SMR · Seismic Moment and Recurrence (SMR) using Luminescence Dating Techniques
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2017-06-01 → 2020-05-31
- EU contribution
- €254,871
- Participants
- 2
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF-GF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Seismic Moment and Recurrence (SMR) using Luminescence Dating Techniques
The aim of the SMR project is to explore the use of the luminescence techniques to date fault rock related materials which are directly associated with past earthquake events and develop detailed methodologies on the use of the luminescence dating techniques for palaeoseismology and neotectonic studies. To achieve this, SMR adopts a multi-analytical approach and investigates the zeroing potential of the luminescence signal of minerals, by employing experimental simulations of tectonic processes in the laboratory, combined with luminescence dating of samples collected from real fault zones (not subject to laboratory simulations). Having achieved this, it is necessary the development of detailed analytical procedures on the use of luminescence dating techniques, suitable specifically for fault rock related materials and the successful establishment of faults past rapture events. The SMR project has established the potential of fault-rock material (fault slickensides and gouge) to be used for luminescence and ESR dating. Analyses have indicated that minerals in fault-rocks have experienced repeated cataclastic deformation and been subject to various physical and chemical processes as well as pressure and temperature conditions which probably allow for the resetting of their luminescence/ESR signal (a prerequisite for the use of the two dating methods). Our analysis suggests that the employment of the different luminescence dating techniques can produce reliable dating results and are potentially reliable methods for direct dating fault-rock material, with luminescence ages in a number of cases studies, producing a series of ages representing neotectonic activity of the selected faults. The results of the project could ultimately affect the way earthquake prediction and risk assessment research is carried out in Europe and worldwide, creating bridges between different fields of knowledge for infrastructure planning and design but also for mitigation measures.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
During a seismic-geodynamic process, frictional heating and pressure are generated on sediments fragments resulting in deformation and alteration of minerals contained in them. The luminescence signal enclosed in minerals crystal lattice can be affected and even zeroed during such an event. This has been breakthrough in geochronological studies as it could be utilized as a chronometer for the previous seismic activity of a tectonically active area. Although the employment of luminescence dating has in some cases been successfully described, a comprehensive study outlining and defining protocols for routine luminescence dating applied to neotectonic studies has not been forthcoming. This is due to the fact that the required resetting mechanism of minerals luminescence signal under the influence of friction caused by the relative motion of a fault has been poorly investigated. The proposed project is the experimental investigation, recording and parameterization of the effects of tectonic phenomena on minerals luminescence signal and the development of detailed protocols for the standardization of the luminescence methodology for directly dating deformed geological formations, so that the long-term temporal behaviour of seismically active faults could be reasonably understood and modeled.This will be achieved by: a) identifying and proposing brittle fault zone materials suitable for luminescence dating using a multi-analytical approach which combines Petrological, Mineralogical and Chemical analyses, b) investigating the “zeroing” potential of the luminescence signal of minerals contained in fault zone materials by employing experimental simulations of tectonic processes in the laboratory, combined with luminescence measurements on samples collected from real fault zones (not subject to laboratory simulations). The proposed project will provide new tools for geo-hazards evaluations, adding to the efforts for “Securing societies” and contributing to EU sustainability.
Original text from CORDIS.
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Data: CORDIS, © European Union