Search Results (403)

The South Sakhalin mud volcano (Sakhalin Island, Russia) emits HCO₃-Cl/Na-Mg water, emanates CO₂ prevailing over CH₄ in the gas phase, and extrudes mud bearing five carbonate mineral species. The study focuses on the distribution, diversity, and origin of the carbonate minerals from the mud volcano (MV) ejecta, in terms of carbon cycle processes. The data presented include a synthesis of field observations, compositions of MV gases and waters, chemistry of carbonate minerals, as well as stable isotope geochemistry of MV waters (δ¹³С, δD, and δ¹⁸O) and carbonates (δ¹³С and δ¹⁸O). The sampled MV waters are isotopically heavy, with δ¹⁸O = +5.7 to +7.5 ‰ VSMOW, δD = −18.0 to −11.0 ‰ VSMOW, and ¹³С (δ¹³С_DIC = +6.9 to +8.1 ‰ VPDB). This composition may be due to the dilution of basinal water with dehydration water released during the diagenetic illitization of smectite. Carbonates in the sampled mud masses belong to three genetically different groups. Mg-rich siderite, (Fe_0.54–0.81Mg_0.04–0.30Ca_0.05–0.23Mn_0.00–0.08)CO₃, disseminated in abundance throughout the mud masses, coexists with common calcite and sporadic ankerite. The trace-element chemistry of Mg-siderite, as well as the oxygen (δ¹⁸O = +34.4 to +36.8 ‰ VSMOW) and carbon (δ¹³C = −1.3 to +0.6 ‰ VPDB) isotopic signatures, confirms its authigenic origin. Siderite formed during early diagenesis of the Upper Cretaceous sandy and clayey marine sediments mobilized by mud volcanism in the area. Another assemblage, composed of dawsonite, siderite, and vein calcite (±kaolinite), represents altered arkose sandstones found as few fragments in the mud. This assemblage may be a marker of later CO₂ flooding into the sandstone aquifer in the geological past. The trace-element chemistry, particular morphology, and heavy C (δ¹³С = +5.5 to +7.0 ‰ VPDB) and O (δ¹⁸О = +39.1 to +39.5 ‰ VSMOW) isotope compositions indicate that aragonite is the only carbonate species that is related to the current MV activity. It crystallized in a shallow reservoir and was maintained by СО₂ released from rapidly ascending liquefied mud and HCO₃-Cl/Na-Mg-type of MV waters. Full article

The Huxu Au-dominated deposit is a representative intermediate sulfidation epithermal deposit in the middle section of the Gan-Hang belt. The formation of such deposits is commonly closely related to deep magmatism. However, the specific relationship between the formation of the Huxu deposit and the magmatic rocks, and the tectonic setting of the related magmatism and mineralization in this deposit still remains unclear. In this study, we present the results of U-Pb dating, major and trace element analysis, and Nd isotope analysis of the magmatic zircon and apatite from the ore-bearing quartz diorite porphyry in the Huxu deposit. The results show that the U-Pb ages of zircon and apatite from the quartz diorite porphyry are 137.9 ± 1.3 Ma and 130 ± 16 Ma, respectively; the total content of rare earth elements (ΣREEs) in the zircons ranges from 446.66 to 2752.92 ppm, exhibiting enrichment in heavy REE and depletion in light REE, with a slightly negative Eu anomaly and a slightly positive Ce anomaly; the ΣREEs in the apatite is relatively high, ranging from 3252.02 to 13,155.92 ppm, averaged 5604.16 ppm, and exhibits a right-leaning mode with light REE enrichment and heavy REE depletion, with a moderate degree of negative Eu anomaly; the distribution of ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios of the apatite is rather concentrated (0.512145–0.512271), and the εNd(t) value calculated based on the U-Pb age of apatite ranges from −8.31 to 5.79. By combining the geological characteristics and the geochemical data of the deposit and the ore-bearing magmatic rocks, we propose that the ore-bearing quartz diorite porphyry of the Huxu Au-dominated polymetallic deposit belongs to I-type granite; the parental magma is the mixture of juvenile and ancient crustal melts; the tectonic setting of the intrusion and mineralization is the continental margin arc related to the subduction of the ancient Pacific Ocean Plate in the Early Cretaceous Epoch; and the ore-forming fluids and metals are provided by deep magma. Full article

