Analysis of deformation paths in shear zones

Abstract

The geometry of ductile shear zones can be used to solve problems of regional tectonics if the deformation path of material in the zones is sufficiently understood. Flow in many shear zones may have deviated from simple shear and consequently data on the final deformation state such as finite strain and volume change are insufficient for reconstruction of the deformation path, even if flow parameters were constant during progressive deformation. Additional information on the flow vorticity number is also needed and can be obtained from fabric elements such as sets of folded-boudinaged veins, rotated porphyroblasts and blocked rigid objects. Mohr circle constructions are presented as a tool to calculate deformation parameters from fabric data, to represent the deformation path graphically and to reconstruct flow parameters from the shape of this path. If the vorticity number or the volume change rate changed during progressive deformation, the deformation path can be partly reconstructed using sets of fabric elements which register mean and final values of these parameters.