The Late Variscan control on the location and asymmetry of the Upper Rhine Graben

Grimmer, Jens C.; Ritter, Joachim; Eisbacher, G. H.; Fielitz, W.

doi:10.1007/s00531-016-1336-x

Cited by 38 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 122 publications

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“…In summary, all the above mentioned observations suggest that although different processes may have contributed to the present architecture of the MER (e.g., flexure during initial rifting stages, Kazmin et al, 1980, and bending related to magma intrusion, Corti et al, 2015;Buck, 2017), the major control has been likely exerted by the different rheological nature of the Ethiopian and Somalian plateaus. This supports recent observations from other continental rifts (e.g., Malawi Rift and Upper Rhine Graben) illustrating that alongaxis variations in basement fabric have a strong influence on basin architecture and segmentation as well as on the characteristics of the rift margins (e.g., Grimmer et al, 2017;Laó-Dávila et al, 2015).…”

Section: Relations Between Rift Architecture and Pre-rift Lithospherisupporting

confidence: 89%

“…In these conditions, variations in the mechanical properties of the rifting plate (e.g., Scholz & Contreras, ) and/or the presence of the pervasive and/or discrete fabrics (e.g., Ring, ; Versfelt & Rosendahl, ) may exert a primary control on the extension‐related pattern of faulting at both regional and local scales (e.g., Brune, ; Corti, ; Ziegler & Cloetingh, ). Recent studies support the strong influence played by along‐axis variations in basement fabrics on rift segmentation, inducing significant variations in the characteristics of the rift margins (e.g., vertical throw on major boundary faults) and the symmetry or asymmetry of the rift basins (see for instance examples from Lake Malawi in Laó‐Dávila et al, , or from the Upper Rhine Graben in Grimmer et al, ). Differences in rift symmetry/asymmetry are also typically interpreted to be time‐dependent: observations from the East African Rift System suggest a progression from asymmetric to symmetric rifting, eventually followed by axial focusing of the volcanism and faulting (e.g., Hayward & Ebinger, ; WoldeGabriel et al, ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Control of Pre‐rift Lithospheric Structure on the Architecture and Evolution of Continental Rifts: Insights From the Main Ethiopian Rift, East Africa

et al. 2018

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We investigate the along‐axis variations in architecture, segmentation, and evolution of the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER), East Africa, and relate these characteristics to the regional geology, lithospheric structure, and surface processes. We first illustrate significant along‐axis variations in basin architecture through analysis of simplified geological cross sections in different rift sectors. We then integrate this information with a new analysis of Ethiopian topography and hydrography to illustrate how rift architecture (basin symmetry/asymmetry) is reflected in the margin topography and has been likely amplified by a positive feedback between tectonics (flexural uplift) and surface processes (fluvial erosion and unloading). This analysis shows that ~70% of the 500 km long MER is asymmetric, with most of the asymmetric rift sectors being characterized by a master fault system on the eastern margin. We finally relate rift architecture and segmentation to the regional geology and geophysical constraints on the lithosphere. We provide strong evidence that rift architecture is controlled by the contrasting nature of the lithosphere beneath the homogeneous, strong Somalian Plateau and the weaker, more heterogeneous Ethiopian Plateau, differences originating from the presence of pre‐rift zones of weakness on the Ethiopian Plateau and likely amplified by surface processes. The data provided by this integrated analysis suggest that asymmetric rifts may directly progress to focused axial tectonic‐magmatic activity, without transitioning into a symmetric rifting stage. These observations have important implications for the asymmetry of continental rifts and conjugate passive margins worldwide.

