Field observations in western Sinai show that damage zones around faults are characterized by (a) a decrease in the frequency of small-scale structures with increasing distance from the master fault, (b) clustering of these structures across damage zones, and (c) a positive relationship between damage zone width and master fault throw in logarithmic space, up to maximum width of about 80 m. This relationship allows damage zone width to be estimated from fault throw, a parameter obtainable from seismic data. Preliminary data on the interconnectivity of structures within damage zones indicate that granulation seams are more likely to intersect than tip out. The thicknesses of small-scale structures were measured, and the cumulative thicknesses of all small-scale structures within individual damage zones calculated. In the examples given, these cumulative thicknesses are up to 1 m within 10-30 m wide damage zones, implying that as much as 1 m of deformed rock, most likely with reduced porosity and permeability, occurs across damage zones. This, together with the interconnectivity data, suggests that the impact of faults on fluid flow may occur not only at fault planes, but throughout their damage zones.
The late Pliocene‐early Pleistocene Athalassa Formation accumulated within the Neogene Mesaoria basin of northern Cyprus, bordered by two subdued, but rising, landmasses, the Kyrenia Range to the north and the Troodos ophiolitic massif to the south. In the eastern part of the basin, the formation is dominated by cross‐stratified bioclastic‐rich sandstones interpreted as shallow‐marine, carbonate sand bodies. The sediments are described in terms of six calcarenite facies and subfacies and one sandstone fades. Palaeocurrent analysis indicates that the carbonate sand bodies formed near the southern margin of the Kyrenia landmass and then migrated southwards across a shallow‐marine platform. The driving force is believed to have been storms, generated by strong winds. Such winds during the late Pliocene‐early Quaternary were probably stronger than today in this area. Other factors influencing deposition of the formation include minor tectonic instability, and probable eustatic sea‐level changes. Study of the Athalassa Formation thus provides insights into late Pliocene‐Pleistocene palaeoenvironments in the easternmost Mediterranean.
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