Rhodoliths (from Greek etymology meaning red + stone) are spheroidal accretions composed of various types of crustose coralline red algae that dwell in relatively shallow waters where sunlight allows for photosynthesis. Unlike most other kinds of algae that are attached to the seabed by a holdfast, rhodoliths are free to roll about by circumrotary movements stimulated mainly by gentle wave action and bottom currents, as well as by disruptions by associated fauna. Frequent movement exposes every part of the algal surface to an equitable amount of sunlight, which generally results in an evenly concentric pattern of growth over time. Individual structures may attain a diameter of 10 to 20 cm, representing 100 years of growth or more. Initiation typically involves encrustation by founder cells on a rock pebble or shell fragment. In life, the functional outer surface is red or pink in complexion, whereas the structure’s inner core amounts to dead weight. Chemically, rhodoliths are composed of high magnesium calcite [(Ca,Mg)CO₃], with examples known around many oceanic islands and virtually all continental shelves in the present world. The oldest fossil rhodoliths appeared during the early Cretaceous, 113 million years ago. Geologically, rhodoliths may occur in massive limestone beds composed of densely packed accumulations. Living rhodoliths commonly occur in waters as shallow as −2 to −10 m, as well as seaward in mesophotic waters up to −100 m under exceptional conditions of water clarity. Especially in shallower waters, rhodoliths are vulnerable to transfer by storm waves to supratidal settings, which result in bleaching under direct sunlight and death. Increasingly, marine biologists recognize that rhodolith beds represent a habitat that offers shelter to a community of other algae and diverse marine invertebrates. Full article

The northern part of the Naomugeng Sag in the Erlian Basin shows favorable sandstone-type uranium mineralization in the lower member of the Saihan Formation. The sandstone thickness ranges from 39.67 to 140.36 m, with an average sand content ratio of 76.33%, indicating broad prospecting potential. This study focuses on samples from uranium ore holes and uranium-mineralized holes in the area, conducting grain-size analysis of uranium-bearing sandstones, heavy mineral assemblage analysis, and detrital zircon U-Pb dating to systematically investigate provenance characteristics. The results indicate that the uranium-bearing sandstones in the lower member of the Saihan Formation were primarily transported by rolling and suspension, characteristic of braided river channel deposits. The heavy mineral assemblage is dominated by zircon + limonite + garnet + ilmenite, suggesting that the sedimentary provenance is mainly composed of intermediate-acid magmatic rocks with minor metamorphic components. Detrital zircon U-Pb ages are mainly concentrated in the ranges of 294–217 Ma (Early Permian to Late Triassic), 146–112 Ma (Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous), 434–304 Ma (Late Carboniferous to Early Permian), and 495–445 Ma (Middle–Late Ordovician to Early Silurian). Combined with comparisons of the ages of surrounding rock masses, the provenance of the uranium-bearing sandstones is mainly derived from intermediate-acid granites of the Early Permian–Late Triassic and Middle Jurassic–Early Cretaceous periods in the southern part of the Sonid Uplift, with minor contributions from metamorphic and volcanic rock fragments. The average zircon uranium content is 520.53 ppm, with a Th/U ratio of 0.73, indicating that the provenance not only supplied detrital materials but also provided uranium-rich rock bodies that contributed essential metallogenic materials for uranium mineralization. This study offers critical insights for regional prospecting and exploration deployment. Full article

