Shear Sense Research Articles

Neoarchean to Paleoproterozoic tectonothermal evolution of the North China Craton: Constraints from geological mapping and Th-U-Pb geochronology of zircon, titanite and monazite in Zanhuang Massif

The North China Craton (NCC) consists of Neoarchean to Paleoproterozoic basement, with rare Eo-Paleoarchean crustal relicts. However, the Precambrian tectonothermal evolution of the Central Orogenic Belt (COB) of the NCC is still hotly debated. In this contribution, we present new results of field-based litho-structural analysis, Th-U-Pb geochronology of accessory minerals including zircon, titanite and monazite from paragneiss and marble in a passive margin sequence in the Zanhuang Massif of the COB. Field studies show that two generations of deformation events occurred in the Zanhuang Massif. The earlier deformation is widely distributed in the entire Zanhuang Massif and developed with a top-to-SE shear sense resulting in foliation of the micaschist, metavolcanic rock, marble and paragneiss. The latter deformation is locally occurred in the central Zanhuang Massif and developed with a top-to-SW shear sense represented by the faulting and folding events which are similar to the fold-and-thrust structures of accretionary wedge during the formation of Zanhuang mélange. Zircons from paragneiss yield single-peak age populations with mean ages of 2.52 and 2.51 Ga, and a metamorphic age of 1.84 Ga. Zircon ages from marble are divided into four groups including a main peak of 2.54 Ga, two older groups of 2.77–2.82 and 2.60–2.70 Ga, and a younger metamorphic age of 1.81 Ga. Titanites from paragneiss and marble yield mean metamorphic ages between 1.94 and 1.88 Ga, representing an earlier thermal event. Monazites from paragneiss yield an isochron age of 1.80 Ga, representing a later thermal event. Based on our new litho-structural observations and geochronological data, coupled with previous studies, we suggest that the paragneiss and marble from the marble-siliciclastic unit represent the passive margin sequence, and were mainly deposited at 2.51–2.50 Ga. In addition, the Zanhuang Massif has experienced two tectonothermal events at ca. 1.94–1.88 Ga and ca. 1.83–1.80 Ga, which are widely distributed in the entire NCC, but gradually become weaker from north to south.

Metapelites record two episodes of decompressional metamorphism in the Himalayan orogen

In order to decipher the metamorphic evolution of the Himalayan orogen, a combined study of petrology, geochronology and geochemistry was carried out for three types of metapelites from the upper segment of the Higher Himalayas in the Cona area, eastern Himalaya. The results indicate a change in the thermal state of regional metamorphism and thus provide insights into the tectonic evolution of the collisional orogen during the Cenozoic. Type I Grt-St-Sil mica schists experienced amphibolite facies metamorphism under subsolidus peak conditions of 655–670 °C and 9.5–10 kbar, followed by nearly isothermal decompression to ca. 660 °C and 6.5 kbar at 41–30 Ma, corresponding to an increase of metamorphic thermobaric ratios from 670–689 °C/GPa to 1015 °C/GPa. Type II Grt-Sil mica schists experienced early amphibolite facies metamorphism at 40–30 Ma and then superimposed by late granulite facies metamorphism at peak conditions of 755–775 °C and 10.4–11.2 kbar, followed by nearly isothermal decompression through ca. 755 °C and 9 kbar to ca. 700 °C and 7.5 kbar at 26–18 Ma. Such P–T changes correspond to tortuous changes in thermobaric ratios from 692–726 °C/GPa through 839 °C/GPa to 933 °C/GPa. Type III Grt-Kfs-Sil Bt gneisses experienced amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphism from 700–720 °C and 12–13 kbar to 800–850 °C and 11.5–12.5 kbar at 25–21 Ma, followed by nearly isothermal decompression to ca. 770 °C and 8.6 kbar at 20–15 Ma. These P–T changes also correspond to a progressive increase of metamorphic thermobaric ratios from 554–583 °C/GPa through 696–739 °C/GPa to 895 °C/GPa. The metamorphic P–T–t paths for these three types of metapelites can be categorized into two episodes of decompressional metamorphism at 41–30 Ma and 26–15 Ma, respectively, under subsolidus amphibolite facies and suprasolidus granulite facies conditions. The polymorphic transformation from kyanite to sillimanite provides mineralogical evidence for the decompressional metamorphism at elevated thermobaric ratios from moderate T/P Barrovian type to high T/P Buchan type. In addition, the metapelites are characterized by the top-to-the-north shear sense due to the movement of the South Tibet Detachment System, indicating its earlier initiation in eastern Himalaya. Throughout the Himalayan orogen, the first episode of decompressional metamorphism results in moderate T/P Barrovian facies series with rare magmatic activity, whereas the second episode of decompressional metamorphism gives rise to high T/P Buchan facies series with extensive magmatism. Therefore, the two episodes of decompressional metamorphism are associated with secular changes of both thermal state and dynamic regime in the Himalayan orogen.

