Some aspects on the origin of fold-type fabrics — theory, experiments and field applications

Abstract

An applicable interpretation of fabrics should be based mainly on geometrical considerations in order to cover available field data. Therefore a theory on the formation of foldtype fabrics including congruent and concentric flexural-slip folds as well as kink bands in materials subjected to rhombic and different monocline strain types is derived by means of particle motion fields for homogeneous and isotropic bodies. The analysis of experimental results and their comparison with field observations largely confirms the theory and contributes to its improvement. Some trends can be established: With increasing monocline character of the strain type, the probability of concentric and congruent flexural-slip folding is reduced. It is substituted by kink band formation. While the portion of monocline strain is enlarged with depth, rhombic fold symmetry indicates, in the realm of elastic-plastic behaviour, the proximity of the surface of the earth or of a detachment surface. With gradual increase of the rock anisotropy, the development of shear faults, kink folds and, finally, congruent and concentric flexural-slip folds is favoured.