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Abstract Previous studies of the San Andreas Fault damage-zone samples from the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) have identified a variety of tectonic microstructures including pressure solution cleavage, calcite-sealed fractures vein fabric, and pyrite and anhydrite hydrothermal fracture sealing. Understanding the deformation provenance of the damage zone rocks and operative deformation mechanism(s) based on preserved microstructures provide insight into overall deformation behavior of the entire seismogenic zone in the creeping section of this transform fault. We analysed the deformation of hydrothermal secondary pyrite in connection with network of calcite veins in a sample of foliated ultracataclasites bordering the actively creeping Southwestern Deforming Zone (SDZ), using SEM, EBSD and CL microscopy. The results show that calcite veins associated with the pressure solution cleavage are crosscut by the secondary pyrite deformed under a range of P-T conditions. Relatively undeformed secondary pyrite is found sealing implosion microbreccia. Our review of previously available data indicates that the damage zone rocks may represent a collage of structural and compositional domains from both locked and creeping sections of the SAF. This interpretation together with results of this study suggest that weak-clay frictional deformation mechanism(s) is likely to be the predominant aseismic creep mechanism at depths below the SAFOD. Highlights • We sought to constrain aseismic creep deformation mechanisms operative at depths below the SAFOD. • EBSD and CL methods were used to obtain deformation-related P-T conditions in a SAFOD core sample. • Calcite veins and secondary pyrite were linked to deformation, the fault uplift, and displacement. • Frictional deformation of weak clays and creep by pressure solution were considered. • The mechanisms associated with weak clays are likely to predominate aseismic creep at depths>3 km. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD), near Parkfield, California, is a borehole drilled through two active deforming zones of the San Andreas fault, the Southwest Deforming Zone (SDZ) and the Central Deforming Zone (CDZ). These zones accommodate displacement by seismic slip and aseismic creep. Elevated fluid pressures and fluid–rock interactions have been proposed to explain the low apparent strength and aseismic creep observed, but the origin of the fluids and existence of high fluid pressures remains uncertain. We use clumped-isotope thermometry and δ 18 O–δ 13 C compositions of calcite in veins to constrain the origin of paleofluids and compare these results to the isotopic composition of modern-day pore fluids from the SAFOD borehole and nearby areas. We observe that: (1) calcite vein temperatures vary from 81 to 134 °C, which overlaps the current ambient borehole temperatures of 110–115 °C at sampled depths; (2) vein calcite is not in carbon isotope equilibrium with modern-day pore fluids; (3) the δ 18 O values of paleofluids close to the SDZ and CDZ, calculated from vein δ 18 O and temperature data, are not in equilibrium with local modern-day pore waters but approach equilibrium with modern pore waters far from these zones; and (4) syntectonic vein calcite is only in C- and O-isotopic equilibrium with their host rocks within the SDZ and CDZ. Spatial patterns of δ 18 O and δ 13 C show little evidence for across-fault fluid-flow. Clumped isotope temperatures are consistent with locally-derived fluid sources, but not with continuous or episodic replenishment of fluids from shallow sedimentary brines or deep fluid sources. Our findings are compatible with flow of meteoric fluids from the southwestern damage zone into the SDZ and CDZ, which would have favored the formation of weak phyllosilicates and contributed to the present day weakness of the two actively deforming zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The central San Andreas Fault in California is known as a creeping fault, however recent studies have shown that it may be accumulating a slip deficit and thus its seismogenic potential should be seriously considered. We conducted laboratory friction experiments measuring time-dependent frictional strengthening (healing) on fault zone and wall rock samples recovered during drilling at the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD), located near the southern edge of the creeping section and in the direct vicinity of three repeating microearthquake clusters. We find that for hold times of up to 3000 s, frictional healing follows a log-linear dependence on hold time and that the healing rate is very low for a sample of the actively shearing fault core, consistent with previous results. However, considering longer hold