David Fernández‐Blanco

Institut de Ciències del Mar

Author Statistics

Papers

Citation

H-Index

i-10 index

Research Trends

Author Order

Document Type

Co-Authors

Gino de Gelder

National Research and Innovation Agency

Robin Lacassin

Institut de physique du globe de Paris

Rolando Armijo

Tufts University

Giovanni Bertotti

Delft University of Technology

Daniel Melnick

Austral University of Chile

Sean D. Willett

ETH Zurich

Julius Jara‐Muñoz

University of Applied Sciences Biberach

Laurent Husson

Université Grenoble Alpes

Kévin Pedoja

Université de Caen Normandie

Utsav Mannu

Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar

Cooperative Institutions

Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique

Institut de Recherche pour le Développement

Institut de physique du globe de Paris

Université Paris Cité

Sorbonne Université

Normandie Université

Sorbonne Paris Cité

Université de Caen Normandie

Institut de Ciències del Mar

Laboratoire de Physique de l'ENS

Author Statistics

Papers

Citation

H-Index

i-10 index

Research Field

High resolution topography and modeling of the Huon coral reef terrace sequence (Papua New Guinea)

Gino de Gelder Anne‐Morwenn Pastier Denovan Chauveau David Fernández‐Blanco Kévin Pedoja

<p>Coral reef terraces (CRT) are amongst the most important indicators of Quaternary sea level fluctuations, and are therefore relevant to a wide spectrum of climatic and tectonic studies. The Huon Peninsula in Papua New Guinea accomodates one of the first CRT sequences to be mapped, measured and dated in detail through pioneering studies several decades ago. Those studies were limited by the available techniques to assess the large scale terrace sequence morphology, and thus to constrain spatiotemporal uplift rate variations that are key to determine past relative sea-level (RSL). We re-visit the Huon CRTs with the aim of refining tectonic uplift rates and RSL, using digital surface models calculated from 0.5m Pleiades satellite imagery. This allows us to constrain variations in CRT elevation, and assess tectonic deformation wavelengths in detail. We then use a numerical code for coral reef modeling to reconstruct the sequence morphology and constrain the possible range of RSL over the past few glacial-interglacial cycles. We find that large-scale tilting of the terrace sequence is generally N- instead of NW-directed, which is more compatible with the regional tectonic setting. It also implies changes of several meters for RSL highstand estimates compared to previous studies. We compare our results to other terrace sequences, and discuss the potential of combining high-resolution topography with landscape evolution modeling to constrain RSL.</p>

Terrace (agriculture)

Tectonic uplift

New guinea

Sequence (biology)

10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-17606

Cite

Citations (0)

Plio-Quaternary extensional tectonics of the Central Anatolian Plateau: a case study from the Tuz Gölü Basin, Turkey

TURKISH JOURNAL OF EARTH SCIENCES (2013)

Erman Özsayın TAHSİN ATTİLA ÇİNER Fuat Rojay RAMAZAN KADİR DİRİK Daniel Melnick

The Tuz Gölü Basin is the largest sedimentary depression located at the center of the Central Anatolian Plateau, an extensive, low-relief region with elevations of ca. 1 km located between the Pontide and Tauride mountains. Presently, the basin morphology and sedimentation processes are mainly controlled by the extensional Tuz Gölü Fault Zone in the east and the transtensional İnönü-Eskişehir Fault System in the west. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the understanding of the Plio-Quaternary deformation history and to refine the timing of the latest extensional phase of the Tuz Gölü Basin. Field observations, kinematic analyses, interpretations of seismic reflection lines, and ^{40}Ar/^{39}Ar dating of a key ignimbrite layer suggest that a regional phase of NNW-SSE to NE-SW contraction ended by 6.81 ± 0.24 Ma and was followed by N-S to NE-SW extension during the Pliocene-Quaternary periods. Based on sedimentological and chronostratigraphic markers, the average vertical displacement rates over the past 5 or 3 Ma with respect to the central part of Tuz Gölü Lake are 0.03 to 0.05 mm/year for the fault system at the western flank of the basin and 0.08 to 0.13 mm/year at the eastern flank. Paleo-shorelines of the Tuz Gölü Lake, vestiges of higher lake levels related to Quaternary climate change, are important strain markers and were formed during Last Glacial Maximum conditions as indicated by a radiocarbon age of 21.8 ± 0.4 ka BP obtained from a stromatolitic crust. Geomorphic observations and deformed lacustrine shorelines suggest that the main strand of the Tuz Gölü Fault Zone straddling the foothills of the Şereflikoçhisar–Aksaray range has not been active during the Holocene. Instead, deformation appears to have migrated towards the interior of the basin along an offshore fault that runs immediately west of Şereflikoçhisar Peninsula. This basinward migration of deformation is probably associated with various processes acting at the lithospheric scale, such as plateau uplift and/or microplate extrusion.