The Qiangtang Basin in the Tibetan Plateau exhibits a paradoxically reversed source-rock maturity pattern (high margins, low center), which presents a challenge to classical basin models. Critically, the unclear genetic mechanism behind this anomaly has impeded hydrocarbon exploration. To address this, this study investigates a north–south-oriented 2D geological section across the central basin. By employing an integrated methodology, the genetic mechanism was elucidated through systematic calculations of paleo-burial depth, paleotemperature, and vitrinite reflectance (Ro) at ten control points (C1–C10). Specifically, tectonic burial history was reconstructed using the backstripping method, while mantle heat flow was corrected by integrating the McKenzie extensional and Royden compressional models. Maturity evolution was quantified using the Easy%Ro model. The results demonstrate that (1) since the Early Jurassic, the basin has undergone five tectono-thermal evolution stages, with the geothermal gradient reaching 30–36 °C/km during the end of the Early Cretaceous); (2) Ro values range from 1.2% to 1.68% at the northern basin margin (C1–C4), are approximately 1.15% in the Central Uplift Zone (C5–C7), and range from 1.45% to 1.6% at the southern basin margin (C8–C10); (3) importantly, the reversed distribution was jointly controlled by three factors: deep burial at the basin margins (5–6 km), early uplift in the central part (initiating from the Late Cretaceous), and local magmatic thermal disturbance. Their estimated contribution ratios are 40–50%, 30–40%, and 10–20%, respectively. Consequently, regions such as the Luxiongcuo Syncline, the Bandaohu–Qingshuihu area, and the Chibuzhangcuo area are identified as having favorable exploration potential. Full article

The Late Cretaceous to Paleocene magmatic evolution along the southern margin of the Lhasa Terrane records a critical transition from oceanic subduction to continental collision, yet its western segment remains underexplored. This study presents integrated petrographic, zircon U–Pb geochronological, zircon Hf isotopic, whole-rock geochemical, and Sr–Nd isotopic data for three distinct phases of intermediate to felsic intrusions from the Qiuwo area in the western segment of the southern Lhasa terrane. The results reveal three distinct magmatic pulses: an early granodiorite emplaced at 89.9 ± 0.75 Ma, followed by a diorite crystallizing at 68.6 ± 0.56 Ma, and a late-stage granodiorite forming at 56.75 ± 0.43 Ma. All three rock units are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous (A/CNK < 1.1), sodic (Na₂O > 3.2 wt.%), and dominated by amphibole, with zircon saturation temperatures of 737–786 °C, consistent with I-type granitoid affinity. All units are metaluminous (A/CNK = 0.92–1.00), calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline, and enriched in LILE (K, Th, Rb) while depleted in HFSE (Nb, Ta, P, Ti), with moderate ΣREE (81–130 ppm), elevated (La/Yb)_N (9.3–15.8), and negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.70–0.89). The early granodiorite is Na-rich (Na₂O/K₂O = 1.6), whereas the Paleocene granodiorite shows elevated K₂O (3.2 wt.%) and reduced Na₂O/K₂O (~1.0), reflecting progressive crustal thickening and increasing magmatic differentiation. Zr and Hf are relatively enriched, and Sr/Y ratios decrease from 39 to 21, consistent with evolving magmatic conditions from deeper crustal melting in the Late Cretaceous to shallower, more evolved sources in the Paleocene. Zircon Hf isotopes reveal consistently positive εHf(t) values (+10.4 to +4.9), indicating derivation from juvenile basaltic lower crust. Sr–Nd isotopic data further demonstrate a systematic evolution: εNd(t) decreases from +2.7 to −0.1, while (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i increases from 0.7044 to 0.7055, reflecting progressive incorporation of ancient crustal components into the magma source from the early Late Cretaceous to the Paleocene. These findings indicate that the Qiuwo intrusions formed by partial melting of a juvenile basaltic lower crust, with increasing crustal contamination during ascent and emplacement. The temporal progression of magmatism—spanning the waning stages of Neo-Tethyan subduction to the initial India–Eurasia collision (~55 Ma)—supports a model in which slab breakoff and lithospheric delamination triggered decompression melting of the lower crust, while assimilation of older crustal materials intensified as the continental collision progressed. This work provides key geochemical evidence for the transition from arc to post-collisional magmatism in the western Gangdese belt and refines the timing and mechanism of crustal growth in southern Tibet. Full article

