Aspects of the post-depositional evolution of Dalradian and Highland Border Complex rocks in the Southern Highlands of Scotland

Abstract

ABSTRACTPalaeomagnetic data define a polar wander path for the Dalradian tectonic block of the Scottish Highlands but resolve no relative motion between the Dalradian and Midland Valley blocks from early Ordo vician onwards. The history of structural episodes (D1to D4) is traced for the Dalradian rocks of the Southern Highlands, and peak metamorphic temperatures are closely associated with D3in the 520–490 Ma (early Ordovician) time period, whilst retrograde events are mostly associated with D4. Throughout the structural history, the influence of a lineament or lineaments parallel to the Highland Border is seen and is particularly demonstrated by the formation of the major Highland Border downbend (D4) structure. This monoform is interpreted as lying structurally above a major step in the basement and is associated with uplift of the Dalradian flat belt in the period 460–440 Ma (late Ordovician).The mechanism of emplacement of the slivers of Highland Border Complex (HBC) rocks adjacent to the Dalradian Supergroup along the Highland Boundary fault zone is considered given that structural and palaeontological evidence indicates the emplacement to be post- D3in the Dalradian rocks. The steep attitude of rocks along the Highland Boundary fault zone is probably due to vertical movements but either thrust or strike-slip movements are also indicated. Thrust emplacement prior to downbend formation (D4in the Dalradian rocks) would also precede uplift and have to take place at considerable depth (10–20 km). Thrust emplacement subsequent to downbend formation is difficult to reconcile with the existing structural relations, whilst strike-slip motion offers a straightforward mechanism of placement.