província Tocantins variam em torno de 6,5 km/s e 1,74, respectivamente, com exceção da faixa de dobras e empurrões cujos valores são 6,3 km/s e 1,73. Sob o Cráton São Francisco esses valores são 6,8 km/s e 1,74. Existem indícios de ter ocorrido uma dupla subducção na Província Tocantins, na porção oriental, com o Cráton São Francisco subduzindo para oeste (em | 760 Ma) e na porção ocidental, com o Cráton Amazônico subduzindo para leste (em | 620 Ma). O modelo gravimétrico, obtido neste trabalho em função do modelo sísmico, se ajusta adequadamente com os dados gravimétricos observados, utilizando densidades teóricas ligeiramente modificadas, dentro dos limites permitidos pela função utilizada para calcular essas densidades com base nos valores de VP deste trabalho. As densidades do manto adotadas para a modelagem levaram em conta as idades Paleoproterozóica, sob o Cráton SãoFrancisco menos denso (3,31 g/cm3) e com maior VP (8,26 km/s), e Neoprotorozóica, sob a Província Tocantins, mais densa (3,34 g/cm3) e com menor VP (8,07 km/s).
This research is based on an execution of two lines of deep seismic refraction of 300 km of extension (L1-Porangatu and L2-Cavalcante), crossing over central sector of Tocantins Province from west to east by using, in each line, 120 digital seismographs and explosions with controlled time and explosive charges between 500 and 1,000 kg in each 50 km; GPS receivers were employed in order to control the time and geographical coordinates from recording and shot points. This kind of experiment under these explained conditions is pioneer in Brazil. Initially experiment data, which have been considered of good quality, allowed the elaboration of 1D models, using TTInvers program. Successive models were related to represent layers with similar characteristics in a preliminary model aiming of modelling in 2D, accomplished with MacRay program. Obtained 2D models represent the final result of seismic velocity distribution from crust beneath L1 and L2 lines. Results show crust under central section of Tocantins Province with thickness varying from 36 to 43 km, and whose parameters are correlated to main geological structures existents in surface. VP as well as VP/VS ratio mean values vary about 6.5 km/s and 1.74, respectively, with the exception of fold-and-thrust belt, whose values are 6.3 km/s and 1.73. Those values reach 6.8 km/s and 1.74 beneath São Francisco craton. There are indicia of double subduction occurred in the eastern portion of Tocantins Province with São Francisco Cráton subducting to west (in | 760 Ma), as well as in the western portion, with Amazon Cráton subducting to east (in | 620 Ma). The gravimetric model, obtained in this work in terms of seismic model, adequately adjusts with observed gravimetric data by using theoretical densities slightly modified, within limits allowed by the function employed to calculating the densities based on VP values achieved from this work. Adopted mantle densities to modelling took in consideration Paleoproterozoic age, beneath São Francisco Cráton, less dense (3.31 g/cm3), and with higher VP (8.26 km/s), as well as Neoproterozoic one, beneath Tocantins Province, denser (3.34 g/cm3), and with lower VP (8.07 km/s).

博士
國立中央大學
地球物理研究所
95
There are two main topics presented in this thesis. First is to use reflection seismic data and gravity modeling to study the crustal structures in the northern continental margin of the South China Sea (SCS). Another topic is to use high resolution seismic and chirp sonar data to study deep-sea sedimemt waves in the north and south sides of downstream of the Formosa Canyon. Additionally, we present the foundamatal procedures of data collecting and processing of the multi-beam bathymetry data and show a preliminary result of new bathymetry map off southwest Taiwan. We can distinguish the crustal strutures in the northern margin of the South China Sea into three partions: the continental crust (CC), the thinned continental crust (TCC) and oceanic crust (OC). The TCC zone displays a steeper slope and Moho depth becomes shallow oceanward from about 24 km to about 14 km deep. The corresponding crustal thickness is from 20 km thick to about 10 km thick and is located in a relatively low free-air gravity zone. According to the seicmic data, crustal modeling results and magnetic anomaly curves, the OC could be existed further northward and the continent-ocean boundary is along the base of continental slope. Because the volcanism happened after sea floor spreading, there are many intrusive or extrusive igneous bodies around the Dongsha Island. Thus, we can find a possible underplating in this area. Volcanism in this area also causes the abnormal thick oceanic crust in the southeast of the Dongsha Island. In the northern SCS, the deep-sea sediment wave fields are located in two zones, one is between downstream of the Formosa Canyon and Penghu Canyon, the other is between downstream of the Formosa Canon and LRTPB (Luzon-Ryukyu Transform Plate Boundary). The distribution of these deep-sea sediment waves are found below 3000 m deep and the wave front is rather parallel to the bathymetric contour lines. Base on high resolution sesmic data, we suggest that these sediment waves are caused by turbidity currents. The sediment waves have shown asymmetrical internal structures which may induced by high gravity flow activity. Most of these sediment waves are less than 85 m high, and most of wavelengthes are less than 6 km long. Most of slopes are less 0.8 degree. We suggest that the Formosa Canyon and Penghu Canyon are two major sediment transportation channels. The turbidity flows downward and may overflow directly from the turning points of the two canyons. The sediment deposits in the stoss side and erodes in the lee side. It proceedes downslope continuously because of gravity effect. Due to the bathymetric offset of the LRTPB, the turbidity current can not overflow southwards from this tectonic structure, which makes LRTPB a natural sediment wave dam.

