Controls on the geometry of tails around rigid circular inclusions: insights from analogue modelling in simple shear

We used analogue modelling to investigate the factors controlling tail geometry in porphyroclast systems. Results show that: (1) σ inclusions can develop in both slipping and non-slipping modes, but δ-inclusions only form in the latter. (2) σ inclusions develop when the mantle production rate is constant and the mantle is transected by the separatrix. δ inclusions form when the mantle is initially outside the separatrix and later comes inside this line. (3) In the slipping mode, the wedge-shaped tail of σ-inclusions always has a straight external surface parallel to the shear plane, whereas in the non-slipping mode the external surface is curved inwards (external embayments). (4) Together with earlier theoretical results, σ- and δ inclusions always show stair-stepping of tails when embedded in a viscous matrix under homogeneous simple shear deformation. (5) Maximum stair-stepping occurs in the slipping mode and is at least equal to the inclusion diameter. If our models bear significant similarity to nature, then (i) the straight or curved character of σ-inclusions could mean that they had, respectively, a slipping or non-slipping interface with the surrounding recrystallized matrix, and (ii) δ-inclusions may result from shear deformation under retrogressive metamorphic conditions in thrust systems.     

Quantitative finite strain and kinematic flow analyses along the Zagros transpression zone, Iran

The Ghouri area in southwest Iran exposes a cross section through the Zagros orogenic belt. The area provides an opportunity to investigate quantitative finite strain (Rs), kinematic vorticity number (W_k), proportions of pure shear and simple shear components, sense of shear indicators, steeply plunging lineations, and other moderate to steeply plunging stretching lineations in a transpressional zone. Based on a classical strain analysis of deformed microfossils with oblate strain ellipsoid shape, the Zagros orogenic belt is classified as a pure-shear dominated zone of transpression, but asymmetry of shear-sense indicators suggests that a significant component of simple shear was involved along the deformation zone boundaries. The long axes of the microfossils and stretched pebbles of a deformed conglomerate were used to indicate the stretching direction in this zone. The stretching lineations have a steep to moderate plunge but a constant strain magnitude. Characteristics of dextral inclined transpressional kinematics in the Zagros continental collision zone were quantified and indicate an estimated k-value < 1, an angle between the maximum horizontal axis of the instantaneous strain ellipsoid and the zone boundary (θ = 32°), asymmetrical dextral shear-sense indicators, and an angle of relative plate motion (α = 25°).     

Changes in bulk properties and molecular compositions within New Zealand Coal Band solvent extracts from early diagenetic to catagenetic maturity levels

The bulk properties and bitumen molecular compositions of a rank-series of 38 humic coals from the New Zealand Coal Band (Cretaceous–Cenozoic) have been analysed to investigate early maturation processes affecting coaly organic matter through diagenesis to moderate catagenesis (Rank(S_r) 0.0–11.8, R_o 0.23–0.81%). The samples comprise a relatively restricted range of vitrinite rich coal types formed largely from higher land plant material under relatively oxic conditions, but with a significant contribution from microbial biomass. With increasing rank, total organic carbon contents show a general increase, whereas moisture and asphaltene contents decrease. Bitumen yields also decrease through the stages of diagenesis and early catagenesis (Rank(S_r) < 9, R_o < 0.55%), indicating partial loss of initial bitumen during early maturation. Thermal generation of hydrocarbons begins slowly at Rank(S_r)  5–6 (R_o  0.40%) as indicated by the constant occurrence and gradual increase of isoprenoids (e.g., pristane and phytane) and hopanoids in their more mature αβ configuration. This early phase of catagenesis, not previously recognised in New Zealand coals, is followed at Rank(S_r)  9 (R_o  0.55%) by the main catagenesis phase characterised by a more rapid increase in the generation of hydrocarbons, including total n-alkanes, isoprenoids and αβ-hopanes. Changes in the maturity of New Zealand coals can be traced by the Carbon Preference Index and several hopane maturity parameters, including 22S/(22S + 22R), αβ/(αβ + βα) and ββ/(αβ + βα + ββ).     

