Strain Localization and Seismic Properties in the Heterogeneous Ailaoshan‐Red River Shear Zone, Southeast Asia

Abstract Strain localization is crucial in developing crustal‐scale shear zones; however, a systematic analysis of deformation characteristics and their impact on seismic properties is still lacking. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of migmatites and granitic mylonites in the Ailaoshan‐R...

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Main Authors: Junyu Li, Shuyun Cao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-02-01
Series:Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1029/2024GC011929
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author Junyu Li
Shuyun Cao
author_facet Junyu Li
Shuyun Cao
author_sort Junyu Li
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Strain localization is crucial in developing crustal‐scale shear zones; however, a systematic analysis of deformation characteristics and their impact on seismic properties is still lacking. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of migmatites and granitic mylonites in the Ailaoshan‐Red River shear zone (ASRR‐SZ), incorporating detailed field observations, microstructure analysis, mineral crystallographic preferred orientations, rheological parameters, and seismic properties. Pre‐existing compositional and mechanical anisotropies significantly influence strain localization in the ASRR‐SZ. The southern part of the ASRR‐SZ is primarily characterized by crustal anatexis, suggesting these regions as potential initiation sites for strain localization. Strain characteristics in the ASRR‐SZ manifest in deformation temperatures (three ranges, ∼400–440°C, ∼470–500°C, and ∼730°C), differential stress (concentrated at 15.9–65.1 MPa), and strain rate (concentrated at 10−13–10−11 s−1). Notably, strain localization significantly alters the rock fabric and further affects the seismic properties of rocks. Significant differences in Vp values and orientations are noted between melanosomes (anisotropy of P‐waves: AVp = 6.8%–17.9%, Max. Vp along the X‐axis) and leucosomes (AVp = 3.4%–3.7%, Max. Vp along the Y‐axis). The seismic velocities and AVp in granitic mylonites exhibit a linear correlation with quartz content, and deformation conditions strongly influence their orientation. For a middle to lower crust thickness of ∼25 km, the delay times between fast and slow polarized shear waves are 0.3–0.66 s for granitic mylonites, 0.37–0.7 s for melanosomes, 0.22–0.31 s for leucosomes, 0.27–0.58 s for amphibolites, and 0.57–2.7 s for schists. The average delay time (dt) of these rocks along the ASRR‐SZ accounts for the observed delay time (dt = 0.58 s).
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spelling doaj-art-6f3fb24c3b734da9914db10885e9072c2025-08-20T02:16:01ZengWileyGeochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems1525-20272025-02-01262n/an/a10.1029/2024GC011929Strain Localization and Seismic Properties in the Heterogeneous Ailaoshan‐Red River Shear Zone, Southeast AsiaJunyu Li0Shuyun Cao1State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources School of Earth Sciences China University of Geosciences Wuhan ChinaState Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources School of Earth Sciences China University of Geosciences Wuhan ChinaAbstract Strain localization is crucial in developing crustal‐scale shear zones; however, a systematic analysis of deformation characteristics and their impact on seismic properties is still lacking. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of migmatites and granitic mylonites in the Ailaoshan‐Red River shear zone (ASRR‐SZ), incorporating detailed field observations, microstructure analysis, mineral crystallographic preferred orientations, rheological parameters, and seismic properties. Pre‐existing compositional and mechanical anisotropies significantly influence strain localization in the ASRR‐SZ. The southern part of the ASRR‐SZ is primarily characterized by crustal anatexis, suggesting these regions as potential initiation sites for strain localization. Strain characteristics in the ASRR‐SZ manifest in deformation temperatures (three ranges, ∼400–440°C, ∼470–500°C, and ∼730°C), differential stress (concentrated at 15.9–65.1 MPa), and strain rate (concentrated at 10−13–10−11 s−1). Notably, strain localization significantly alters the rock fabric and further affects the seismic properties of rocks. Significant differences in Vp values and orientations are noted between melanosomes (anisotropy of P‐waves: AVp = 6.8%–17.9%, Max. Vp along the X‐axis) and leucosomes (AVp = 3.4%–3.7%, Max. Vp along the Y‐axis). The seismic velocities and AVp in granitic mylonites exhibit a linear correlation with quartz content, and deformation conditions strongly influence their orientation. For a middle to lower crust thickness of ∼25 km, the delay times between fast and slow polarized shear waves are 0.3–0.66 s for granitic mylonites, 0.37–0.7 s for melanosomes, 0.22–0.31 s for leucosomes, 0.27–0.58 s for amphibolites, and 0.57–2.7 s for schists. The average delay time (dt) of these rocks along the ASRR‐SZ accounts for the observed delay time (dt = 0.58 s).https://doi.org/10.1029/2024GC011929strain localizationseismic propertiesquartz microfabricsstrain rateAilaoshan‐Red River shear zone
spellingShingle Junyu Li
Shuyun Cao
Strain Localization and Seismic Properties in the Heterogeneous Ailaoshan‐Red River Shear Zone, Southeast Asia
Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems
strain localization
seismic properties
quartz microfabrics
strain rate
Ailaoshan‐Red River shear zone
title Strain Localization and Seismic Properties in the Heterogeneous Ailaoshan‐Red River Shear Zone, Southeast Asia
title_full Strain Localization and Seismic Properties in the Heterogeneous Ailaoshan‐Red River Shear Zone, Southeast Asia
title_fullStr Strain Localization and Seismic Properties in the Heterogeneous Ailaoshan‐Red River Shear Zone, Southeast Asia
title_full_unstemmed Strain Localization and Seismic Properties in the Heterogeneous Ailaoshan‐Red River Shear Zone, Southeast Asia
title_short Strain Localization and Seismic Properties in the Heterogeneous Ailaoshan‐Red River Shear Zone, Southeast Asia
title_sort strain localization and seismic properties in the heterogeneous ailaoshan red river shear zone southeast asia
topic strain localization
seismic properties
quartz microfabrics
strain rate
Ailaoshan‐Red River shear zone
url https://doi.org/10.1029/2024GC011929
work_keys_str_mv AT junyuli strainlocalizationandseismicpropertiesintheheterogeneousailaoshanredrivershearzonesoutheastasia
AT shuyuncao strainlocalizationandseismicpropertiesintheheterogeneousailaoshanredrivershearzonesoutheastasia