Pressure Solution Deformation Research Articles

On the high scientific quality of early research on strain and deformation fabrics (1835–1908)

Abstract. High-quality research developed during the 19th century established the foundations of rock strain investigations. Careful observation and description of rock fabrics and deformed objects in rocks allowed early researchers to obtain mathematical expressions that are still used today to quantify strain. Thus, in a span of a few decades, and applying basic scientific methodology, these researchers developed the concept of the strain ellipsoid, defined mathematically the difference between constant-volume and volume-loss deformation, constructed the basic equations that define pure and simple shear deformation, and discovered the mechanism of pressure–solution deformation. These advances were fundamental to seminal works on strain analysis and deformation fabrics in the mid-20th century. However, they are rarely addressed in modern studies, which suggests a lack of awareness among current researchers. In order to bring attention to these landmarks of strain research, I provide a historical review of the high standards of analysis that led to the definition of the fundamental equations and concepts on strain during the 19th century.

Fault architecture and deformation mechanisms in exhumed analogues of seismogenic carbonate-bearing thrusts

Faults in carbonates are well known sources of upper crustal seismicity throughout the world. In the outer sector of the Northern Apennines, ancient carbonate-bearing thrusts are exposed at the surface and represent analogues of structures generating seismicity at depth. We describe the geometry, internal structure and deformation mechanisms of three large-displacement thrusts from the km scale to the microscale. Fault architecture and deformation mechanisms are all influenced by the lithology of faulted rocks. Where thrusts cut across bedded or marly limestones, fault zones are thick (tens of metres) and display foliated rocks (S-CC′ tectonites and/or YPR cataclasites) characterized by intense pressure-solution deformation. In massive limestones, faulting occurs in localized, narrow zones that exhibit abundant brittle deformation. A general model for a heterogeneous, carbonate-bearing thrust is proposed and discussed. Fault structure, affected by stratigraphic heterogeneity and inherited structures, influences the location of geometrical asperities and fault strain rates. The presence of clay minerals and the strain rate experienced by fault rocks modulate the shifting from cataclasis-dominated towards pressure-solution-dominated deformation. Resulting structural heterogeneity of these faults may mirror their mechanical and seismic behaviour: we suggest that seismic asperities are located at the boundaries of massive limestones in narrow zones of localized slip whereas weak shear zones constitute slowly slipping portions of the fault, reflecting other types of “aseismic” behaviour.

Neoproterozoic structural evolution of SE Sinai, Egypt: I. Re-investigation of the structures and deformation kinematics of the Um Zariq and Malhaq Formations, northern Wadi Kid area

The Wadi Kid area of the SE Sinai comprises Neoproterozoic arc metavolcanics and metasediments bordered to the N, W and S by post-kinematic granitoid plutons. The structure and tectonics of the Kid area remain controversial despite more than two decades of investigations. In this study the structural history and characteristics of the northern part of the Kid area (Um Zariq and Malhaq Formations) are described. The earliest tectonic event, D1, produced upright folds with probably originally WNW–ESE trending hinges. The F1 folding weakens to the north. The main deformation, D2, produced regionally penetrative shallow-dipping S2 foliations and semi-recumbent tight to isoclinal F2 folds. S2 cleavage is a product of pure flattening strain that involved pressure solution deformation mechanism, rather than a shear foliation that involved mylonitization as previously reported. Macroscopic F2 folds are dissected by top-to-SSE low-angle thrusts and mylonite zones that emplaced the high T Um Zariq Formation schists over the low-grade metavolcanics in the southern part of the Kid area. The SSE direction of thrusting is parallel to stretching lineations on the S2 cleavage planes. Later folds include D3 WNW–ESE to E–W trending upright gentle folds and D4 upright gentle N–S to NE–SW trending folds. In contrast to the extensional histories recently proposed this study finds the deformation events in the northern Kid area to comprise a compressional folding and thrusting history.