Asymmetric development of the Himalaya: quantitative evidence from strain analysis in Kimin-Ziro-Tamen area, Arunachal Lesser Himalaya, India

The eastern segment of the Himalaya makes a quarter of the mountain belt. While its plate tectonic setting is well understood, the intensity of deformation along the thrusts is not well constrained. This knowledge gap has restricted a quantitative comparison of deformation and crustal shortening in the Eastern Lesser Himalaya with the Central and Western Lesser Himalaya. In this study field evidence, together with microstructural investigations, and two-dimensional (2D) finite strain analysis are used to decipher the deformation pattern in the Kimin-Ziro-Tamen area of the Eastern Lesser Himalaya. Present investigations reveal that micro-to-outcrop-scale structures such as plastically deformed quartz grains, crenulation cleavages, S-C fabric, pull-apart grains, pinch-n-swell structures, boudins and faults confirm that the rocks have been subjected to ductile and brittle-ductile phases of deformation with a regional top-to-south shear sense. The 2D finite strain estimated here is comparable to that in other parts of Eastern Lesser Himalaya, such as the Sikkim and Bhutan Himalaya. However, the strain estimated here is higher than in the Central and Western Lesser Himalaya, such as in the Central Nepal Himalaya, Almora Crystalline Zone, the Garhwal Lesser Himalaya and the Hazara-Kashmir Syntaxis in Pakistan. This provides quantitative proofs of greater deformation and crustal shortening in the Eastern Lesser Himalaya than the Central and Western Himalaya, and of the asymmetric development of Himalaya.

Geology of the southern Gran Paradiso Massif and Lower Piedmont Zone contact area (middle Ala Valley, Western Alps, Italy)

ABSTRACT This work presents the structural evolution of a poorly studied key-area in the middle Ala Valley, Western Alps, where two tectono-metamorphic units are exposed. A geological map at the 1:10.000 scale, integrated with meso- and microstructural analysis, has been realised. We investigated the contact area between Gran Paradiso Massif in the footwall and Lower Piedmont Zone in the hanging wall. Both tectono-metamorphic units, with a different paleogeographic affinity, preserve similar polyphasic deformation histories, defined by four deformation phases. The Dp phase, strongly transposing previous structural relicts, is marked by a high-pressure assemblage associated with the Sp foliation. Dp controls the lithological boundary attitude. A mylonitic zone, developed during the Dp, showing kinematic indicators pointing to a top-to-the N-NW sense of shear, is responsible for the juxtaposition of the two units. Dp structural elements are deformed by Dp+1 and Dp+2 subsequent phases. A greenschist-facies overprinting was observed during the Dp+1 phase.

Tectonics of the Isua Supracrustal Belt 2: Microstructures Reveal Distributed Strain in the Absence of Major Fault Structures

AbstractArchean geological records are increasingly interpreted to indicate a ≤3.2 Ga initiation of plate tectonics on Earth. This hypothesis contrasts with dominant plate tectonic interpretations for the Eoarchean (ca. 4.0–3.6 Ga) Isua supracrustal belt (southwest Greenland). Alternatively, recent work shows the belt could have formed via heat‐pipe tectonics. Predicted strain distributions across the belt vary between models. Plate tectonic models predict a dominant unidirectional shear sense, corresponding to subduction vergence, and strain localization within ∼10‐m‐scale shear zones. In contrast, the proposed heat‐pipe model predicts two opposing shear senses, corresponding to opposite limbs of 0.1‐m to km‐scale a‐type folds (i.e., sheath and curtain folds), with relatively equal strain distributed across the belt. Here, we present the first microstructure study using thin‐section petrography and electron backscatter diffraction analysis on quartz of oriented samples from throughout the Isua supracrustal belt. Key findings are: (1) the Eoarchean Isua supracrustal belt was deformed at ∼500°C–650°C, with potential postdeformational recovery at similar or lower temperatures, (2) the spatial distribution of the two opposing shear senses which dominate the belt (top‐to‐southeast and top‐to‐northwest) appears to be random, and (3) the strain intensity across the belt appears to be quasiuniform as evidenced by the uniformly low (mostly <0.1) M‐indexes of quartz fabrics, such that no ≤ 100 ‐m‐scale shear zones can be detected. Our findings are only consistent with the predictions of the heat‐pipe model and do not require plate tectonics, so the geology of the belt is compatible with a ≤3.2 Ga initiation of plate tectonics.