Currently, the formation and evolution processes of overpressure in the Upper Paleozoic tight sandstones of the Ordos Basin are not clearly understood. Taking the Shan 1 Member of the Shanxi Formation in the Yanchang area, southeastern Ordos Basin, as an example, we adopted a numerical simulation method considering pressurization effects (e.g., hydrocarbon generation and disequilibrium compaction) to quantitatively reconstruct the paleo-overpressure evolution history of target sandstone and shale layers before the end of the Early Cretaceous. We calculated two types of formation pressure changes since the Late Cretaceous tectonic uplift: the pressure reduction induced by pore rebound, temperature decrease and pressure release from potential brittle fracturing of overpressured shales, and the pressure increase in tight sandstones caused by overpressure transmission, thus clarifying the abnormal pressure evolution process of the Upper Paleozoic Shanxi Formation tight sandstones in the study area. The results show that at the end of the Early Cretaceous, the formation pressures of the target shale and sandstone layers in the study area reached their peaks, with the formation pressure coefficients of shale and sandstone being 1.41–1.59 and 1.10, respectively. During tectonic uplift since the early Late Cretaceous, temperature decrease and brittle fracture-induced pressure release caused significant declines in shale formation pressure, by 12.95–17.75 MPa and 20.00–25.24 MPa, respectively, resulting in the current shale formation pressure coefficients of 1.00–1.06. In this stage, temperature decrease and pore rebound caused sandstone formation pressure to decrease by 12.07–13.85 MPa and 16.93–17.41 MPa, respectively. Meanwhile, the overpressure transfer from two phases of hydrocarbon charging during the Late Triassic–Early Cretaceous and pressure release from shale brittle fracture during the Late Cretaceous tectonic uplift induced an increase in adjacent sandstone formation pressure, with a total pressure increase of 7.32–8.58 MPa. The combined effects of these three factors have led to the evolution of the target sandstone layer from abnormally high pressure in the late Early Cretaceous to the current abnormally low pressure. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the formation process of underpressured gas reservoir in the Upper Paleozoic of the Ordos Basin. Full article

Cryptocaryeae, as a significant tribe within the Lauraceae family with important economic and ecological value, comprises over 850 species. Its common ancestor dates back to approximately 123 million years ago, in the early Cretaceous, originating in tropical Africa and Asia. Understanding how leaf and fruit functional traits of Cryptocaryeae trees (Lauraceae) respond to environmental fluctuations is crucial for protecting the structure and function of forest ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the influence of environmental factors on leaf and fruit morphological traits in the tropical tribe Cryptocaryeae. Based on an established phylogenetic framework for Cryptocaryeae, we compiled a dataset containing 17,117 morphological observations across 369 species. The analyzed traits included leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, fruit length, fruit diameter, and fruit size. Through analyzing trends of leaves and fruits morphological traits across the latitude and longitude and their relationship with environmental factors, and by quantifying the relative contributions of environmental factors to these traits, we demonstrated that leaf morphology exhibited distinct latitudinal and longitudinal zonation and was sensitive to environmental fluctuations, especially to temperature changes. In contrast, the change of fruit morphological traits was comparatively conservative in their variation, mainly affected by precipitation. These findings suggest that different plant traits may employ different trade-off strategies during environmental adaptation. Highlighting the importance of integrating ecological and evolutionary perspectives on leaf and fruit morphological traits of tropical Cryptocaryeae trees could provide insights into understanding plant environmental adaptation. Full article

High-precision gravity surveys are effective in detecting concealed geological structures and mineral deposits with density contrasts. In this study, 754 dense gravity measurements (average accuracy: 0.0043 mGal, or 4.3 × 10⁻⁸ m/s²) were deployed in Dingzhai Township, northeastern Zhejiang, China, to investigate concealed ore bodies and structural controls on mineralization. Using the mean-field method for source-field separation of Bouguer anomalies, combined with density inversion and edge detection, we delineated subsurface density distributions and fault systems. A newly identified “tongue-shaped” high-density anomaly near Xiashadi is interpreted as resulting from local upward intrusion of intermediate-acid porphyry from the Chencai Group basement, indicating significant exploration potential. Beneath Quaternary cover, a previously unrecognized east–west-trending concealed fault was detected, which may have controlled the structural evolution of mineralization at the Daqi’ao Ag deposit and Miaowan Cu deposit. Gravity profile inversion reveals a deep high-density anomaly beneath Xie’ao–Xi’ao’an, possibly representing the deep extension of the Hengtang Cu–Mo deposit. Low-density anomalies near Chenxi and Dongli villages are attributed to Early Cretaceous low-density intrusions (e.g., monzogranite) and multi-phase volcanism in the Shangshawan caldera. This work provides robust geophysical constraints for deep mineral exploration and advance understanding of the metallogenic tectonic evolution in northeastern Zhejiang. Full article