Microscale anatomy of the 1999 Chi‐Chi earthquake fault zone

Two TCDP boreholes A and B were drilled in the northern part of the Chelungpu thrust fault where the Chi‐Chi earthquake (21 September 1999, Mw 7.6) showed large displacement, low ground acceleration, and high slip velocity. In this paper, we describe the microstructures of the Chi‐Chi Principal Slip Zone (PSZ) within black gouges localized at 1111 m depth in Hole A and at 1136 m depth in Hole B. In the FZA1111 the PSZ is a 2 cm‐thick isotropic clay‐rich gouge which contains aggregates formed by central clasts coated by clay cortex (clay‐clast aggregates (CCAs)) and fragments of older gouges segregated in the top third of the PSZ. In FZB1136 the PSZ is 3 mm thick and is characterized by a foliated gouge displaying an alternation of clay‐rich and clast‐rich layers. The presence of CCAs, plucked underlying gouge fragments, gouge injections, and the occurrence of reverse grain size segregation of large clasts in the FZA1111 isotropic gouge suggest that the gouge was fluidized as a result of frictional heating and thermal pressurization. The foliated gouge in FZB1136 may be one locus of strain localization and related heat production. Small calcite veins present above the isotropic FZA1111 PSZ gouge and, characterized by an increasing strain with increasing distance away from the PSZ, are attributed to coseismic fluid escape from the pressurized gouge. The observed microstructures are interpreted in view of their seismic implications for the Chi‐Chi earthquake in terms of slip weakening mechanisms by thermal pressurization, gouge fluidization, coseismic fluid distribution, and postseismic slip. Above the PSZ, several layers of compacted gouges containing deformed CCAs and gouge fragments correspond to several PSZ of past earthquakes similar to the Chi‐Chi earthquake and display a fault‐parallel cleavage resulting from a low strain rate pressure solution deformation mechanism that may be correlated to the interseismic periods.

Numerical modelling of pressure solution deformation at axisymmetric asperities under normal load

Abstract We developed a numerical model of compression of asperities by pressure solution (PS). The dissolution rate along the contact was determined by (1) computing the normal stress distribution from the present shape of the asperities, and (2) solving the diffusion equation inside the fluid-saturated solid–solid interface, including local dissolution source terms corresponding to the stress field previously determined. The change in shape of the asperities during an infinitesimal time interval can then be calculated and the entire procedure repeated as many times as desired. We simulated PS compaction of axisymmetric asperities with different sizes and shapes under various temperatures and loads, and using different values of the interface diffusion coefficient. Our results show that as the contact flattens and grows during PS, the initial elastic deformation is partially relaxed and the stress transferred from the contact centre to the edge. Transient stress release remains significant during an extended period and could strongly influence the interpretation of laboratory experiments. In our model, dissolution and interface diffusion are not sequentially combined as is usually assumed, making it impossible to identify a single rate-limiting process. The convergence rate of the asperities was approximately proportional to the mean effective stress at the contact, and depended in a complex way on the contact radius, but was not sensitive to the asperity size. We also estimated the conditions under which undercutting at the contact edge is triggered.

Deformation Style of Slickenlines on Mélange Foliations and Change in Deformation Mechanisms Along Subduction Interface: Example from the Cretaceous Shimanto Belt, Shikoku, Japan

Accretionary complexes record the histories of changes in physical properties of sediments from unlithified sediments to lithified rocks through the deformation processes along subduction interface. The trench sediment suffered various deformation of particulate flow, pressure solution deformation and cataclastic faultings from ductile to brittle regime during accretion in subduction zone. Tectonic mélange is a characteristic rock in on-land accretionary complexes. The dominant deformation mechanism of tectonic mélange formation is pressure solution on the basis of microscopic observation. However, brittle slickenlines are also commonly observed on mélange foliations at the outcrop scale. Although the slickenlines as a brittle failure is common on the surface of the pressure solution foliation, the relationship of their kinetic are still uncertain. Detailed observations of slickenlines suggest that they are formed by reactivation of the mélange foliations, which indicates that the slickenlines are developed after formation of block in matrix texture characterized in mélange. In addition, mélange foliations are cut by faults related to underplating of oceanic materials. Therefore, formation of slickenlines occur before underplating in a relatively deep portion along subduction interface. On the basis of P-T conditions reported from other parts of the Cretaceous Shimanto Belt, the mélange formation and underplating is inferred to have occurred around the seismic front or within the seismogenic zone. The change in deformation mechanisms from pressure solution to brittle failure may be the first change in physical properties from plastic to brittle around seismic front.