Texture and Shape Analysis of Quartzite Mylonites of the Metamorphic Sole of the Samail Ophiolite (Oman): Evidence for Syn- and Post-Obduction Deformation

The metamorphic sole, tectonically welded to the base of the Samail ophiolite in a supra-subduction system, is assumed to play the main role in strain accumulation during later thrusting onto the Arabian Plate (i.e., during obduction). The present study deals with five quartzite samples representative of the upper amphibolite and lower greenschist facies parts of the sole. Whole-rock textures obtained by neutron time-of-flight technique were coupled with microstructural observation using electron backscatter diffraction analyses. The quartz microstructural fabrics and textures in the upper and lower parts of the sole represent grain boundary migration and [c]-in-Y textures and subgrain rotation recrystallization and {r}-in-Z textures, respectively. The shear sense in these samples points to top-to-the-SW to SSW shear. One sample of the upper part, yielding a higher calcite amount, is later overprinted by bulging and displays top-to-the-NNE shear. We postulate to differentiate two main deformation steps. The first is the overall present subgrain rotation and grain boundary migration recrystallization combined to top ~SW shear is related to the sole accretion to the ophiolite and the eventually following thrusting onto the Arabian Plate. The second is correlated to a post-obduction extensional top-to-the-NNE shearing, which is associated with tectonic thinning of the ophiolite and mainly documented in the underlying autochthonous units.

Characterizing syn-convergent extension along the Neybaz-Chatak detachment shear zone, Central Iran: Insights from microstructures, quartz petrofabrics and flow vorticity analysis

Integrated microstructural, quartz petrofabric and flow vorticity analyses on mylonitic rocks in the lower plate of the Neybaz Chatak Detachment Shear Zone provide significant information regarding the kinematic characteristics coeval with the Chapedony metamorphic core complex development within the Central East Iranian Microcontinent. Several kinematic shear sense indicators including quartz c-axis fabrics, S–C fabrics, rotated feldspar and mica fish reveal that the detachment shear zone has experienced a consistent top-to-the NE-directed progressive shear deformation. Detailed investigations on recrystallization types of quartz and feldspar in the mylonites demonstrate that the deformation occurred under the amphibolite facies condition corresponding to mid-crustal levels. A combination of investigations on mineral assemblages, microstructures of quartz and feldspar, and quartz lattice preferred orientations (LPOs) show that deformation temperatures ranged from 400 to 645 °C that were varied across a distance of ~21 km in the extension direction (NE-SW). The western and eastern parts of the study area experienced lower temperatures compared to the central parts. The gneissic mylonite record sub simple shear deformation (Wm = 0.56–0.85, 64–36%) associated with an increasing of pure shear component. These data highlight that the metamorphic rocks of the study underwent a non-coaxial shear with ductile low-angle normal faulting, resulting in subvertical thinning in the extensional deformation regime responsible for formation of the core complex.

Precise Location and Mapping of the Main Central Thrust Zone in Reference to Micro-Structures and Deformation along Khudi-Tal Area of Marsyangdi Valley

Geological mapping was carried out along Marsyangdi valley in the Khudi - Dahare -Tal area on a scale of 1: 50,000 covering about 142 square kilometers. Recent study aims to locate the Main Central Thrust (MCT) precisely based on lithostratigraphy, micro-structures, deformation, and metamorphism. Several thin sections were observed to study the metamorphism, deformation, and micro-structures developed in the rocks. The rocks sequences in both the Higher Himalaya and the Lesser Himalaya have undergone polyphase metamorphism and deformation. The Lesser Himalaya experienced first burial metamorphism (M1) followed by garnet grade inverted metamorphism related to the MCT activity (M2) followed by retrograde metamorphism (M3) whereas the Higher Himalaya has undergone regional high-pressure/ high-temperature kyanite/ sillimanite- grade prograde regional metamorphism (M1) followed by the (M2) related to ductile sharing which in turn is overprinted by the later post-tectonic retrograde garnet to chlorite grade metamorphism during exhumation. The polyphase deformation is indicated by the cross-cutting foliation and many other features. The deformation phase D1 is associated with the development of the bedding parallel foliation due to burial in both the Higher Himalaya and the Lesser Himalaya. Isoclinal folds and crenulation cleavage were developed before the collision is categorized as D2. Development of nearly N- S trending mineral and stretching lineation, south vergent drag folds, folded S2 cleavage and microscopic shear sense indicators, rotated syn- tectonic garnet grains, etc. were developed during the deformation D3 related to the ductile shearing through the MCT. Various brittle faults and shear zones cross-cutting all earlier features were developed during D4 during the upheaval. The rocks in the MCT zone are affected by intense sharing and mylonitization as indicated by the presence of many mylonitic structures in the thin sections throughout the Lesser Himalaya in the area. Features like polygonization and ribbon quartz with evidence of sub-grain rotation, mica fish, syn-tectonic rotated garnet grains indicate the ductile shearing in the MCT area suggesting the dynamic recrystallization in the MCT zone whereas rocks of the Higher Himalaya show the evidence of recrystallization under static condition. The MCT zone was mapped precisely based on the microstructures and deformation.