Cr and Platinum-Group Elements (PGEs), critical metallic elements, are mainly hosted in mafic and ultramafic rocks, but determining these rocks’ mineralization age has long been challenging. Zircon, the primary geochronological mineral, is scarce and fine-grained in such rocks, hindering conventional separation techniques (heavy liquid separation, magnetic separation, manual hand-picking) with low efficiency, poor recovery, and significant sample bias. This study develops an integrated workflow: mixed acid leaching enrichment (120 °C), powder stirring for mount preparation, automated mineral identification, and in situ Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) dating. Validated on the Xiugugabu diabase in the western Yarlung–Tsangpo Suture Zone (southern Tibet), the workflow yielded weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 120.5 ± 3.3 Ma (MSWD = 0.13) and 120.5 ± 2.0 Ma (MSWD = 3.2) for two samples. Consistent with the published Yarlung–Tsangpo Suture Zone (YTSZ) diabase formation ages (130–110 Ma), these confirm the Xiugugabu diabase as an Early Cretaceous Neo–Te–thys oceanic lithosphere residual recording mid-stage spreading. The workflow overcomes traditional limitations: single-sample analytical cycles shorten from 30–50 to 10 days, fine–grained zircon recovery is 15x higher than manual picking, and U–Pb ages are stable. Suitable for large-scale mafic–ultramafic geochronological surveys, it can extend to in situ zircon Hf isotope and trace element analysis, offering multi-dimensional constraints on petrogenesis and tectonic evolution. Full article

Herein, we present a systematic investigation of plant fossils from the Yingzuilazi Formation in Baishan City, Jilin Province, China. The Baishan flora comprises 27 genera and 46 species. They are predominantly autochthonous or parautochthonous, based on their floral composition and taphonomic attributes. An analysis of paleoecological characteristics of the fossil plant assemblages, combined with the habitat preferences of analogous modern communities, allowed us to reconstruct the Early Cretaceous plant communities in the Baishan Basin: a riparian–wetland community, lowland community, montane slope community, and montane highland community. The floral composition, a statistical analysis of foliar physiognomy, and the palynofloral characteristics indicated a warm and humid temperate climate during the deposition of the Yingzuilazi Formation. A genus-level comparison with the Yixian Formation flora of western Liaoning revealed high compositional similarity, which confirms the Baishan flora as the easternmost distribution of the Jehol Biota in China. This study provides new fossil evidence for understanding Early Cretaceous floristic provincialism and paleoenvironmental reconstruction in East Asia. It offers geological references that can predict vegetation responses to a greenhouse climate. Additionally, Sphenopsida and Filicopsida may serve as potential indicators that may identify favorable terrestrial shale oil and gas reservoirs from the Early Cretaceous. Full article

The voluminous Mesozoic volcanic rocks developed in the Great Xing’an Range, northeastern China, have received extensive attention in recent decades. However, the timing and petrogenesis, as well as the related geodynamic processes of the Late Mesozoic volcanism, are still controversial. In this paper, we present the whole-rock geochemistry and zircon U–Pb ages for the Late Mesozoic volcanic rocks from the western part of the central Great Xing’an Range, which provide considerable insights into the geodynamic setting of the region. The zircon U-Pb dating results indicate that two main episodes of volcanism occurred in the central Great Xing’an Range, including in the Late Jurassic (ca. 147 Ma) and Early Cretaceous (ca. 142–125 Ma). These Late Mesozoic volcanic rocks display similar geochemical compositions, which are mainly intermediate–felsic, alkaline, peraluminous to metaluminous, enriched in large ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements, and depleted in high-field-strength elements, indicating arc affinities in the subduction zone. The trace element compositions suggest that the magmatism was related to a post-collisional extensional environment. Combined with the spatial distribution and temporal migration of the Mesozoic magmatic events in the whole northeastern China region, we propose that these Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks formed in a continental arc setting, which was mainly related to the rollback of the subducted Paleo-Pacific oceanic plate. Full article

