Geodetic fault slip rates on active faults in the Baza sub-Basin (SE Spain): Insights for seismic hazard assessment

One of the most significant parameters for seismic hazard assessment analyses is the fault slip rate. The combination of both geological (long-term) and geodetic (short-term) data offers a more complete characterization of the seismic potential of active faults. Moreover, geodetic data are also a helpful tool for the analysis of geodynamic processes. In this work, we present the results of a local GPS network from the Baza sub-Basin (SE Spain). This network, which includes six sites, was established in 2008 and has been observed for seven years. For the first time, we obtain short-term slip rates for the two active faults in this area. For the normal Baza Fault, we estimate slip rates ranging between 0.3 ± 0.3 mm/yr and 1.3 ± 0.4 mm/yr. For the strike-slip Galera Fault, we quantify the slip rate as 0.5 ± 0.3 mm/yr. Our GPS study shows a discrepancy for the Baza Fault between the short-term slip rates and previously reported long-term rates. This discrepancy indicates that the fault could be presently in a period with a displacement rate higher than the mean of the magnitude 6 seismic cycle. Moreover, the velocity vectors that we obtained also show the regional tectonic significance of the Baza Fault, as this structure accommodates one-third of the regional extension of the Central Betic Cordillera. Our GPS-related slip rates form the basis for future seismic hazard analysis in this area. Our results have further implications, as they indicate that the Baza and Galera Faults are kinematically coherent and they divide the Baza sub-Basin into two tectonic blocks. This points to a likely physical link between the Baza and Galera Faults; hence, a potential complex rupture involving both faults should be considered in future seismic hazard assessment studies.We acknowledge the comments of Editor Prof. Irina M. Artemieva and two anonymous reviewers, which significantly improved the quality of this paper. This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and University (Research Projects: RTI2018-100737-BI00 and CGL2016-80687-R), the University of Alicante (Research Project: VIGROB053), the University of Jaén (PAIUJA 2019-2020 and Programa Operativo FEDER Andalucía 2014-2020 - call made by UJA 2018), the University of Granada (B-RNM-301-UGR18) and the Junta de Andalucía regional government (RNM148, RNM282, and RNM370 and P18-RT-3275 research groups). We thank all observers who collected the data of survey-mode GPS measurements

Active Shortening Simultaneous to Normal Faulting Based on GNSS, Geophysical, and Geological Data: The Seismogenic Ventas de Zafarraya Fault (Betic Cordillera, Southern Spain)

The central Betic Cordillera, southern Spain, is affected by an uplift related to the NNW–SSE Eurasia-Nubia convergence and shallow ENE–WSW orthogonal extension accommodated by the extensional system of the Granada Basin. The combination of geophysical, geodetic, and geological data reveals that the southwestern boundary of this extensional system is a seismically active compressional front extending from the W to the SW of the Granada Basin. The near-field Global Navigation Satellite System data determine NNE–SSW shortening of up to 2 mm/yr of the compressional front in the Zafarraya Polje. In this setting, the normal Ventas de Zafarraya Fault developed as a result of the bending-moment extension of the Sierra de Alhama antiform and was last reactivated during the 1884 Andalusian earthquake (Mw 6.5). The uplift in the central Betic Cordillera together with the subsidence in the Western Alborán Basin may facilitate a westward to southwestward gravitational collapse through the extensional detachment of the Granada Basin. The heterogeneous crust of the Betic Cordillera would generate the compressional front, which is divided into two sectors: thrusting to the west, and folding associated with buttressing to the south. Our results evidence that basal detachments, linking extensional fault activity with compressional fronts, may determine the activity of local surface structures and the geological hazard in densely populated regions.A combination of geological, geophysical, and geodetic methods is used to understand the evolution in the frontal area of the extensional system of Granada Basin, near the Zafarraya Polje. In particular, this approach improves our knowledge of the Ventas de Zafarraya Fault (VZF) that hosted the 1884 Andalusian earthquake. Seismic data provide information on the distribution of stress and deformation in the region and made it possible to identify a compressional front linked to the extensional system of the Granada Basin. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data accurately locate the sites of the Zafarraya GNSS network surrounding the VZF, and repeated measurements provide deformation rates of the area that suggests shortening. Thus, we locate the VZF within the former compressional setting. Meanwhile, electrical-resistivity tomography images sub-surface structures given its electrical properties and, together with the field geological observations, suggests the extensional behavior of the fault. Therefore, it is considered to be a fold-related fault formed due to the extension of the outer arc of the Sierra de Alhama antiform. As in the research presented here, a joint interpretation of data from different methods makes it possible to propose active seismic tectonic extensional models in a compressional setting applicable to other regions.Junta de Andalucía/FEDERUniversidad de JaénUniversidad de Granada / CBUADepto. de Geodinámica, Estratigrafía y PaleontologíaFac. de Ciencias GeológicasTRUEpu

Dataset for Active shortening simultaneous to normal faulting based on GNSS, geophysical and geological data: The seismogenic Ventas de Zafarraya Fault (Betic Cordillera). Tectonics

