Microstructural and fabric studies from the rocks of the Moine Nappe, Eriboll, NW Scotland

Abstract

Microstructures and quartz c-axis fabric diagrams from mylonites and psammitic Moine schists, collected in traverses across the lower levels of the Moine Nappe in the Eriboll area, are presented. On approaching the Moine Thrust from the Kyle of Tongue, the following microstructural sequence is encountered: interlayered coarse grained biotite psammitic and schistose tectonites being in part mylonitic with two platy slide zones, one containing biotite and the other only muscovite and chlorite and both showing quartz microstructures indicative of post-tectonic relaxation; these pass into more mylonitic rocks nearer the thrust zone which in turn passes into the main chlorite-grade mylonite belt and finally, adjacent to the Moine Thrust, into reworked lower chlorite grade mylonites. Although there is some local variation, the overall quartz c-axis fabric is an incomplete asymmetric type I girdle. The main variation is the development of type II girdles in the reworked, ultrafine grained mylonites. The extent of the mylonitization is more extensive than previously reported. Studies of folds within the mylonite belt have revealed eye structures and small-scale folds; many are sheath folds. They cannot be unequivocally correlated with large-scale recumbent folds within the Moine Nappe. The results presented indicate that mylonitization is not limited to a single phase, and raises the possibility that there may be earlier Caledonian or possibly Precambrian structural elements present in the Eriboll region Moines prior to much of the mylonitization.