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Structure of pseudotachylyte vein systems as a key to co-seismic rupture dynamics: the case of Gavilgarh–Tan Shear Zone, central India

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Abstract

The secondary fractures associated with a major pseudotachylyte-bearing fault vein in the sheared aplitic granitoid of the Proterozoic Gavilgarh–Tan Shear Zone in central India are mapped at the outcrop scale. The fracture maps help to identify at least three different types of co-seismic ruptures, e.g., X–X′, T1 and T2, which characterize sinistral-sense shearing of rocks, confined between two sinistral strike-slip faults slipping at seismic rate. From the asymmetric distribution of tensile fractures around the sinistral-sense fault vein, the direction of seismic rupture propagation is predicted to have occurred from west-southwest to east-northeast, during an ancient (Ordovician?) earthquake. Calculations of approximate co-seismic displacement on the faults and seismic moment (M 0) of the earthquake are attempted, following the methods proposed by earlier workers. These estimates broadly agree to the findings from other studied fault zones (e.g., Gole Larghe Fault zone, Italian Alps). This study supports the proposition by some researchers that important seismological information can be extracted from tectonic pseudotachylytes of all ages, provided they are not reworked by subsequent tectonic activity.

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Acknowledgments

Research on pseudotachylytes of Gavilgarh–Tan Shear Zone was funded partly by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, and the University of Delhi in the form of sponsored research projects to AC. Department of Geology, University of Delhi provided the microscopic facility. L. Khasdeo is thanked for assistance during field work. We thank two anonymous reviewers of the journal for their excellent constructive and critical remarks which greatly benefited the paper. The Editor-in-chief Prof. W-C Dullo is thanked for his editorial support.

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  1. Department of Geology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India

    A. Chattopadhyay, D. Bhattacharjee & S. Mukherjee

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  1. A. Chattopadhyay
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  2. D. Bhattacharjee
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  3. S. Mukherjee
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Correspondence to A. Chattopadhyay.

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Chattopadhyay, A., Bhattacharjee, D. & Mukherjee, S. Structure of pseudotachylyte vein systems as a key to co-seismic rupture dynamics: the case of Gavilgarh–Tan Shear Zone, central India. Int J Earth Sci (Geol Rundsch) 103, 953–965 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-013-0986-1

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