The growth of faults and fracture networks in a mechanically evolving, mechanically stratified rock mass: a case study from Spireslack Surface Coal Mine, Scotland

Abstract. Fault architecture and fracture network evolution (and resulting bulk hydraulic properties) are highly dependent on the mechanical properties of the rocks at the time the structures developed. This paper investigates the role of mechanical layering and pre-existing structures on the evolution of strike–slip faults and fracture networks. Detailed mapping of exceptionally well exposed fluvial–deltaic lithologies at Spireslack Surface Coal Mine, Scotland, reveals two phases of faulting with an initial sinistral and later dextral sense of shear with ongoing pre-faulting, syn-faulting, and post-faulting joint sets. We find fault zone internal structure depends on whether the fault is self-juxtaposing or cuts multiple lithologies, the presence of shale layers that promote bed-rotation and fault-core lens formation, and the orientation of joints and coal cleats at the time of faulting. During ongoing deformation, cementation of fractures is concentrated where the fracture network is most connected. This leads to the counter-intuitive result that the highest-fracture-density part of the network often has the lowest open fracture connectivity. To evaluate the final bulk hydraulic properties of a deformed rock mass, it is crucial to appreciate the relative timing of deformation events, concurrent or subsequent cementation, and the interlinked effects on overall network connectivity.

Lateral subhorizontal middle to lower crustal flow in response to continental collision: Evidence from the Diancang Shan complex along the Ailao Shan-Red River belt, Southeastern Tibetan Plateau

How middle to lower crust in Southeastern Tibetan Plateau flowed in response to the Indian-Eurasian continental collision remains hotly debated in the last decades. Metamorphic complexes along crustal mobile zones, e.g., the Diancang Shan (DCS) complex along the Ailao Shan-Red River (ASRR) metamorphic belt may provide key knowledge on our understanding of the middle-lower crustal flow during the collision. In this contribution, integrated structural, microstructural, kinematic, and thermo-chronological studies of the DCS complex reveal that the complex constitutes a destructed A-type dome. High-grade metamorphic rocks of Proterozoic protoliths form the core (Unit I) that is covered by low-grade metamorphic rocks of Mesozoic age in the limbs (Unit II). The eastern limb of the DCS dome is cut by a normal shear zone (Unit III). Three phases (D1, D2 and D3) of Cenozoic deformation structures are recognized in the complex. The D1 and D2 structures constitute the dominant structural style of the Units I and II. The D1 structures consist of penetrative S1 foliations, mineral lineations (L1), symmetrical intrafolial folds (F1) and tectonic lenses of granitic and quartz veins in rocks from the Units I and II. Mylonitic foliations (S2//S1), NNW-SSE plunging subhorizontal stretching lineations (L2), widespread A-type folds (F2), asymmetric porphyroclasts and tectonic lenses form the dominant structural styles in the D2 deformation. D3 structures are new foliations S3 and hot striae L3 in the normal-slipping shear zone (Unit III). The S2//S1 foliations define the domal framework of the DCS complex, which is truncated by the D3 shear zone. The dome is NW-SE elongated and has a hinge line paralleling to the L2//L1 stretching lineations. Synthetic analysis of structural and microstructural styles, and kinematic vorticity data estimated by rotated rigid porphyroclast method (0.38–0.69) and oblique grain-shape/quartz c-axis-fabric method (0.72–0.98) implies that the D1 and D2 deformations formed a progressive process from early pure shear-dominated (D1) to simple shear-dominated (D2) shearing. Shear sense indicators from different parts (Units I and II) of the dome are compatible with top-to-the southeast shearing during D2 deformation. It is shown that the D1-D2 deformation was characterized by a successive process from penetrative flow (D1) and ductile shearing at middle to lower crustal levels to doming (D2) that was coeval with exhumation of the DCS complex since 27 Ma or earlier. We conclude that these processes, i.e., the penetrative flow, ductile shearing, doming and exhumation of the DCS complex, were attributed to lateral subhorizontal middle to lower crustal flow along the ASRR metamorphic belt in the Southeastern Tibetan Plateau during the Indian and Eurasian plate collision.

