Complex strain patterns developed at the frontal and lateral tips to shear zones and thrust zones

Abstract

Many of the complex strain patterns seen in shear zones and thrust zones, such as variable fabric orientations, refolded folds and fabrics, together with folds with hinges almost parallel to the main transport direction, can be explained in terms of differential movement within the shear zones. These strains are developed at the frontal and lateral tips of the zones as they propagate. Examples are taken from the Moine thrust zone of Scotland which show variations in strains particularly at the lateral tips. The form of differential movement described here may lead to complex strain paths and non-plane strain ellipsoids and the spatial variations in finite strain may be used to delineate zones of extensional and compressional flow and differential movement in the shear zones or thrusts.