Resumo: Atualmente, com a evolução das tecnologias desenvolvidas para fins de posicionamento, especialmente nos casos que envolvem Geodésia Espacial, várias outras aplicações dessas tecnologias surgem a partir de pesquisas desenvolvidas por vários cientistas. Neste contexto, o GPS (Global Positioning System) destacase de forma impressionante, não só pela variada gama de aplicações em que pode ser utilizado, mas também pela precisão e acurácia dos resultados que podem ser obtidos pelo mesmo. Desta forma, o GPS como "ferramenta" para a Geodinâmica torna-se vital em aplicações que requerem alta precisão, tais como: monitoramento e análise de movimento e deformação das placas litosféricas, previsão de terremotos em regiões sismicamente ativas, entre outras. Um método bastante eficiente nestes casos é o Posicionamento por Ponto Preciso (PPP), adequado para a utilização de produtos GPS disponibilizados pelo IGS (International GPS Service) ou pelo JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory). Além disso, existem softwares adequados para esse tipo de posicionamento, bem como para a utilização dos produtos fornecidos pelo IGS e JPL. Este trabalho envolve, basicamente, a utilização do Posicionamento por Ponto Preciso para o processamento de dados de estações geodésicas, no intuito de se obter um campo de velocidades dessas estações, em nível intercontinental. Para tanto, torna-se necessário um prévio embasamento sobre os principais fenômenos geodinâmicos relacionados ao movimento de placas litosféricas, bem como uma fundamentação teórica sobre as observáveis envolvidas no GPS e as possíveis fontes de erro nele atuantes... (Resumo completo clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Nowadays, with the evolution of the technologies related to positioning, specially those involved with Spatial Geodesy, several applications of these technologies arose from the researches carried out by several scientists. In this context, the GPS (Global Positioning System) has been widely emphasized, not only because of the amount of applications in which it can be used, but also because of the precision and accuracy of the results that can be obtained. Thus, GPS as "tool" for Geodynamics becomes essential in applications where high precision is required, such as monitoring and analysis of movements and deformations of the tectonic plates, prevision of earthquakes at seismically active regions, and others. A method very efficient in these cases is the Precise Point Positioning (PPP), which is suitable for using the GPS products available by IGS (International GPS Service) or JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory). Moreover, there are appropriated softwares for applying this method of positioning, as well as for using products provided by IGS and JPL. The present work involves, basically, the use of PPP to processing a set of geodetic stations data, in order to obtain the velocity's field of these stations involved in an intercontinental scope. In order to reach this aim, it was necessary a previous basis about the main geodynamic phenomena related to the tectonic plate's movement, as well as the theoretical basis concerning the GPS observables and the possible sources of errors acting on them. In order to analyze the accuracy of the results, comparisons between the final geodetic solution and the results provided by others geodetic sources and geophysical models of plate movements have to be carried out. This procedure has been made in the present work, and preliminary results were obtained for the velocity's field of the RBMC... (Complete abstract click electronic address below) / Orientador: João Francisco Galera Monico / Coorientador: João Carlos Chaves / Mestre

The deformation mechanisms responsible for the extension and rifting in Basin and Range extension over the past ~36 Ma, and their relative importance remain debated. Slab rollback, lithospheric body forces, and relative plate motions have all been shown to contribute, but the relative importance of each mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we build three-dimensional (3D) steady state geodynamic models to simulate the full tectonic reconstruction of Basin and Range extension and compare these results with known geologic field observations and other detailed reconstructions of surface deformation. Our modeling approximates lithospheric deformation through Stokes flow in a spherical cap of variable viscosities. By applying reconstructed boundary conditions, crustal thickness, and surface elevation at 17 Ma, and varying lithospheric viscosity we map out the predicted response of the surface motions and lower crustal flow for different assumed lithospheric viscosity contrasts and investigate the origin of core complex formation. Comparisons between predicted model deformation and geologic field observations from metamorphic core complexes and exposed fluorite deposits indicate: (1) The primary driving force of the formation of geologic features in the western US is regional gravitational collapse focused in the lower crust. Plate motions are second order by comparison at this time period and act to rotate velocities near the plate boundary. (2) A weak lower crust facilitates metamorphic core complex formation and extension in the Nevadaplano. Lateral extrusion of the lower crust serves as a mechanism for both core complex formation and the flattening of the Moho that is observed at present day. (3) Lower crustal flow is a contributes to the rotation and tilt of the Colorado Plateau and formation of the Rio Grande Rift.