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Section: Relations Between Rift Architecture and Pre-rift Lithospherisupporting

confidence: 89%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Control of Pre‐rift Lithospheric Structure on the Architecture and Evolution of Continental Rifts: Insights From the Main Ethiopian Rift, East Africa

et al. 2018

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“…Upper Rhine Graben: The Upper Rhine Graben is a 300 km long NNE-SSW-trending active rift system on the border of France and Germany. The graben is seismically active, with frequent small events and occasional moderate-sized events, and some historic events of M ∼7.0 (Grimmer et al, 2017). Five medium-to hightemperature geothermal power plants are currently operational in the graben (Vidal & Genter, 2018).…”

Section: Convection-dominated Plays And/or Case Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review of induced seismicity in geothermal systems worldwide and implications for geothermal systems in the Netherlands

Buijze

Bijsterveldt²,

Cremer³

et al. 2019

Netherlands Journal of Geosciences

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Geothermal energy is a viable alternative to gas for the heating of buildings, industrial areas and greenhouses, and can thus play an important role in making the transition to sustainable energy in the Netherlands. Heat is currently produced from the Dutch subsurface through circulation of water between two wells in deep (1.5–3 km) geothermal formations with temperature of up to ∼100 °C. As the number of these so-called doublets is expected to increase significantly over the next decades, and targeted depths and temperatures increase, it is important to assess potential show-stoppers related to geothermal operations. One of these potential hazards is the possibility of the occurrence of felt seismic events, which could potentially damage infrastructure and housing, and affect public support. Such events have been observed in several geothermal systems in other countries. Here we review the occurrence (or the lack) of felt seismic events in geothermal systems worldwide and identify key factors influencing the occurrence and magnitude of these events. Based on this review, we project the findings for seismicity in geothermal systems to typical geothermal formations and future geothermal developments in the Netherlands. The case study review shows that doublets that circulate fluids through relatively shallow, porous, sedimentary aquifers far from the crystalline basement are unlikely to generate felt seismic events. On the other hand, stimulations or circulations in or near competent, fractured, basement rocks and production and reinjection operations in high-temperature geothermal fields are more prone to induce felt events, occasionally with magnitudes of M > 5.0. Many of these operations are situated in tectonically active areas, and stress and temperature changes may be large. The presence of large, optimally oriented and critically stressed faults increases the potential for induced seismicity. The insights from the case study review suggest that the potential for the occurrence of M > 2.0 seismicity for geothermal operations in several of the sandstone target formations in the Netherlands is low, especially if faults can be avoided. The potential for induced seismicity may be moderate for operations in faulted carbonate rocks. Induced seismicity always remains a complex and site-specific process with large unknowns, and can never be excluded entirely. However, assessing the potential for inducing felt seismic events can be improved by considering the relevant (site-specific) geological and operational key factors discussed in this article.

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“…In the Miocene, the regional stress field changes to an NW-SE sinistral transtensional regime with reactivation of the older fault system (Illies 1972). Starting from the northern part, the URG was subjected to large subsidence and sedimentation up to 3.5 km (Grimmer et al 2017).…”

Section: Upper Rhine Grabenmentioning

confidence: 99%

Triaxial testing and hydraulic–mechanical modeling of sandstone reservoir rock in the Upper Rhine Graben

et al. 2018

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Background The determination of the subsurface conditions and reservoir properties is indispensable for exploration and exploitation of a geothermal field. It includes the expected geological structures as well as the hydraulic, thermal, chemical and mechanical parameters of the target horizon which should be favorable for geothermal utilization. Most essential is a high permeability to supply sufficient flow rates and high temperatures (Stober and Bucher 2012). An area in Germany which fulfills the criteria is the Upper Rhine Graben with a unique geothermal potential (Agemar et al. 2014). Local temperature anomalies with elevated temperatures up to 165 °C are expected at a depth of 2500 m, while the average geothermal gradient of the URG is above 40K km −1 (Agemar et al. 2013). Especially the sedimentary formation of the Triassic, Buntsandstein and Muschelkalk shows high permeabilities, which are necessary to provide high flow rates (Stober and Bucher 2014).

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The Late Variscan control on the location and asymmetry of the Upper Rhine Graben

Cited by 38 publications

References 122 publications

Control of Pre‐rift Lithospheric Structure on the Architecture and Evolution of Continental Rifts: Insights From the Main Ethiopian Rift, East Africa

Control of Pre‐rift Lithospheric Structure on the Architecture and Evolution of Continental Rifts: Insights From the Main Ethiopian Rift, East Africa

Review of induced seismicity in geothermal systems worldwide and implications for geothermal systems in the Netherlands

Triaxial testing and hydraulic–mechanical modeling of sandstone reservoir rock in the Upper Rhine Graben

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