Geometry of folded and boudinaged pegmatite veins emplaced within a strike-slip shear zone: A case study from the Caledonian orogen, northern Scotland

The deformation of sheet-like igneous intrusions in multiple orientations can give detailed insights into the kinematics of ductile flow in shear zones. Using the Torrisdale Vein Complex in the northern Scottish Caledonides as a case study, we examine the relationships between folded and boudinaged pegmatitic intrusions deformed by strike-slip dominated shear. Within the shear zone, intrusions that trend clockwise of the adjacent regional foliation were commonly (75%) folded, whereas >80% of pegmatites at anticlockwise angles were asymmetrically boudinaged, giving dextral senses of shear parallel to the dominant and gently-plunging mineral lineations. Pegmatite fold trains at high angles to foliation (Sn) display the greatest % shortening, marked by steeply plunging ‘Z’ shaped folds when viewed down plunge. Pegmatites typically form Class 1C folds and were therefore more competent than their host gneisses at the time of deformation, i.e. they were not in the magmatic state. Such fold geometries are consistent with flattened parallel folds and suggest that up to 0.5 homogenous flattening was superimposed on the folds. Fold styles also indicate viscosity contrasts between the pegmatites and host gneisses of between 50 and 250 at the time of folding. Fold hinges are dispersed about an arc within the steeply-dipping foliation, suggesting a component of hinge rotation towards the mineral lineation during non-coaxial deformation. Folded pegmatites may also display boudinage on their limbs indicating that fold limbs had rotated into the extensional field during progressive deformation. Pegmatite boudin trains are typically developed <45° anticlockwise of Sn and display the greatest % extension when trending sub-parallel to the shear zone foliation. Within such trains, individual shearband boudins are more anticlockwise than the overall train and show right-stepping relative to neighbouring bodies. More equant boudins have rotated less than elongate boudins (aspect ratios >3) and preserve the largest anticlockwise angles with the overall boudin train. Conversely, domino boudins are clockwise of overall boudin trains and have undergone clockwise rotation marked by left-stepping of adjacent boudins. Domino boudins display flanking folds which progressively open as the deformable boudin rotates towards the foliation and margins of the boudin lozenges locally become clockwise of flow. This ‘unfolding’ of deflected foliation, together with local reversals in the sense of shear around rotating boudins, is consistent with a clockwise vorticity associated with bulk dextral shear. These observations collectively indicate that bulk dextral shear with an additional component of pure shear operated across the shear zone and provides further insights into the kinematics of mid-crustal deformation.

Study of small-scale structures and their significance in unravelling the accretionary character of Singhbhum shear zone, Jharkhand, India

Localized strain within tabular ductile shear zones is developed from micro- to meso- to even large scales to form complex structures. They grow in width and length through linkage of segments with progressive accumulation of strain and displacement, and finally produce shear zone networks characterized by anastomosing patterns. Singhbhum shear zone (SSZ) represents a large composite zone characterized by a collage of different dismembered lithotectonic segments, with heterogeneous structural features, within a matrix typical of a shear zone. Structural features indicate that the material properties of protoliths have a great role in controlling the mechanics of deformation. Meso- and micro-scale structural studies of the east-central part of the SSZ reveal ‘tectonic complex like’ (? deeper level equivalent of melange type complex) assemblage of dismembered lithoteconic units. Shear-induced foliations, S, C and C′, were developed while the main mylonitic foliation is represented by C-plane. Apart from that, shear lenses are exceptionally well developed in both meso- and micro-scale in most of the units, particularly in schistose rocks. They were formed from different processes during progressive simple shear, which includes (1) anastomosing C-planes, (2) intersection between C- and C′-planes, (3) disruption of stretched out longer limbs of asymmetric folds, and (4) cleavage duplex. Fabrics recorded in rocks indicate that there was a progressive change in the development of predominantly flattening fabric (coaxial pure shear) in the northern part (outside the SSZ), to simple-shear non-coaxial type deformation producing shear fabric, dominating over the flattening fabric, in the southern part (within the SSZ) that is in close proximity with the Singhbhum Craton. Although an overall plane strain simple shear model is apparent, occasional presence of extensional features along two directions of the mylonitic foliation, demonstrative of three-dimensional deformation (simple shear and flattening: X > Y > 1 > Z), may indicate the stretching nature of the SSZ. From the orientation of oblique grain shape fabric [ISAmax (θ < 45°)], there is slight deviation from simple shear, i.e., a sub-simple nature of plane strain shear could be inferred. However, in conformity with simple shear model the ubiquitously developed stretching lineation shows consistency in orientation being parallel to the movement direction. There is no evidence of transpression. Shear sense indicators invariably indicate up-dip ductile thrust movement with vergence top-to-the south. Microstructural deformational characteristics indicate that peak temperature attained during the deformation in shear zone was ~600 °C. Prolonged period of metasomatism, induced by fluid influx, played an important role in strain softening during the development of SSZ.