times up to ∼350,000 s, the healing rate accelerates such that the data for all samples are better described by a power law relation. In general, samples having a higher content of phyllosilicate minerals exhibit low log-linear healing rates, and the notably clay-rich fault zone sample also exhibits strong power-law healing when longer hold times are included. Our data suggest that weak faults, such as the creeping section of the San Andreas Fault, can accumulate interseismic shear stress more rapidly than expected from previous friction data. Using the power-law dependence of frictional healing on hold time, calculations of recurrence interval and stress drop based on our data accurately match observations of discrete creep events and repeating M w = 2 earthquakes on the San Andreas Fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compare frictional strengths in the temperature range 25–250 °C of fault gouge from SAFOD (CDZ and SDZ) with quartzofeldspathic wall rocks typical of the central creeping section of the San Andreas Fault (Great Valley sequence and Franciscan Complex). The Great Valley and Franciscan samples have coefficients of friction, μ > 0.35 at all experimental conditions. Strength is unchanged between 25° and 150 °C, but μ increases at higher temperatures, exceeding 0.50 at 250 °C. Both samples are velocity strengthening at room temperature but show velocity-weakening behavior beginning at 150 °C and stick-slip motion at 250 °C. These rocks, therefore, have the potential for unstable seismic slip at depth. The CDZ gouge, with a high saponite content, is weak (μ = 0.09–0.17) and velocity strengthening in all experiments, and μ decreases at temperatures above 150 °C. Behavior of the SDZ is intermediate between the CDZ and wall rocks: μ < 0.2 and does not vary with temperature. Although saponite is probably not stable at depths greater than ∼3 km, substitution of the frictionally similar minerals talc and Mg-rich chlorite for saponite at higher temperatures could potentially extend the range of low strength and stable slip down to the base of the seismogenic zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The San Andreas Fault is one of the most studied earthquake-generating structures on Earth, but the reason that some sections are anomalously weak, and creep without apparent seismicity, remains poorly understood. Here, we present results from nanoscale (FIB–SEM) 3D microstructural observations of weak (friction coefficient of 0.095) SAFOD clay fault gouge containing serpentinite clasts, recovered from the active Central Deforming Zone at ∼2.7 km vertical depth. Our nanoscale observations confirm that frictional slip and extreme weakness occur via deformation of smectite clay that forms a shear fabric within the fault zone. We infer that creep initiates by fracture-controlled, substrate growth of oriented Mg-smectite on R, P and Y shears, followed by clay smearing and ductile flow of an evolving and expanding clay matrix. At the crystal-scale, pervasive sliding occurs along hydrated smectite interlayers and surfaces occupied by exchangeable Mg- and Ca-ions, with slip typically spaced at 3–5 lattice layers apart. We conclude that the strength and seismic behaviour of major tectonic faults at shallow crustal levels evolves as clay fabric develops with accumulated fault slip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creep in the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) drillhole is localized to two foliated gouges, the central deforming zone (CDZ) and southwest deforming zone (SDZ). The gouges consist of porphyroclasts of serpentinite and sedimentary rock dispersed in a foliated matrix of Mg-smectite clays that formed as a result of shearing-enhanced reactions between the serpentinite and quartzofeldspathic rocks. The CDZ takes up most of the creep and exhibits differences in mineralogy and texture from the SDZ that are attributable to its higher shearing rate. In addition, a ∼0.2-m-wide sector of the CDZ at its northeastern margin (NE-CDZ) is identical to the SDZ and may represent a gradient in creep rate across the CDZ. The SDZ and NE-CDZ have lower clay contents and larger porphyroclasts than most of the CDZ, and they contain veinlets and strain fringes of calcite in the gouge matrix not seen elsewhere in the CDZ. Matrix clays in the SDZ and NE-CDZ are saponite and corrensite, whereas the rest of the CDZ lacks corrensite. Saponite is younger than corrensite, reflecting clay crystallization under declining temperatures, and clays in the more actively deforming portions of the CDZ have better equilibrated to the lower-temperature conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The microstructures, mineralogy and chemistry of representative samples collected from the cores of the San Andreas Fault