Generation of amorphous carbon and crystallographic texture during low-temperature subseismic slip in calcite fault gouge

Claudio Delle Piane, Sandra Piazolo, Nicholas E. Timms, Vladimir Luzin, Martin Saunders, Julien Bourdet, Ausama Giwelli, M. Ben Clennell, Charlie Kong, William D.A. Rickard, Michael Verrall

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Identification of the nano-scale to micro-scale mechanochemical processes occurring during fault slip is of fundamental importance to understand earthquake nucleation and propagation. Here we explore the micromechanical processes occurring during fault nucleation and slip at subseismic rates (~3 × 10-6 m s-1) in carbonate rocks. We experimentally sheared calcite-rich travertine blocks at simulated upper crustal conditions, producing a nano-grained fault gouge. Strain in the gouge is accommodated by cataclastic comminution of calcite grains and concurrent crystal-plastic deformation through twinning and dislocation glide, producing a crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO). Continued wear of fine-grained gouge particles results in the mechanical decomposition of calcite and production of amorphous carbon. We show that CPO and the production of amorphous carbon, previously attributed to frictional heating and weakening during seismic slip, can be produced at low temperature during stable slip at subseismic rates without slip weakening.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)163-166
Number of pages4
JournalGeology
Volume46
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2018

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Generation of amorphous carbon and crystallographic texture during low-temperature subseismic slip in calcite fault gouge'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this