A reinterpretation of the Snow Lake gold camp, Trans-Hudson Orogen, Canada: the use of cleavages as markers to correlate structures across deformed terranes

The Snow Lake gold camp is located within amphibolite facies volcanic rocks of the ca. 1.88–1.87 Ga Flin Flon – Glennie Complex (FFGC) in the Trans-Hudson Orogen, Manitoba. During thrusting and collision with the Archean Sask craton, volcanic rocks were interleaved with turbidites of the ca. 1.855–1.84 Ga Burntwood Group and sandstone and conglomerate of the ca. 1.845–1.835 Ga Missi Group. The main cleavage in the turbidites was previously attributed to thrusting and used as a marker for correlating structures across the camp. A re-examination of this cleavage suggests that it overprints the thrust faults and formed during later collision between the FFGC and the Archean Superior craton. This has important implications as it further suggests that (1) previously unrecognized, early brittle thrust faults repeat volcanic stratigraphy and may have created the boundary conditions that enabled the formation of ductile thrust faults, fold nappes, and mega sheath folds; (2) shear sense indicators along ductile thrust faults formed during their reactivation as sinistral shear zones rather than during thrusting; and (3) peak metamorphic conditions were caused by thrusting and stacking during collision with the Sask craton but were attained later during collision with the Superior craton due to the time lag between orogenesis and the re-equilibration of regional isotherms. Results from this study may be applicable to other complexly deformed terranes where the dominant regional cleavage differs in expression in mixed volcanic and sedimentary successions and has been used as a marker for correlating structures.

Thrust Shear Sense and Shear Zone Fabrics in the Higher Himalaya, Siyom Valley, Eastern Arunachal Himalaya, India

Abstract The Higher Himalayan Crystallines (HHC) in the Siyom river section of eastern Arunachal Himalaya, display top-to- ESE compressional ductile shear from Pene to Menchuka. In this part of the Himalayan Metamorphic Belt (HMB), the base of the Main Central Thrust (MCT) is the southern boundary of the ductile shear fabrics in HHC. Across the MCT, a significant break in the grade of metamorphism is observed between the HHC and the Lesser Himalayan Sequences (LHS). The ductile shear fabrics documented in the HHC are primary S-C and S-C′ fabrics, asymmetric folds, porphyroclasts and porphyrobalsts, brittle- ductile structures and asymmetric boudins. Three phases of folding representing three deformation episodes (D1-D3) in HHC are recorded in the area. The rocks of the HHC in Siyom valley are completely transposed by the D2 deformation into NNW dipping C- plane. Ductile shear represented by grain scale structures include sigmoidal foliation, rotation of the inclusion trails in garnet porphyroblasts, asymmetric folds with consistent top-to-ESE sense of shear. The ductile to brittle-ductile shear fabrics in the area indicate that the thrust sense of shear in the HHC is consistent without any shear sense reversal from Pene to Menchuka. These compressional shear fabrics provide invaluable field evidences for constraining the evolution of this part of the Higher Himalaya.

Macro- and microstructural analysis of the Zhujiafang ductile shear zone, Hengshan Complex: Tectonic nature and geodynamic implications of the evolution of Trans–North China orogen

AbstractIn worldwide orogenic belts, crustal-scale ductile shear zones are important tectonic channels along which the orogenic root (i.e., high-grade metamorphic lower-crustal rocks) commonly experienced a relatively quick exhumation or uplift process. However, their tectonic nature and geodynamic processes are poorly constrained. In the Trans–North China orogen, the crustal-scale Zhujiafang ductile shear zone represents a major tectonic boundary separating the upper and lower crusts of the orogen. Its tectonic nature, structural features, and timing provide vital information into understanding this issue. Detailed field observations showed that the Zhujiafang ductile shear zone experienced polyphase deformation. Variable macro- and microscopic kinematic indicators are extensively preserved in the highly sheared tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) and supracrustal rock assemblages and indicate an obvious dextral strike-slip and dip-slip sense of shear. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) was utilized to further determine the crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) of typical rock-forming minerals, including hornblende, quartz, and feldspar. EBSD results indicate that the hornblendes are characterized by (100) &amp;lt;001&amp;gt; and (110) &amp;lt;001&amp;gt; slip systems, whereas quartz grains are dominated by prism &amp;lt;a&amp;gt; and prism &amp;lt;c&amp;gt; slip systems, suggesting an approximate shear condition of 650–700 °C. This result is consistent with traditional thermobarometry pressure-temperature calculations implemented on the same mineral assemblages. Combined with previously reported metamorphic data in the Trans–North China orogen, we suggest that the Zhujiafang supracrustal rocks were initially buried down to ∼30 km depth, where high differential stress triggered the large-scale ductile shear between the upper and lower crusts. The high-grade lower-crustal rocks were consequently exhumed upwards along the shear zone, synchronous with extensive isothermal decompression metamorphism. The timing of peak collision-related crustal thickening was further constrained by the ca. 1930 Ma metamorphic zircon ages, whereas a subsequent exhumation event was manifested by ca. 1860 Ma syntectonic granitic veins and the available Ar-Ar ages of the region. The Zhujiafang ductile shear zone thus essentially record an integrated geodynamic process of initial collision, crustal thickening, and exhumation involved in formation of the Trans–North China orogen at 1.9–1.8 Ga.

