A mechanical interpretation of the vein and dyke systems of the S. W. England orefield

Abstract

Geological plans and sections showing the traces of veins, faults and porphyry dykes associated with the Hercynian batholith, have been used to construct diagrams representing the trajectories of the minimum and intermediate principal stress axes as they were at the time of intrusion of the dykes and as the veinlode fissures formed. The dykes and veins were emplaced during a complicated series of events and the trajectory diagrams represent stress conditions during these overlapping periods of time towards the end of intrusion of the batholith. The mineralizing fluids emanated from the cores of plutons by means of pregranite faults, primary igneous joints, and structures created by intrusion, including faults and extension fissures. The trajectory diagrams indicate that the mapped configuration of veins and porphyry dykes results from fluid pressures, exerted by the mobile cores of granitic cupolas situated within a regional stress field. The stress models also indicate that fugitive dyke magma or hydrothermal fluids, emanating from a cupola, will make the mechanically easiest exit through the flanks of the intrusion. This explains the asymmetrical disposition of belts of mineralization which border the granite cupolas of southwest England.