Migration results of two multi-channel vertical incidence reflection seismic dataset offshore Virginia are presented. A new velocity model derived from multi-channel and wide-angle reflection/refraction data is developed and fit into regional geology context. The validity and limitation of the new model is discussed by means of ray-tracing travel time forward modeling and 2-D acoustic wave-equation modeling methods. Our new results show that there is a sharp boundary separating normal continental crust from crust produced by the sea-floor spreading process in this region and that the Moho appears to be continuous across the boundary. The zone of so-called "magmatic underplating" proposed previously (Sheridan et al., 1993) may well be magmas produced during the initial stage of sea-floor spreading. There may be some fragments of continental crust entrained in the region immediately seaward of the boundary, but there is no evidence of the existence of large volume of continental crust and we believe the crust in this area is also primarily product of the Mesozoic sea-floor spreading. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Major geophysical lineaments are commonly associated with active to ancient faults at a variety of scales. They may correlate with the edges of rifts, depositional basins, orogenic belts or plate boundaries, and they commonly represent corridors along which deformation, mineralisation, magmatism and intra-crustal heat flow is concentrated. In many instances, they encompass a number of these features. The Cloncurry Lineament, a major feature in wavelet processed magnetic and gravity potential field (worm) data over the Mount Isa Inlier Eastern Succession, displays several such characteristics. It is over 200 km long and inferred to extend to at least 30 km depth. It delineates a contact between two major Paleoproterozoic sedimentary sequences, implying that it originated as a normal fault during rifting and basin formation. Magnetic forward modelling results suggest it corresponds to the eastern margin of a 5-10 km wide deformation zone within the calc-silicate Doherty Formation; the Cloncurry Fault Zone. The Cloncurry Fault Zone encompasses a continuum of deformation from ~1.6 to1.5 Ga. While D₁-D₂ deformation is regionally dominant, D₃ is more significant in the fault zone itself as evidenced by much lower temperatures during mylonitisation (500- 350°C) and the superimposition of mylonitic fabrics on Maramungee aged (~1550 Ma) granites. Mapping and structural fabric analysis of the Cloncurry Fault Zone show that D₃ involved WSW shortening, sub-perpendicular to a pre-existing basin-bounding fault. D₃ created an anastomosing shear zone system displaying variable slip vectors with synchronous variably NNW or SSE plunging folds. Penetrative fabrics are attributed to strain partitioning in the D₃ event, rather than a more complex history of overprinting. During D₄-D₅ a sinistral Riedel strike-slip fault system formed, coincident with massive Na-Ca brecciation. Intrusive magmatism and IOCG, Cu, and Au mineralisation also occurred during the D₃-D₅ history of the Cloncurry Fault Zone, highlighting its importance as a magmatic and hydrothermal pathway. Sodic-calcic (Na-Ca) metasomatism, associated with Cu-Au mineralisation in the Mount Isa Eastern Succession, is widely recognised but heterogeneously distributed, and difficult to map regionally. Hence, a method to map Na-Ca alteration remotely was developed. ASTER Band ratios were ineffective for mapping amphiboles and carbonates as a proxy for sodic-calcic alteration due to numerous mineral species having similar absorption features in ASTER band 8. Therefore, the low Kradiometric and highly magnetic properties of Na-Ca alteration were integrated with ASTER band 8 to form a Sodic-Calcic Alteration Index. The Index highlights albiteactinolite- magnetite assemblages that are coincident copper with Cu-Au mineralisation in the Eastern Succession, and the Index is useful for regional exploration in the Mount Isa Inlier. Weights-of-evidence analysis identifies the Cloncurry Lineament as an important crustal-scale control on Au, Au-Cu, Cu-Au, and Cu mineralisation, and autocorrelation is used to identify local structural controls within the broad regional control. This integrated approach, using worms and weights-of-evidence and autocorrelation, may prove a useful exploration tool for mineralised terrains under Phanerozoic cover. Mineralisation along the Cloncurry Lineament appears to be facilitated by two main factors. Firstly, it is associated with long, deep-crustal structure lying above dynamic lower crust/mantle, which has concentrated magmatism and metasomatism. Secondly, the associated structures have been repeatedly reactivated; increasing the chances that dilation may coincide in space and time with upflow of mineralising fluids to form a mineral deposit. These two factors appear to be consistent in several of the world's major mineralised lineaments.

High-pressure granulite terranes are important sources of information for understanding deep-crustal architecture and processes related to the evolution and stabilization of continental lithosphere. However, one of the most critical challenges is to understand how, and on what timescales, large exposures of lowermost continental crust are exhumed to the Earth's surface. In the East Lake Athabasca region of the western Canadian Shield, high pressure granulites (∼1.0+ GPa) make up one of the largest exposed deep crustal terranes in the world (>20,000 km2). Important insight into the exhumation history of this region come from the study of the kinematics, timing, and metamorphic evolution of a several km-wide, oblique-slip, thrust-sense mylonitic shear zone (Legs Lake shear zone) that forms a major boundary of the high-pressure terrane. The juxtaposition of crustal levels across this structure is more than 20 km. Integrated structural and petrologic analysis of the shear zone and its wallrocks, combined with in situ electron microprobe monazite Th-U-Pb geochronology and U-Pb isotope geochronology, suggest a multi-stage exhumation history for the high-pressure region that occurred over a period of >100 million years. Similar studies of a second and younger fault zone and of the cross-cutting relationships between the two shear zone systems (with displacements of up to 110 km), provide an explanation for the present-day distribution of high pressure rocks in the region and have important implications for the early growth of this part of Laurentia.