Kinematics, strain patterns, rheology, and geochronology of Woka ductile shear zone: Product of uplift of Gangdese batholith and Great Counter Thrust activity

The Woka ductile shear zone is located at the southern margin of the middle section of the Gangdese magmatic belt and southeast of Lhasa. This article is a systematic study of the Woka ductile shear zone and provides kinematics, strain patterns, rheology, temperature environment, and geochronological data of the shear zone, which have great significance for understanding of the uplift and extension process of the southern section of the Gangdese. All shear indicators, such as asymmetrical folds, rotated porphyroclasts, and S–C fabrics, developed in the shear zone indicate the shear sense of top‐to‐the‐northwest with the shear nature of detachment. Mineral deformation thermometer and EBSD quartz fabric analysis indicate that the shear zone has experienced early high‐temperature (550–650°C) deformation and post‐superimposed low temperature (380–420°C) deformation. The differential stress (σ) of the ductile shear zone was 28.08–46.73 MPa. Strain rates (έ) ranged from 10−10 to 10−14 s−1 under a high‐temperature environment (600°C) and 10−12 to 10−16 s−1 under a low‐temperature environment (420°C). Three‐dimensional strain ellipsoid measurements of the Woka ductile shear zone indicate that all deformed samples appear as prolate ellipsoids (LS‐type tectonites), which represent an elongate strain. The average kinematic vorticity of the Woka ductile shear zone is 0.93, implying that the shear zone was dominated by simple shear. The thickness of the ductile shear zone was reduced by 12–28%. Combined with the U–Pb zircon age of the protolith of granitic protomylonite, the 40Ar/39Ar sericite age of granitic mylonite (22.38 ± 0.31 Ma) can represent the shear age. The Woka shear zone studied in this article may have been formed by the Great Counter Thrust (GCT) activity and uplift of the Gangdese batholith during the transforming period of the Lhasa Terrane from extrusion to a lateral extension.

Structural and microtectonic analyses of Barpak of Gorkha district, west-central Nepal

Geological mapping was carried out in the Barpak-Bhachchek area of the Daraudi River valley, Gorkha district, West-Central Nepal for structural analysis. The area comprises rocks of the Higher Himalayan Crystalline and the Lesser Himalayan Sequence. Pelitic and psammitic schist, quartzite, calc-quartzite, dolomitic marble, graphitic schist, gneiss are the main rock types within the Lesser Himalayan Sequence, whereas banded gneiss and quartzite form a significant portion of the Higher Himalayan Crystalline in the study area. The area is affected by poly-phase deformation. Lesser Himalayan Sequence has suffered five deformational phases (DL1-DL2, D3-D5) whereas the Higher Himalayan Crystalline has suffered four deformational events (DH1, D3-D5). The Lesser Himalayan Sequence lying to the northern limb of the Gorkha-Kuncha Anticlinorium is contort into doubly plunging to dome-and-basin-like en echelon type of non-cylindrical folds as Baluwa Dome and Pokharatar Basin (DL2 and D4). The direction of shearing as indicated by shear sense indicators (C' Shear band and Mica fish) is top-to-south coinciding with regional sense of shear related to the MCT propagation. The dynamic recrystallization direction, obtained from rock dominant with phyllosilicate minerals is top-to-south and coincides with mineral lineation and indicate the mineral lineation is contemporary with dynamic recrystallization during the MCT propagation.