Late Carboniferous to Permian remagnetization of Devonian limestones in the Ardennes: Role of temperature, fluids, and deformation

To test various remagnetization mechanisms in unmetamorphosed to very low grade metamorphic carbonates, we integrated paleomagnetic and rock magnetic data of Devonian carbonates with geological observations in the well‐studied Rhenohercynian Belt of France and Belgium. Paleomagnetic results from 42 sites show that there are three separate remanence components. Hysteresis measurements that are consistent with unremagnetized limestones and the low paleotemperature of the Boulonnais area (<55°C) indicate that component B is a primary Middle Devonian natural remanent magnetization (NRM). Prefolding to postfolding Carboniferous component C and postfolding Early Permian component P both occur throughout the Ardennes and Brabant Massif. Rock magnetic results indicate that component P is carried by pyrrhotite and component C is carried by a magnetite mix that straddles the single‐domain‐multidomain grain‐size range (10–30 nm). The relative intensity factor, Ri, defined as ln(intensity P/intensity C), shows a marked spatial correlation with the southern of two Mississippi Valley‐type (MVT) ore districts. This, in combination with the timing of remagnetization, suggests that component P pyrrhotite formed as a result of percolation of MVT fluids through these carbonates. Fine‐grained magnetite formation, as a by‐product of smectite‐to‐illite conversion in the presence of host‐rock‐buffered internal fluids during deformation, is the most likely remagnetization mechanism for component C. Pressure solution deformation processes may have enhanced the smectite‐to‐illite conversion and hence remagnetization.

Modeling of porosity loss during compaction and cementation of sandstones

Research Article| October 01, 1996 Modeling of porosity loss during compaction and cementation of sandstones Claire Lemée; Claire Lemée 1Géosciences Rennes, Batiment 15, Campus Beaulieu, Université Rennes 1, 35042 Rennes, France Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Yves Guéguen Yves Guéguen 1Géosciences Rennes, Batiment 15, Campus Beaulieu, Université Rennes 1, 35042 Rennes, France Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Claire Lemée 1Géosciences Rennes, Batiment 15, Campus Beaulieu, Université Rennes 1, 35042 Rennes, France Yves Guéguen 1Géosciences Rennes, Batiment 15, Campus Beaulieu, Université Rennes 1, 35042 Rennes, France Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (1996) 24 (10): 875–878. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1996)024<0875:MOPLDC>2.3.CO;2 Article history First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Claire Lemée, Yves Guéguen; Modeling of porosity loss during compaction and cementation of sandstones. Geology 1996;; 24 (10): 875–878. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1996)024<0875:MOPLDC>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Irreversible inelastic processes are responsible for mechanical and chemical compaction of sedimentary rocks at the time of burying. Our purpose is to describe the inelastic response of the rock at large time scales. In order to do this, we build a model that describes how porosity progressively decreases at depth. We use a previous geometrical model for the compaction process of a sandstone by grain interpenetration that is restricted to the case of mass conservation. In addition, we introduce a compaction equilibrium concept. Solid grains can support stresses up to a critical effective stress, σc, before plastic flow occurs. This critical stress depends on temperature and is derived from the pressure-solution deformation law. Pressure solution is the plastic deformation mechanism implemented during compaction. Our model predicts a porosity destruction at a depth of about 3 km. This model has the property to define a range of compaction curves. We investigate the sensitivity of the model to the main input parameters: liquid film thickness, grain size, temperature gradient, and activation energy. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.

Determination of pressure solution shortening in sandstones

A new method for the determination of pressure solution shortening in sandstones uses the geometry of grain-to-grain interpenetrations and grains truncated against solution surfaces. These features are used to construct plots from which the magnitude and direction of the pressure solution shortening can be determined. Using simulated pressure solution deformation of artificial and natural grain populations, the new method is shown to correctly assess a variety of coaxial and non-coaxial shortenings. Although primarily intended to determine shortening, the method can also quantify extension related to growth of beards or overgrowths during pressure solution. Application of the method to naturally deformed quartz arenite samples shows that pressure solution shortening of up to 26% occurred during compaction and 22% during layer-parallel shortening.

Fractures Generated during Folding of the Palmerton Sandstone, Eastern Pennsylvania

A syncline of Devonian Palmerton Sandstone exposed in a quarry in the fold-thrust belt of eastern Pennsylvania contains a set of fractures that are perpendicular to bedding and strike parallel to the fold axis. Fracture spacing is between 0.25 and 30 cm. These fractures are zones of cataclasis that have striated shear surfaces. Displacement on fractures, where measurable, is less than 1 cm. Sparse kinematic evidence suggests that slip on fractures could have contributed to growth of the fold. Petrographic evidence shows that slip is in part localized along pre-existing mineralized fractures which probably formed during burial, lithification, and diagenesis of the Palmerton Sandstone in an extensional structural setting. The unusual shear-fracture pattern illustrated by the Palmerton Sandstone may result from slip on these early fractures during thnist-sheet displacement along a thrust ramp. This exposure also illustrates the operation of contrasting deformation mechanisms in sandstone and in vertically adjacent limestone and shale units. Evidence of pressure-solution deformation, in the form of spaced cleavage, is present in limestone and shale, whereas in the Palmerton Sandstone, deformation was accomplished by pervasive macrofracturing and microfracturing.