<p>Dataset for "Active shortening simultaneous to normal faulting based on GNSS, geophysical and geological data: The seismogenic Ventas de Zafarraya Fault (Betic Cordillera)" Tectonics<br><br>File "hypoDD_10_300.reloc.txt" compile all the relocated seismicity in the study area.<br>Files "810_.NEU, 811_.NEU, 812_.NEU, 813_.NEU, 814_.NEU, 815_.NEU,  and 816_.NEU" presents the time series data of GNSS sites of the Zafarraya network.</p&gt

Active structures and geological hazards in the central sector of the Betic-Rif Cordillera and the Alboran Sea

X Congreso Geológico de España, 5-7 de julio 2021, Vitoria-Gasteiz.-- 1 page[EN] The recent geodynamic activity in the Betic-Rif Cordillera and the Alboran Sea is determined by the interaction of subduction processes with roll-back in the West and tectonic indentation in the East. The integration of sea and land data in the DAMAGE project characterizes the central area of interaction. At the northern end, the seismicity of the frontal region of Sierra de Cazorla is associated with incipient tectonic indentation. To the South, seismic and aseismic extensional faults of high and low angle interact in the Granada Basin. The active normal faults in the Campo de Dalías are connected with recent and new strike-slip faults that affect the Alboran Sea, being responsible of the 2016 Alhoceima earthquake (M 6.3). Towards the Rif, new areas of deformation in the Al Hoceima region are identified on blind faults with significant seismogenic activity in 1993 and 2004. These structures represent an important geological hazard related to slope instability and tsunami development in the Alboran Sea and in water reservoirs. The economic and social impact of this geological hazard should be considered and quantified[ES] La actividad geodinámica reciente en la Cordillera Bético-Rifeña y el Mar de Alborán está determinada por la interacción entre los procesos de subducción con roll-back en el Oeste y la indentación tectónica en el Este. La integración de datos en mar y tierra en el proyecto DAMAGE caracteriza la zona central de interacción. En el extremo septentrional, la sismicidad de la región frontal de Sierra de Cazorla está asociada a indentación tectónica incipiente. Hacia el Sur, en la Cuenca de Granada, interaccionan fallas extensionales sísmicas y asísmicas de alto y bajo buzamiento. Las fallas normales activas en el Campo de Dalías, están conectadas con fallas de salto en dirección neoformadas que afectan el Mar de Alborán, y son responsables del terremoto de Alhucemas de 2016 (M 6.3). Hacia el Rif se identifican nuevas zonas de deformación en Alhucemas sobre fallas ciegas con importante actividad sismogénica en 1993 y 2004. Estas estructuras tienen asociada una importante peligrosidad geológica relacionada con la estabilidad de los taludes y la generación de tsunamis en el Mar de Alborán y estabilidad de masas de agua en embalses, cuya incidencia económica y social se debe considerar y cuantificarPeer reviewe

Hepatitis B Virus Promotes Angiopoietin-2 Expression in Liver Tissue : Role of HBV X Protein

The progression of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is related to fibrosis and to the emergence of intrahepatic anomalous vascular structures. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein transactivator (HBx) may play a significant role in both processes. To analyze how HBV induces vascular growth and remodeling in vivo, we assessed the expression of angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) in liver biopsies from CHB patients by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry because of the relevant role of Ang2 in vascular development, remodeling, and tumor promotion. In addition, we analyzed the influence of HBx in the expression of Ang2 in HBx-expressing hepatocyte cell lines and in hepatic stellate cells stimulated with conditional medium from HBx-hepatocytes. Ang2 expression was clearly up-regulated at both mRNA and protein levels in the liver of CHB patients, showing an intense staining of inflammatory infiltrates and vascular structures at inflamed portal areas. HBx-expressing hepatocytes and stimulated stellate cells showed a significant induction of Ang2 expression. PI3K inhibitor and antioxidants repressed the 64-kd Ang2 form but further enhanced the inflammation-related 50-kd molecular species. Therefore, HBx could account for the induction of Ang2 observed in CHB, especially the 50-kd form, contributing to pathological angiogenesis and hepatocellular carcinoma progression

The Movember Prostate Cancer Landscape Analysis: an assessment of unmet research needs

Prostate cancer is a heterogeneous cancer with widely varying levels of morbidity and mortality. Approaches to prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, surveillance, treatment and management differ around the world. To identify the highest priority research needs across the prostate cancer biomedical research domain, Movember conducted a landscape analysis with the aim of maximizing the effect of future research investment through global collaborative efforts and partnerships. A global Landscape Analysis Committee (LAC) was established to act as an independent group of experts across urology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, pathology, translational research, health economics and patient advocacy. Men with prostate cancer and thought leaders from a variety of disciplines provided a range of key insights through a range of interviews. Insights were prioritized against predetermined criteria to understand the areas of greatest unmet need. From these efforts, 17 research needs in prostate cancer were agreed on and prioritized, and 3 received the maximum prioritization score by the LAC: first, to establish more sensitive and specific tests to improve disease screening and diagnosis; second, to develop indicators to better stratify low-risk prostate cancer for determining which men should go on active surveillance; and third, to integrate companion diagnostics into randomized clinical trials to enable prediction of treatment response. On the basis of the findings from the landscape analysis, Movember will now have an increased focus on addressing the specific research needs that have been identified, with particular investment in research efforts that reduce disease progression and lead to improved therapies for advanced prostate cancer