North Anatolian Fault

Extensional tectonics

Magnetostratigraphy

10.3906/yer-1210-5

Cite

Citations (65)

A New Data‐Driven Bayesian Inversion of Fluvial Topography Clarifies the Tectonic History of the Corinth Rift and Reveals a Channel Steepness Threshold

Journal of Geophysical Research Earth Surface (2021)

Sean F. Gallen David Fernández‐Blanco

Abstract Landscape evolution models that invert topography for rock uplift can improve our understanding of both tectonic and geomorphic processes when properly constrained with data. Here we present a flexible, data‐driven Bayesian approach to invert fluvial topography for tectonic and geomorphic model parameters and apply it to a case study, the uplifting footwall of the Corinth Rift, Greece. We invert transient river profiles and up‐flexed marine terraces to resolve seven unknown parameters in a regional‐to‐flexural uplift tectonic model and the stream power incision model. The best‐fit tectonic parameters are consistent with independent data and predict block uplift rates of ∼0.1 mm yr −1 that changed to flexural uplift rates of ∼1.6 mm yr −1 at ∼0.6 Ma, as the master normal fault initiated. Similarly, the best‐fit geomorphic parameters predict sediment flux consistent with the offshore record and erodibility consistent with previous studies. However, the drainage area exponent, , of ∼2, and slope exponent, , of ∼7, are unusually high, indicating a threshold channel steepness where fluvial topography is largely insensitive to rock uplift rate >0.05 mm yr −1 . Analysis indicates channels narrow to accommodate enhanced uplift rates, but channel narrowing only partially explains our results, suggesting that other processes not accounted for in the generic stream power model are also relevant to bedrock river incision in Corinth. Our results help clarify the tectonic and geomorphic evolution of the Corinth Rift, have important implications for studies that invert topography for rock uplift histories, and provide insight into potential limitations of some long‐term river incision models.

Stream power

Tectonic uplift

Bedrock

10.1029/2020jf005651

Cite

Citations (38)

Lithospheric flexure and rheology determined by climate cycle markers in the Corinth Rift

Scientific Reports (2019)

Gino de Gelder David Fernández‐Blanco Daniel Melnick Guillaume Duclaux Rebecca Bell

Geomorphic strain markers accumulating the effects of many earthquake cycles help to constrain the mechanical behaviour of continental rift systems as well as the related seismic hazards. In the Corinth Rift (Greece), the unique record of onshore and offshore markers of Pleistocene ~100-ka climate cycles provides an outstanding possibility to constrain rift mechanics over a range of timescales. Here we use high-resolution topography to analyse the 3D geometry of a sequence of Pleistocene emerged marine terraces associated with flexural rift-flank uplift. We integrate this onshore dataset with offshore seismic data to provide a synoptic view of the flexural deformation across the rift. This allows us to derive an average slip rate of 4.5-9.0 mm·yr-1 on the master fault over the past ~610 ka and an uplift/subsidence ratio of 1:1.1-2.4. We reproduce the observed flexure patterns, using 3 and 5-layered lithospheric scale finite element models. Modelling results imply that the observed elastic flexure is produced by coseismic slip along 40-60° planar normal faults in the elastic upper crust, followed by postseismic viscous relaxation occurring within the basal lower crust or upper mantle. We suggest that such a mechanism may typify rapid localised extension of continental lithosphere.

Lithospheric flexure

Isostasy

10.1038/s41598-018-36377-1

Cite

Citations (41)

Sedimentation and viscosity controls on forearc high growth

Basin Research (2020)

David Fernández‐Blanco Utsav Mannu Teodoro Cassola Giovanni Bertotti Sean D. Willett

Abstract Crustal rheology and surface processes strongly influence strain distribution and shape of orogenic wedges at their front but how they influence the wedge rear is still unclear. Here, we analyse the coupled control of viscosity and sedimentation on forearc high growth during advanced stages of subduction accretion. We use 2D thermo‐mechanical finite element models constrained with data of the south Anatolian margin. Our simulations show that forearc highs grow as a thermally‐activated viscosity drop in the lower crust induces ductile deformation and viscous flow. Initial viscosity and the amount of sediments in the forearc basin control non‐linearly the occurrence and timing of the thermally‐activated viscosity drop, and thus of the growth of the forearc high. High sedimentation rates result in thicker forearc basins that stabilise the subduction wedge and delay the onset of uplift in the forearc high. Low viscosities promote earlier onset of forearc high uplift and lead to larger morphological variability along the subduction margin. Increasing either the sedimentation rate or viscosity may prevent forearc high formation entirely. The thermo‐viscous forearc highs grow at an age set by wedge thermal state as a function of accretionary flux, wedge viscosity, and synorogenic sedimentation. Our models explain vertical motions in south Anatolia and potentially in other accretionary margins, like the Lesser Antilles or Cascadia, during the formation of their broad forearc highs.