Ability of the Fry method to characterize pressure-solution deformation—discussion

Ability of the Fry method to characterize pressure-solution deformation—discussion

Ability of the Fry method to characterize pressure-solution deformation—reply

Ability of the Fry method to characterize pressure-solution deformation—reply

Pressure-solution deformation of the purgatory conglomerate, rhode island (u.s.a.): quantification of volume change, real strains and sedimentary shape factor

Pressure solution has caused substantial volume redistribution within the Purgatory Conglomerate from Rhode Island. Material has been removed from quartzite cobble surfaces parallel to the fold axes and mostly redeposited as fibrous pressure shadows at the long axis terminations of the cobbles. In the hinges of folds, 23% of the mean cobble volume has been removed, and in highly deformed and overturned fold limbs up to 55% volume reduction has occurred. The initial cobble shape and orientation can be measured at an undeformed locality and the deformation path can be easily deduced; thus these are real cobble volume reductions. Apparent volume losses (initial shapes not removed) range from 70% to 89%. Real strains for cobbles (axial ratios ranging from 1:0.65:0.38 to 1:0.47:0.15) have values of e x , e y , e z which range from 0%, −20%, −11% to 0%, −37%, −42%, respectively, depending on structural position. The conglomerate itself has been extended parallel to the fold axes (e r), but the extension is not recorded by the cobble shapes.

Ability of the fry method to characterize pressure-solution deformation—discussion

Ability of the fry method to characterize pressure-solution deformation—discussion

Ability of the fry method to characterize pressure-solution deformation—reply

The Ashele volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) Cu-Zn deposit is placed in the Devonian volcanic-sedimentary basin of the Chinese Altay Orogen, NW China. It occurs in the form of well-developed lensoid orebodies within the Devonian Ashele Formation. The orebodies display analogous deformational characteristics with respect to their host rocks. Two periods of ore formation are distinguishable in the Ashele VMS Cu-Zn deposit: the first one is related to the genesis of banded and massive ores, whereas the second one is characterized by the formation of earlier Cu-dominated- and later Pb-Zn dominated-polymetallic quartz veins. In most cases, the primary banded textures of ores are still preserved. However, some veins cross cut the earlier generated ores with brecciated, durchbewegung, recrystallization and pressure-solution textures produced, indicating that substantial remobilization of metals has occurred due to intense reworking of the VMS. Four types of fluid inclusions were recognized in Cu-dominated quartz veins encompassing CO2-H2O (C-type), aqueous water (W-type), daughter mineral-bearing (S-type) and carbonic (PC-type) fluid inclusions. The homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions mainly vary between 220 and 280 °C, whereas their salinities focus on 4 to 8 wt.% NaCl equiv. Gases in fluid inclusions identified using Raman spectroscopy consist of CO2, CH4 and N2. Characteristics such as mesothermal temperature, low salinity and elevated CO2 content indicate that the ore-forming fluid might have been of metamorphic origin. Based on the major C-type FIs, the trapping pressures are greater than 8.5 MPa, corresponding to minimum ore-forming depths are deeper than 3.1 km. Taking into account the regional geodynamic evolution, it is concluded that the early formed ore layers were generated in an arc-related geotectonic setting; while deformation and metamorphism that were responsible for metal remobilization in the ore system happened in a post-subduction regime. Based on the micro-textural observation coupled with fluid inclusion data, we conclude that the Ashele Cu-Zn deposit is a typical remobilized VMS deposit intensely overprinted by subsequent deformation and metamorphism.

Ability of the Fry method to characterize pressure-solution deformation

The applicability of the Fry method to marker distributions deformed by pressure-solution is examined. Four types of pressure-solution deformation were modeled. They differ by the spacing of the dissolution surfaces relative to the distance between marker centers, the amount of volume loss, and whether or not markers in contact with dissolution surfaces are dissolved completely. The results show that the Fry method correctly characterizes each type of deformation, but without additional information, such as the amount of volume loss, it can be used only where the deformation is constant volume and where dissolution surfaces are more closely spaced than marker centers.