Through geodynamic modeling, I investigate how Mars could have produced the extensive volcanism required to form the Tharsis rise early in its history, as well as continue to produce small amounts of melt up to present-day, in order to account for the evidence of limited geologically recent volcanism. InSight is the first interplanetary mission dedicated primarily to the study of a planet's deep interior, and has provided useful constraints for the present structure and interior temperature of Mars. I use the results from InSight and other spacecraft missions to more accurately model Mars, and evaluate the results of my geodynamic models, so as to constrain the properties that are necessary for or consistent with both the InSight results and the volcanic history reflected on the surface. This modeling has required extensive modification to the CitcomS geodynamic code I use, the bulk of that effort being in implementing and testing the melting calculations. One of the useful constraints that would have been provided by InSight would have been ground truthing the heat flow from the interior at the landing site, and this required determining, among other quantities, the thermal conductivity of the regolith into which the heat flow probe (mole) was placed. While the mole could not penetrate to its designed depth, thus disallowing the complete heat flow measurement, the team were able to obtain the necessary data determine the thermal conductivity, and how it varies seasonally. My rapid analytical method of estimating thermal conductivity produces results that agree surprisingly well with those of the team's complex numerical model, despite the mole not meeting the assumption of a sufficiently high length to width ratio. / Doctor of Philosophy / I investigate how Mars could have produced the extensive volcanism required to form the Tharsis rise early in its history, as well as continue to produce small amounts of melt up to present-day, in order to account for the evidence of limited geologically recent volcanism. I use 3D computer models of the mantle--the solid, but slowly flowing layer that makes up the bulk of rocky planets like Earth and Mars. InSight is the first interplanetary mission dedicated to the study of a planet's deep interior, and has provided useful constraints for the present structure and interior temperature of Mars. I use the results from InSight and other spacecraft missions to more accurately model Mars, and evaluate the results of my models, so as to constrain the properties that are necessary for or consistent with both the InSight results and the volcanic history reflected on the surface. This modeling has required extensive modification to the modeling code I use, the bulk of that effort being in implementing and testing the melting calculations. One of the useful constraints that would have been provided by InSight would have been ground truthing the heat flow from the interior at the landing site, and this required determining, among other quantities, the thermal conductivity of the soil into which the heat flow probe (mole) was placed. While the mole could not penetrate to its designed depth, thus disallowing the complete heat flow measurement, the team were able to obtain the necessary data determine the thermal conductivity, and how it varies seasonally. My rapid analytical method of estimating thermal conductivity produces results that agree surprisingly well with those of the team's complex numerical model, despite the mole not meeting the assumption of a sufficiently high length to width ratio.

We apply a variety of teleseismic methodologies to investigate the upper mantle structure in extensional environments. Using a body wave dataset collected from a regional deployment in the Woodlark Rift, Papua New Guinea, we image anisotropic velocity structure of a rapidly extending rift on the cusp of continental breakup. In the process, we develop a technique for azimuthal anisotropy tomography that is generally applicable to regions of relatively simple anisotropic structure. The Cascadia Initiative ocean bottom seismometer (OBS) deployment provides coverage of an entire oceanic plate in unprecedented detail; we measure attenuation and velocities of teleseisms to characterize the temperature and melt structure from ridge to trench. Our study of shear wave splitting reveals strong azimuthal anisotropy within the Woodlark Rift with fairly uniform fast directions parallel to extension. This observation differs markedly from other continental rifts and resembles the pattern seen at mid-ocean ridges. This phenomenon is best explained by extension-related strain causing preferential alignment of mantle olivine. We develop a simple relationship that links total extension to predicted splitting, and show that it explains the apparent dichotomy in rifts’ anisotropy. Finite frequency tomography using a dataset of teleseismic P- and S-wave differential travel times reveals the upper mantle velocity structure of the Woodlark Rift. A well developed slow rift axis extending >250 km along strike from the adjacent seafloor spreading centers demonstrates the removal of mantle lithosphere prior to complete crustal breakup. We argue that the majority of this rift is melt-poor, in agreement with geochemical results. A large temperature gradient arises from the juxtaposition of upwelled axial asthenosphere with a previously unidentified cold structure north of the rift that hosts well located intermediate depth earthquakes. Localization of upper mantle extension is apparent from the velocity structure of the rift axis and may result from the presence of water following recent subduction. In order to resolve potential tradeoffs between anisotropy and velocity gradients, we develop a novel technique for the joint inversion of ∆Vs and strength of azimuthal anisotropy using teleseismic direct S-waves. This approach exploits the natural geometry of the regional tectonics and the relative consistency of observed splits; the imposed orthogonality of anisotropic structure takes care of the non-commutative nature of multi-layer splitting. Our tomographic models reveal the breakup of continental lithosphere in the anisotropy signal, as pre-existing fabric breaks apart and is replaced by upwelling asthenosphere that simultaneously advects and accrues an extension-related fabric. Accounting for anisotropy removes apparent noise in isotropic travel times and clarifies the velocity model. Taken together, our results paint a detailed and consistent picture of a highly extended continental rift. Finally, we collect a dataset of differential travel time (δT) and attenuation (∆t*) measurements of P- and S-waves recorded on OBS stations that span the Juan de Fuca and Gorda plates. We observe large gradients in ∆t*, with values as high as 2.0 s for S-waves at the ridge axes. Such high values of differential attenuation are not compatible with a purely thermal control, nor are they consistent with focusing effects. We assert that melt, grainsize, and water enhance anelastic effects beneath the ridge. The combination of attenuation and velocity measurements enables us to place quantitative constraints on the properties of the upper mantle in the vicinity of the spreading axis.

