Late Sveconorwegian monzonitic dykes in the Setesdalen area of Central South Norway: Examples of structures in dykes and their indications of accumulated strain

Abstract

In the Setesdalen area, Central South Norway, a large number of monzonitic dykes and other minor bodies were intruded during the late stages of emplacement of Sveconorwegian magmatic complexes. Some of the dykes define cone sheet and bell-jar sheet systems. The dykes possess internal linear and planar fabrics, which are not seen in any of the host rocks. Also, cross-cutting granitic veins within the dykes are deformed and may show ptygmatic folds, whereas in the host rocks these same veins appear undeformed. The internal strain in the dykes was determined from vein deformation to be mainly simple shear with or without a volume reduction. The strain preferentially accumulated in the ductile monzonite dykes while the more rigid host rock blocks were passively displaced. In some cases, an additional minor component of flattening affected both the dykes and their host rocks.