drill hole (SAFOD) and the Taiwan Chelungpu-Fault Drilling project (TCDP) have been studied using optical microscopy, TEM, SEM, XRD and XRF analyses. SAFOD samples provide a transect across undeformed host rock, the fault damage zone and currently active deforming zones of the San Andreas Fault. TCDP samples are retrieved from the principal slip zone (PSZ) and from the surrounding damage zone of the Chelungpu Fault. Substantial differences exist in the clay mineralogy of SAFOD and TCDP fault gouge samples. Amorphous material has been observed in SAFOD as well as TCDP samples. In line with previous publications, we propose that melt, observed in TCDP black gouge samples, was produced by seismic slip (melt origin) whereas amorphous material in SAFOD samples was formed by comminution of grains (crush origin) rather than by melting. Dauphiné twins in quartz grains of SAFOD and TCDP samples may indicate high seismic stress. The differences in the crystallographic preferred orientation of calcite between SAFOD and TCDP samples are significant. Microstructures resulting from dissolution–precipitation processes were observed in both faults but are more frequently found in SAFOD samples than in TCDP fault rocks. As already described for many other fault zones clay-gouge fabrics are quite weak in SAFOD and TCDP samples. Clay-clast aggregates (CCAs), proposed to indicate frictional heating and thermal pressurization, occur in material taken from the PSZ of the Chelungpu Fault, as well as within and outside of the SAFOD deforming zones, indicating that these microstructures were formed over a wide range of slip rates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) scientific borehole near Parkfield, California crosses two actively creeping shear zones at a depth of 2.7 km. Core samples retrieved from these active strands consist of a foliated, Mg-clay-rich gouge containing porphyroclasts of serpentinite and sedimentary rock. The adjacent damage zone and country rocks are comprised of variably deformed, fine-grained sandstones, siltstones, and mudstones. We conducted laboratory tests to measure the permeability of representative samples from each structural unit at effective confining pressures, P e up to the maximum estimated in situ P e of 120 MPa. Permeability values of intact samples adjacent to the creeping strands ranged from 10−18 to 10−21 m2 at P e = 10 MPa and decreased with applied confining pressure to 10−20–10−22 m2 at 120 MPa. Values for intact foliated gouge samples (10−21–6 × 10−23 m2 over the same pressure range) were distinctly lower than those for the surrounding rocks due to their fine-grained, clay-rich character. Permeability of both intact and crushed-and-sieved foliated gouge measured during shearing at P e ≥ 70 MPa ranged from 2 to 4 × 10−22 m2 in the direction perpendicular to shearing and was largely insensitive to shear displacement out to a maximum displacement of 10 mm. The weak, actively-deforming foliated gouge zones have ultra-low permeability, making the active strands of the San Andreas Fault effective barriers to cross-fault fluid flow. The low matrix permeability of the San Andreas Fault creeping zones and adjacent rock combined with observations of abundant fractures in the core over a range of scales suggests that fluid flow outside of the actively-deforming gouge zones is probably fracture dominated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: With optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements, we analyzed clay microfabrics in ultracataclastic/gouge and cataclastic core samples obtained from the main bore hole of the San Andreas Fault observatory at depth (SAFOD). The analysis reveals a significant contrast between weak clay fabrics observed in the core samples with synchrotron X-ray fabric measurements and strong degree of preferred alignment for clay particles documented with the optical microscope. TEM and SEM observations also show distinct zones of locally aligned and randomly oriented clay minerals. The lack of a strong fabric may be attributed to randomly oriented matrix sheet silicates dominating the fault rocks. The presence of weak fabrics in intensely strained ultracataclasites/fault gouges is attributed to 1) newly formed clay minerals that grew in many orientations, 2) folded and kinked clay minerals, and 3) clay particles that are wrapped around grains. In addition, the locally aligned clay particles may act as barriers to fluid flow, which in turn decrease porosity, expel intergranular pore fluids, and consequently, may increase fluid pressure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The San Andreas Fault zone in central California accommodates tectonic strain by stable slip and microseismic activity. We study microstructural controls of strength and deformation in the