O presente estudo tem como objetivo principal analisar o contexto tectônico e geodinâmico do Pantanal, a partir de dados provenientes dos Sistemas Globais de Navegação Por Satélite (GNSS). Essa dissertação é estruturada no formato de dois artigos. Para tanto, foram usados dados geodésicos de monitoramento contínuo e periódicos. No primeiro capítulo discute-se a compartimentação tectônica atual da Bacia do Pantanal com base em dados geodésicos e integração com dados sismológicos, lineamentos estruturais e modelos de velocidade para placa Sul-americana. Os resultados mostram que grande parte da bacia está sendo alçada, ao passo que o seu entorno e a parte sul estão sendo rebaixados, conforme sugerem os valores da componente Up (vertical). Este comportamento pode ser explicado pela presença de falhas normais E-W ou de falhas oblíquas ENE com componente extensional para sul, as quais em ambos os casos são coincidentes com a orientação de lineamentos cartografados a partir de imagens de satélites na Bacia do Pantanal. No segundo capitulo é apresentada uma análise das variações das altitudes geodésicas, causadas por imposição de carga em superfície. Os resultados indicam que os deslocamentos possuem amplitude que varia de 40 a 140 milímetros por ano, corroborando a hipótese de que os pulsos de cheia e seca no Pantanal que apresentaram amplitudes de 3,6 a 7,6 metros têm relação direta com os deslocamentos nas altitudes GNSS. Além disso, é proposto que a imposição de carga em superfície, imposta pelos rios que compõem o Pantanal e registradas nos dados GNSS, pode estar agindo como um gatilho para desencadear a sismicidade registrada na bacia. / The main objective of this study was to analyze the Pantanal\'s tectonic and geodynamic context, based on data from the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). This dissertation is structured in the format of two articles. For this purpose, continuous and periodic geodetic data were used. The first chapter discusses the current tectonic compartmentalization of the Pantanal Basin, based on geodetic data and integration with other data sources like seismic, structural lineaments and velocity models for South American plate. The results show that a large part of the basin is being raised, while its surroundings and the southern part are being lowered, as suggested by the values of the Up component. This behavior can be explained by the presence of normal EW faults or oblique faults ENE with extensional component to the south, which in both cases are coincident with the orientation of lineaments mapped from satellites images in the Pantanal Basin. In the second chapter, an analysis of the variations of the geodesic altitudes caused by surface loading is presented. The results indicate that the displacements have an amplitude ranging from 40 to 140 millimeters per year, corroborating the idea that the flood and dry pulses in the Pantanal that presented amplitudes of 3.6 to 7.6 meters have direct relation with the displacements in the GNSS altitudes. In addition, it was proposed that the surface loading, imposed by the Pantanal rivers, and recorded in the GNSS data, may be acting as a trigger for the seismicity observed in the basin.

This thesis investigates the timing and mechanisms involved in the formation of evaporite piercement structures on Ellef Ringnes Island, Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The study includes the interpretation of industry seismic reflection and borehole data to characterize the geometry of the domes, 1D backstripping of wells to investigate the role of tectonic influences on diapirism, and analogue modelling to better understand the mechanisms that drive diapirs with dense anhydrite caps. I propose that basement structures played a significant role in the formation of evaporite domes by triggering and directing salt movement. The domes developed during the Mesozoic by passive growth driven by the differential loading of salt on adjacent fault blocks, which led to their present day asymmetric geometries. Diapir growth rates in the Mesozoic were closely linked to the rate of sedimentation, which was greatly influenced by the amount of accommodation space provided by tectonic subsidence of the basin.

This thesis investigates the timing and mechanisms involved in the formation of evaporite piercement structures on Ellef Ringnes Island, Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The study includes the interpretation of industry seismic reflection and borehole data to characterize the geometry of the domes, 1D backstripping of wells to investigate the role of tectonic influences on diapirism, and analogue modelling to better understand the mechanisms that drive diapirs with dense anhydrite caps. I propose that basement structures played a significant role in the formation of evaporite domes by triggering and directing salt movement. The domes developed during the Mesozoic by passive growth driven by the differential loading of salt on adjacent fault blocks, which led to their present day asymmetric geometries. Diapir growth rates in the Mesozoic were closely linked to the rate of sedimentation, which was greatly influenced by the amount of accommodation space provided by tectonic subsidence of the basin.

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Carleton University, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 100-104). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (M.S.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of Geology, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 19-23).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2006. / Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 118-140). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.