Mineralization at the Golden Grove Cu – Zn deposit, Western Australia. II: Deformation textures of the opaque minerals

Studies of the sulphide–magnetite fabric at Golden Grove. Western Australia, metamorphosed under conditions of lower to middle greenschist facies, indicate that pyrite and magnetite deformed in a brittle manner, whereas pyrrhotite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, and galena deformed as ductile sulphides. In the accompanying silicate assemblage, pressure-solution deformation has been a significant deformation mechanism. An optical-microscope study of etched sphalerite reveals a wide range of microstructures indicative of ductile deformation, including lattice dislocations, subgrains and subboundaries, annealing twins, variable grain-boundary geometry, and recrystallization. The microstructures are distributed randomly through the sphalerite fabric and are similar to that formed during steady-state creep of deformed metals and that reported in dynamic recovery and recrystallization of deformed quartz. It is concluded that the ductile sulphides are modified by synkinematic recovery and recrystallization and that postkinematic recovery, annealing, and recrystallization, which are commonly reported for sulphide deposits, are not present.

Mesoscopic fault array of the northern Umbrian Apennine fold belt, Italy: Geometry of conjugate shear by pressure-solution slip

The strata of the northern Umbrian Apennine fold belt are cut by an array of mesoscopic faults that generally display strike- or oblique-slip offset. The majority of these faults have traces less than a few metres long and represent displacements of < 10 cm. Fault surfaces are associated with stylolites and are coated with elongate calcite fibers, suggesting that movement occurred by the mechanism of pressure-solution slip. Crosscutting relationships indicate that faulting occurred before, during, and perhaps after regional folding. The slip on the faults permitted translations of mesoscopic blocks with respect to one another, thereby accommodating regional strain. There is a great range among fault attitudes, but two clusters forming a conjugate set with about a 90° dihedral angle stand out. The mean trend of left-lateral faults of this pair is N72°E, whereas the mean trend of right-lateral faults is N16°W. The bisector between these two fault clusters is about 15° away from the normal to the regional fold axes. This unusual orientation pattern of mesoscopic faults of the study area may indicate that the mechanics of initiating faults in rocks undergoing pressure-solution deformation is different from that in rocks undergoing purely brittle deformation. Alternatively, the fault pattern may indicate that the faults represent slip on pre-existing fractures. If this latter situation is true, the geometry of the fault array may merely reflect the geometry of the pre-existing joint array.

Pressure Solution Deformation of the Purgatory Conglomerate from Rhode Island

Pressure solution is the dominant mechanism for the Alleghenian age deformation of Pennsylvanian quartzite conglomerates from the Narragansett Basin, Rhode Island. This deformation is accompanied by inter-cobble rotation and occurred at low metamorphic grades. No microscopic evidence for internal penetrative deformation of cobbles in the conglomerate is observed. Three major pressure solution features are characteristic of this conglomerate. Adjacent cobbles show indentation relationships with no change in quartz fabrics within the individual cobbles. Insoluble material is concentrated between cobbles in mutual contact, both in the matrix and within the outer margins of the cobbles. Quartz overgrowths are found at the long axis terminations of the cobbles. Many other pressure solution features are discussed. These features remain recognizable after subsequent metamorphism. Review of other studies suggests that pressure solution may well be a common conglomerate deformation mechanism during early deformati...

Pressure solution deformation of conglomerates in shear zones, Narragansett Basin, Rhode Island

Pressure solution deformation in shear zones in a Pennsylvanian quartzite conglomerate from Narragansett Basin, Rhode Island, has resulted in 51–58% cobble volume reduction. Only 16–27% of this volume reduction is due to shearing; the rest is the result of an earlier constriction during folding. In the shear zones it is possible to demonstrate the effects of flattening and shearing. Pressure solution has had a flattening effect, whereas inter-cobble rotation has aligned the planes containing the long and intermediate axes of the cobbles parallel to the shear plane. The magnitude of the flattening and the degree of alignment increases with the intensity of shearing. In one shear zone internal penetrative deformation of the cobbles has occurred in addition to pressure solution and inter-cobble rotation. The magnitude of the additional strain produced by this internal penetrative deformation can be estimated, but the amounts of strain caused by flattening and shearing cannot be separated.