New Timing and Depth Constraints for the Catalina Metamorphic Core Complex, Southeast Arizona

AbstractThe Santa Catalina‐Tortolita‐Rincon Mountains of Southeast Arizona are a classic metamorphic core complex (MCC) and represent footwall exposures of crustal rocks exhumed by a detachment system. This study presents new evidence for the formation of the majority of ductile deformation during the Eocene (~46 Ma), synchronous with the emplacement of the regionally significant Wilderness Sills Suite (57–45 Ma). The evidence is provided by Eocene U‐Pb ages of syn‐ to late kinematic dikes emplaced in the principal ductile mylonitic fabric of the Catalina forerange, earlier than the brittle normal fault system and the formation of Tucson basin beginning with the latest Oligocene. Well‐documented shear sense indicators may not reflect extension at that time (Eocene), but more likely the direction of crustal flow now rotated during later extension. Muscovite‐plagioclase Rb‐Sr isochron ages of three mylonitic rocks are all clustered around 34 Ma, which is inferred to be the last age when these rocks were being deformed under ductile conditions following the emplacement of the Wilderness Sills Suite and various related dikes. Biotite‐plagioclase Rb‐Sr ages on the same rocks demonstrate that the section cooled below ~300°C at 25–26 Ma during the development of normal faulting. Normal faulting was synchronous with the emplacement of the Catalina Intrusive Suite. New U‐Pb age results for Catalina Intrusive Suite indicate a combined mean age of 24.9 Ma. Chemical compositions of hornblende‐plagioclase pairs were obtained on six Catalina Intrusive Suite samples; depth estimates for the emplacement of the Catalina Intrusive Suite average of about 6 km. These results suggest that the exposed Catalina ductile detachment system was at about 5 km beneath the surface at 25 Ma. These new data bring new light into the development of this core complex and suggest that the similarity in orientations of principal ductile and brittle fabrics at the Catalina MCC locality are coincidental. Neither was the principal ductile fabric developed during the low‐angle normal faulting of the latest Oligocene nor was this exposed section a midcrustal one at that time. Transient, pluton emplacement‐enhanced, and extension‐related ductile deformation at shallow crustal levels operated locally at ~25 Ma but that does not account for the development of the majority of the Catalina MCC mylonites.

Intermittent fracturing in the middle continental crust as evidence for transient switching of principal stress axes associated with the subduction zone earthquake cycle

AbstractIn the Neves area, eastern Alps, fractures that localized shear zones in middle continental crust above the Alpine megathrust are commonly oriented at a high angle to the inferred long-term shortening direction. Fractures show a segmentation geometry and, locally, a discernible offset, indicating movement opposite to the sense of subsequent ductile shear and implying a switch of principal stress axes σ1 and σ3 during fracturing. We propose that this repeated switch, demonstrated by overprinting relationships and different degrees of fracture reactivation, was due to sporadic co-seismic to early post-seismic rebound in the upper plate of the Alpine continental collision system. Fracturing occurred intermittently in the weak midcrustal rocks due to seismic stress release at high transient strain rates and pore-fluid pressures. Widespread transient fracturing in the hanging wall of the Alpine megathrust regionally controls the orientation of ductile shear zones in the middle crust, as well as the emplacement of magmatic dikes.

Geology and deformation of the Serbo-Macedonian massif in the northern part of the Athos Peninsula, Northern Greece: Insights from two detailed cross-sections

The Athos peninsula occupies the south-eastern part of the wider Chalkidiki peninsula in Central Macedonia, Greece. It is mainly built up by crystalline rocks belonging to the Serbo-Macedonian massif, traditionally constituting, along with the Rhodope massif, the Hellenic hinterland. According to the basic geological map of the peninsula, its northern part is mainly composed of marbles grouped into the Kerdyllion Unit, and biotite gneisses and two-mica gneisses grouped into the Vertiskos Unit of the Serbo-Macedonian massif, whereas the contact between the units is considered as a normal contact, although it has been re-evaluated as tectonic later on. Moreover, amphibolites and ultramafic rocks exist along with the previously mentioned rocks, making the geology and relationship between the two units much more complicated. Two detailed cross-sections and structural analysis permit us to revise the geology of the region concluding that the marbles, the amphibolite gneisses, formerly independent amphibolites, and the biotite gneisses belong to the Kerdyllion Unit that is strongly characterized by migmatization and anatexis, whereas the Vertiskos Unit is represented predominantly by two-mica gneisses that were not extensively, if at all, affected by these phenomena. Isoclinal folding and intense shearing with an overall top-to-the-S sense of shear resulted in the main fabric of the rocks and the mylonitic shear zone between the units. More importantly, the two-mica gneiss of the Vertiskos Unit is sandwiched between the rocks of the Kerdyllion Unit. We attribute both isoclinal folding and shearing to a Mesozoic tectonic event associated with an amphibolite facies metamorphism, leading to an Alpine reworking of the Serbo-Macedonian massif. This Alpine reworking continues during Eocene times with an ENE-WSW compression, giving rise to asymmetric to inverted folds, co-axially refolding pre-existing fabrics and structures. Our work strongly suggests that the overall structure and tectono-stratigraphy concerning the Vertiskos and Kerdyllion Units as well as the contact between them should not be based on the existence of the marbles, as traditionally followed up till now, but on the migmatization and anatexis processes that are almost absent from the rocks of the Vertiskos Unit.