The Southwestern Fujian Region is one of the important Fe polymetallic metallogenic belts in China. The Makeng-Yangshan Fe skarn sub-belt within it contains several deposits that share a similar geological setting, mineralization age, and genetic type, yet exhibit significant differences in metal endowment. To investigate the poorly constrained factors responsible for these differences, this paper focused on the mineral chemistry of garnets associated with magnetite from the Makeng, Luoyang, and Yangshan Fe deposits within the sub-belt, employing in situ laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for trace element analysis. Our results reveal that garnet from all three deposits are andradite-dominated and features a chondrite-normalized REE fractionation pattern exhibiting enrichment in LREE relative to HREE, indicating crystallization from unified, mildly acidic fluids under high oxygen fugacity (f_O2) conditions. However, both the Makeng and Luoyang garnets showed a strong positive Eu anomaly, whereas the Yangshan garnets displayed the weakest Eu anomaly among the three deposits, which can likely be attributed to the highest f_O2 environment of the Yangshan deposit. Furthermore, garnet Y/Ho ratios and Y-ΣREE correlations demonstrate that the Makeng and Luoyang garnets crystallized in an open fluid system that were primarily of magmatic-hydrothermal origin with substantial external fluid (e.g., meteoric water) involvement, whereas the Yangshan garnet reflects a relatively closed fluid system that was predominantly of magmatic-hydrothermal origin with limited external fluid input. These geochemical differences have direct implications for exploration: the open-system Makeng deposit holds promise for Mo-W-Sn mineralization, as does the Luoyang deposit for W-Sn, whereas the closed-system Yangshan shows little potential for these metals. In addition, this study reveals that Pb and Zn concentrations in garnet are not reliable exploration indicators. Overall, these findings provide important mineralogical constraints on the factors controlling deposit scale and metal associations, thereby enhancing the understanding of regional metallogeny and guiding future mineral exploration. Full article

Vertebrate remains from the Upper Cretaceous of Portugal have been studied for more than 140 years, beginning with the pioneering work of the Geological Commissions and early vertebrate specialists. The Cenomanian of Portugal occupies a key position in understanding vertebrate assemblages from the south-western European Late Cretaceous archipelago. Recent discoveries in the Cenomanian of the onshore northern sector of the Portuguese West Iberian Margin have revealed two new genera of Squamata and Crocodylomorpha, as well as extended biogeographical ranges for groups such as Obaichthyidae. Although Campanian–Maastrichtian fossils are limited to the northern sector, they provide valuable insights into the composition and evolution of western Iberian vertebrate faunas, including significant remains of small dinosaurs and mammals, and the westernmost European occurrences of Pycnodontiformes, Holostei, Elopiformes, Amphibia, Testudines, Squamata, and Crocodylomorpha. The Upper Cretaceous of the Portuguese onshore northern sector of the West Iberian Margin has yielded six vertebrate holotypes, four lectotypes, and syntypes though much material remains undescribed or in need of revision. Identifying additional fossil sites is essential to further expand the dataset. This contribution integrates historical and current knowledge and highlights key priorities for future research. Full article

How continental lithosphere stretches and ruptures is a fundamental question in Earth sciences; however, effective constraints on the physical conditions deep within the crust where deformation is concentrated remain elusive. This study offers new insights into this process through a detailed dissection of the Tan-Lu Fault Zone, one of the most extensive fault systems in East Asia. A critical controlling factor for crustal rheological properties is deformation temperature, a challenge we address by employing a thermometer based on the fractal dimension (D-value) of dynamically recrystallized quartz grain boundaries. Analyzing 62 mylonite samples from the Feidong segment, we reveal that left-lateral strike-slip shearing along this fault zone occurred under high temperatures (~450–700 °C). This conclusion is not only derived quantitatively from a quartz D-value thermometer but is also visually corroborated by classic high-temperature microstructures (e.g., extensive grain boundary migration), corresponding to conditions from the upper greenschist to amphibolite facies. Existing geochronological data constrain this high-temperature shearing event to the Early Cretaceous. Such elevated temperature conditions, combined with field and microstructural evidence indicating extension, provide quantitative confirmation that the fault zone operated within a transtensional tectonic regime during that period. Our findings offer a rigorously thermally constrained dynamic model for the deformation behavior of large continental faults during large-scale lithospheric thinning and craton destruction, providing a valuable framework for interpreting crustal rheology and continental dynamics. Full article