fault using core samples provided by the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) including gouge corresponding to presently active shearing intervals in the main borehole. The methods of study include high-resolution optical and electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence mapping, X-ray powder diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, white light interferometry, and image processing. The fault zone at the SAFOD site consists of a strongly deformed and foliated core zone that includes 2–3 m thick active shear zones, surrounded by less deformed rocks. Results suggest deformation and foliation of the core zone outside the active shear zones by alternating cataclasis and pressure solution mechanisms. The active shear zones, considered zones of large-scale shear localization, appear to be associated with an abundance of weak phases including smectite clays, serpentinite alteration products, and amorphous material. We suggest that deformation along the active shear zones is by a granular-type flow mechanism that involves frictional sliding of microlithons along phyllosilicate-rich Riedel shear surfaces as well as stress-driven diffusive mass transfer. The microstructural data may be interpreted to suggest that deformation in the active shear zones is strongly displacement-weakening. The fault creeps because the velocity strengthening weak gouge in the active shear zones is being sheared without strong restrengthening mechanisms such as cementation or fracture sealing. Possible mechanisms for the observed microseismicity in the creeping segment of the SAF include local high fluid pressure build-ups, hard asperity development by fracture-and-seal cycles, and stress build-up due to slip zone undulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study aims to assess whether luminescence emission from fault gouge samples from the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) can be used to determine the age distribution of distinct deformation microstructures. Such age determination could help constrain some of the proposed micromechanical models for shear localization in fault gouge, in addition to providing more accurate time constraint on the seismic cycle itself. The mechanism by which previously trapped charge is reset in minerals in fault gouge is thought to be a combination of frictional heating and mechanical deformation, and these processes may be localized to grain surfaces. An added dating complexity specific to deep samples is the high ambient temperature conditions, which act as a barrier to charge storage in lower energy trapping sites. In this work luminescence experiments are being conducted on minerals from whole-rock samples of intact fault gouge from the SAFOD Phase III core. Initial studies indicate (i) the thermal and radiation history of the mineral lattice can be assessed with TL, (ii) trap resetting is evident in both TL and IRSL data, (iii) a small charge-trapping window between drill hole ambient temperature of ∼112 °C and higher energy lattice excitation via rupture events is evident in TL data from ∼300 to 400 °C, and we tentatively link the source of IRSL to TL within this 300–400 °C region, (iv) IRSL data have low natural intensity but good luminescence characteristics, and (v) SAR IRSL D e data have high over-dispersion but demonstrate ages ranging from decades to centuries may be measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Magnesium-rich clayey gouge similar to that comprising the two actively creeping strands of the San Andreas Fault in drill core from the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) has been identified in a nearby outcrop of serpentinite within the fault zone at Nelson Creek. Each occurrence of the gouge consists of porphyroclasts of serpentinite and sedimentary rocks dispersed in a fine-grained, foliated matrix of Mg-rich smectitic clays. The clay minerals in all three gouges are interpreted to be the product of fluid-assisted, shear-enhanced reactions between quartzofeldspathic wall rocks and serpentinite that was tectonically entrained in the fault from a source in the Coast Range Ophiolite. We infer that the gouge at Nelson Creek connects to one or both of the gouge zones in the SAFOD core, and that similar gouge may occur at depths in between. The special significance of the outcrop is that it preserves the early stages of mineral reactions that are greatly advanced at depth, and it confirms the involvement of serpentinite and the Mg-rich phyllosilicate minerals that replace it in promoting creep along the central San Andreas Fault. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We characterize the lithology and structure of the spot core obtained in 2007 during Phase 3 drilling of the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) in order to determine the composition, structure, and deformation processes of the fault zone at 3km depth where creep and microseismicity occur. A total of approximately 41m of spot core was taken from three separate sections of the borehole; the core samples consist of fractured arkosic sandstones and shale west of the SAF zone (Pacific Plate) and sheared fine-grained sedimentary rocks, ultrafine black fault-related rocks, and phyllosilicate-rich fault gouge within the fault zone (North American Plate). The fault zone at SAFOD consists of a broad zone of variably damaged rock containing localized zones of highly concentrated shear that often juxtapose distinct protoliths. Two zones of serpentinite-bearing clay gouge, each meters-thick, occur at the two locations of aseismic creep identified in the borehole on the basis of casing deformation. The gouge primarily is comprised of Mg-rich clays, serpentinite (lizardite±chrysotile) with notable increases in magnetite, and Ni-Cr-oxides/hydroxides relative to the surrounding host rock. The rocks surrounding the two creeping gouge zones display a range of deformation including fractured protolith, block-in-matrix, and foliated cataclasite structure. The blocks and clasts predominately consist of sandstone and siltstone embedded in a clay-rich matrix that displays a penetrative scaly fabric. Mineral alteration, veins and fracture-surface coatings are present throughout the core, and reflect a long history of syn-deformation, fluid-rock reaction that contributes to the low-strength and creep in the meters-thick gouge zones. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The microstructures of four core samples from the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) were investigated with optical and transmission electron microscopy. These samples, consisting of sandstone, siltstone, and fault gouge from phase III of the drilling campaign (3141–3307m MD), show a complex composition of quartz, feldspar, clays, and amorphous material. Microstructures indicate intense shearing and dissolution–precipitation as main deformation processes. The samples also contain abundant veins filled with calcite. Within the inspected veins the calcite grains exhibit different degrees of deformation with evidence for twinning and crystal plasticity. Dislocation densities (ranging from≈3·1012 m−2 to ≈3·1013 m−2) and twin line densities (≈22mm−1–165mm−1) are used as paleo-piezometers. The corresponding estimates of differential stresses vary between 33 and 132MPa, deduced from dislocation density and 92–251MPa obtained from twin density, possibly reflecting chronologically different maximum stress states and/or grain scale stress perturbations. Mean values of stress estimates are 68±46MPa and 168±60MPa, respectively, where estimates from dislocation density may represent a lower bound and those from twin density an upper bound. The stress estimates are also compatible with residual lattice strains determined with microfocus Laue diffraction yielding equivalent stresses of 50–300MPa in twinned calcite. The lower stress bound agrees with stress estimates from borehole breakout measurements performed in the pilot hole. From these data and assuming hydrostatic pore pressure and a low intermediate principal stress close to the overburden stress, frictional sliding of the San Andreas Fault at the SAFOD site is constrained to friction coefficients between 0.24 and 0.31. These low friction values may be related to the presence of clays, talc, and amorphous phases found in the fault cores and support the hypothesis of a weak San Andreas Fault. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this contribution we present results from two individual gas monitoring experiments which were conducted during the drilling of the SAFOD (San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth) boreholes. Gas from circulating drilling mud was monitored during the drilling the SAFOD III side tracks and was later analyzed for δ13C (CH4, C2H6 and C3H8), H/D (CH4) and noble gas isotopes. Furthermore, gas accumulations induced by drill pipe retrieval (“trip gas”) from the SAFOD MH and the SAFOD III boreholes were also investigated. The data are interpreted in the context of gas migration processes and the permeability structure of the San Andreas Fault (SAF) around two actively deforming zones at 3194m and 3301m borehole depth. Helium isotope ratios of 0.86 Ra at 3203m and between 0.51 and 0.88 Ra at 3262m (Ra is the atmospheric 3He/4He ratio) indicate an improved flow of mantle volatiles between both fault strands. Much lower values were observed at 3147m (0.26 Ra) and 3312m (0.22 Ra). Hydrocarbon concentrations coincide with the occurrence of shale at ~3150–3200m and below ~3310m depth. The molecular and isotope composition of hydrocarbons and their spatial distributions imply hydrocarbon generation by thermal degradation of organic matter followed by extensive diffusion loss. Carbon isotope data furthermore suggest a thermal maturity of the source rock of approx. 