Forearc

Accretionary wedge

10.1111/bre.12518

Cite

Citations (2)

Present-day stress orientations in the Great Sumatran Fault in North Sumatra

EarthArXiv (California Digital Library) (2018)

David Fernández‐Blanco Mélody Philippon Christoph von Hagke

Trench-parallel strike slip faults develop at lithospheric scale during oblique high-angle subduction. A “sliver” plate forms due to slip partitioning between the subduction plane (margin-normal slip) and the strike slip fault (margin-parallel slip). This process ultimately controls the location of volcanoes and earthquakes. The Great Sumatran Fault (GSF) is a showcase of this tectonic configuration located in the Sumatran section of the Sunda arc-trench system. Kinematics of the large-scale structures of the Sumatra section of the Sunda trench are well understood and tensional and compressional domains have been identified at the regional scale. However, detailed understanding of the stress distribution is still lacking yet essential for evaluating the seismic hazard potential in order to mitigate the impact of the large, hazardous earthquakes associated with this system.In this contribution, we study the present-day stress orientations of the Great Sumatran Fault at its northern section (NGSF). We deduced the state of (paleo)stress along structural features observed at two scales; (a) at meso-scale, analyzing ASTER GDEM data, and (b) at outcrop-scale, with field data measurements. We focus on the leading edge of northwestward propagating continental sliver deformation exposed on land, i.e. the northernmost tip of Sumatra (between 4,5°N and 6°N), where the NGSF bifurcates into its two major branches. These two fault branches form two structural highs bounding a graben basin in the onshore, continuing into the Pulau Weh Island in the east, and the Pulau Aceh Archipelago in the west. Given their location at the present day deformation front, these islands provide a unique opportunity to compare the sub-recent stress field with present day stresses, contributing to the understanding of the stress field evolution during northwestwards propagation of the Sumatran forearc continental sliver.

Stress field

Transtension

10.31223/osf.io/6pvhm

Cite

Citations (0)

Forearc high uplift by lower crustal flow during growth of the Cyprus-Anatolian margin

Earth and Planetary Science Letters (2020)

David Fernández‐Blanco Utsav Mannu Giovanni Bertotti Sean D. Willett

Forearc

Accretionary wedge

10.1016/j.epsl.2020.116314

Cite

Citations (12)

Timing and mechanisms of Hellenic forearc uplift constrained by the E-Crete marine terraces

EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts (2018)

Gino de Gelder David Fernández‐Blanco Lucilla Benedetti Spyros Liakopoulos Robin Lacassin

Forearc

Source

Cite

Citations (0)

Characterizing the mode of growth in crustal normal faults

EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts (2019)

David Fernández‐Blanco Gino de Gelder Robin Lacassin Rolando Armijo

Mode (computer interface)

Source

Cite

Citations (0)

Are abandoned rifts tectonically active? Morphotectonic evidence from the Gulf of Suez

David Fernández‐Blanco Gino de Gelder Christopher Jackson

<p>Intra-continental abandoned rifts can fail for many reasons and are typically considered to be tectonically inactive. It is widely thought that the Oligo-Miocene Suez Rift, Egypt, which is located at the propagating northern end of the Red Sea spreading ridge, was abandoned in the Pliocene when motion between the African and Arabian plates was accommodated instead by the sinistral Dead Sea transform fault. However, local evidence for Plio-Quaternary normal faulting, the presence of uplifted Quaternary shorelines along the rift margins, and low-magnitude but widespread seismicity, together suggest the Suez Rift is tectonically active. Here, we present the first detailed analysis of this post-&#8220;abandonment&#8221; tectonic activity. We analyze the fluvial and tectonic geomorphology of the rift using freely available, 30 m-horizontal resolution digital elevation models (DEMs). These data reveal widespread normal fault offsets of Plio-Quaternary rocks at outcrop-to-basin scale, even in rift sectors >250 km north of the southern terminus of the rift. River morphology, tectonic knickpoints, normalized steepness indexes (ksn), and chi (&#967;) maps also provide evidence for relatively young faulting. Uplifted Quaternary shorelines show that active normal faults have footwall uplift rates of up to 0.125 mm/yr, even in locations >200 km north of the rift terminus, with these rates being relatively consistent for both rift margins. Our preliminary results provide clear evidence for young and ongoing tectonic activity in the Suez Rift and thus question the notion that this evolving plate boundary is currently in a state of complete tectonic quiescence. We speculate that the present tectonic activity in the Suez Rift results from the translation of far-field stresses imposed by the Afar plume, or by a recent change in the Eulerian pole of rotation between the African and the Arabian plates. Our results call for further analyses of the recent rifting in the Suez Rift and the exploration of recent activity in other &#8220;abandoned&#8221; rifts.</p>

Half-graben

Neotectonics

Continental Margin

Rift valley

10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-18075

Cite

Citations (0)