The Caledonian thrust and shear zones of N.W. Scotland

Abstract

Models of thrust tectonics derived from studies in the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachians have been applied to the deeper level Caledonian thrusts of the northern part of the Moine thrust zone at Eriboll, N. W. Scotland and also to the Caledonian thrusts as a whole. Though at the present level of erosion the thrust sequence is often from west to east, the sequence of thrust development is interpreted as from east to west, in the direction of thrust transport. The Moine thrust is only one of a series of Caledonian thrust and shear zones which should either maintain a constant dip or flatten at depth, having propagated from a flat lying decoupling zone within the crust. An interpretation of geophysical results places constraints on the shape of these thrusts at depth and suggests a position for the decoupling zone.