1.4%R0. The concentration of trip gas is generally low in the interval 3100m–3450m but exhibits high spatial variability. At 3128m and 3223m depth, the trip gas concentrations are as low as in the granite section of the SAFOD Main Hole. Considerable variations of Ra values, trip gas concentrations, and the molecular composition of hydrocarbons when penetrating the active fault strands let us conclude that the permeability of the fault transverse to the fault direction is limited and that the active fault has not been breached over many earthquake cycles such that little or no fluid exchange took place. Diffusion is the dominant mechanism controlling hydrocarbon migration through the fault strands. The elevated Ra values between both fault strands may reflect either episodic or continuous flow of mantle-derived fluids, suggestive of some limited permeability parallel to the fault direction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The drilling of a deep borehole across the actively creeping Parkfield segment of the San Andreas Fault Zone (SAFZ), California, and collection of core materials permit direct geological study of fault zone processes at 2–3 km depth. The three drill cores sample both host and fault rocks and pass through two currently active, narrow (1–2 m wide) shear zones enclosed within a broader (ca. 240 m wide) region of inactive foliated gouges. The host rocks preserve primary sedimentary features and are cut by numerous minor faults and small, mainly calcite-filled veins. The development of Fe-enriched smectitic phyllosilicate networks following cataclasis is prevalent in the presently inactive foliated gouges of the main fault zone and in minor faults cutting clay-rich host rocks. Calcite, anhydrite and minor smectitic phyllosilicate veins are interpreted to have formed due to local fluid overpressuring events prior to, synchronous with and after local gouge development. By contrast, the active shear zone gouges lack mineral veins (except as clasts) and contain numerous clasts of serpentinite. Markedly Mg-rich smectitic phyllosilicates are the dominant mineral phases here, suggesting that the fault zone fluids have interacted with the entrained serpentinites. We propose that weakening of the SAFZ down to depths of at least 3 km can be attributed to the pervasive development of interconnected networks of low friction smectitic phyllosilicates and to the operation of stress-induced solution-precipitation creep mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: With transmission electron microscopy (TEM) we observed nanometer-sized pores in four ultracataclastic and fractured core samples recovered from different depths of the main bore hole of the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD). Cutting of foils with a focused ion beam technique (FIB) allowed identifying porosity down to the nm scale. Between 40 and 50% of all pores could be identified as in-situ pores without any damage related to sample preparation. The total porosity estimated from TEM micrographs (1–5%) is comparable to the connected fault rock porosity (2.8–6.7%) estimated by pressure-induced injection of mercury. Permeability estimates for cataclastic fault rocks are 10−21–10−19 m2 and 10−17 m2 for the fractured fault rock. Porosity and permeability are independent of sample depth. TEM images reveal that the porosity is intimately linked to fault rock composition and associated with deformation. The TEM-estimated porosity of the samples increases with increasing clay content. The highest porosity was estimated in the vicinity of an active fault trace. The largest pores with an equivalent radius>200nm occur around large quartz and feldspar grains or grain-fragments while the smallest pores (equivalent radius<50nm) are typically observed in the extremely fine-grained matrix (grain size<1μm). Based on pore morphology we distinguish different pore types varying with fault rock fabric and alteration. The pores were probably filled with formation water and/or hydrothermal fluids at elevated pore fluid pressure, preventing pore collapse. The pore geometry derived from TEM observations and BET (Brunauer, Emmett and Teller) gas adsorption/desorption hysteresis curves indicates pore blocking effects in the fine-grained matrix. Observations of isolated pores in TEM micrographs and high pore body to pore throat ratios inferred from mercury injection suggest elevated pore fluid pressure in the low permeability cataclasites, reducing shear strength of the fault. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]