A statistical analysis applied to the Rf/φ method

A statistical analysis for the R_f/φ method is developed in the paper. The technique provides estimates of R_s, R_i and θ according to R_f and φ. Moreover, we can restore the pattern of initial orientations of marker objects by means of their frequency histogram, provided the strain is homogeneous. It is unnecessary to postulate random initial orientations if the principal directions of strain ellipsoid are known.     

The influence of matrix rheology and vorticity on fabric development of populations of rigid objects during plane strain deformation

The influence of vorticity and rheology of matrix material on the development of shape-preferred orientation (SPO) of populations of rigid objects was experimentally studied. Experiments in plane strain monoclinic flow were performed to model the fabric development of two populations of rectangular rigid objects with object aspect ratios (R_ob) 2 and 3. The density of the rigid object populations was 14% of the total area. Objects were dispersed in a Newtonian and a non-Newtonian, power law matrix material with a power law exponent n of 1.2. The kinematic vorticity number (W_n) of the plane strain monoclinic flow was 1, 0.8 and 0.6 with finite simple shear strain of 4.6, 3.0 and 0.9, respectively. In experiments with R_ob=3, the SPO is strongly influenced by W_n and the material properties of the matrix. Deformation of a power law matrix material and low W_n resulted in a stronger SPO than deformation of a linear viscous matrix and high W_n. Strain localization coupled with particle interaction plays a significant role in the development of a shape-preferred orientation. High strain simple shear zones separate trains of rigid objects that are surrounded by low strain zones with W_n lower than the bulk W_n. In fabrics involving populations of objects with R_ob=2, rheology of the matrix materials does not systematically influence the intensity of the SPO.     

Determination of Shear Strength and Three-dimensional Yield Strength for the Hoek-Brown Criterion

Summary. Most currently used techniques for analysing the stability of near surface structures, such as rock slopes, are based on the application of the effective Coulomb shear strength parameters cohesion c′, and the angle of friction φ′ on some known or anticipated shear surface subjected to an effective normal stress σ′_n. The most widely used of these techniques are the variants of the method of slices and related upper bound techniques. If the Hoek-Brown criterion is to be used to model the strength of near surface fractured rocks, it is necessary to determine equivalent Coulomb shear strength parameters for the specified level of effective normal stress. Calculation of the equivalent Coulomb parameters for the Hoek-Brown criterion for cases when a ≠ 0.5 is not a straightforward matter. A simple procedure for calculating instantaneous values of c′_i and φ′_i has been developed based on spreadsheet calculations and the application of a numerical optimisation routine. This procedure can also be applied to calculating the Hoek-Brown envelope plotted in shear stress/normal stress space. A simple closed form solution for c′_i and tan φ′_i has also been developed for the special case when a = 1. A three-dimensional version of the Hoek-Brown criterion has been developed by combining it with the Drucker-Prager criterion. This new yield criterion has been implemented by numerical solution of the governing equations. A simplification of this three-dimensional yield criterion has been developed by introducing an intermediate principal stress weighting factor. Comparison with published results demonstrates that this simplified criterion has the capacity to model the results of true triaxial tests for a range of different rock types over a wide range of stress levels. The new three-dimensional yield criterion has the advantage that its input parameters can be determined from routine uniaxial compression tests and mineralogical examination.     

Some limitations of the Rf/φ technique of strain analysis

Finite strain determined from R_f/φ analysis of deformed ellipse distributions cannot be separated into compactional and tectonic parts on the basis of population asymmetry about the orientational mean, as was originally suggested. Furthermore, where there is a ductility contrast between objects and matrix, R_f/φ analysis yields an invalid estimate of the strain suffered by the objects.     

Simple shear of deformable square objects

Finite element models of square objects in a contrasting matrix in simple shear show that the objects deform to a variety of shapes. For a range of viscosity contrasts, we catalogue the changing shapes and orientations of objects in progressive simple shear. At moderate simple shear (γ=1.5), the shapes are virtually indistinguishable from those in equivalent pure shear models with the same bulk strain (R_S=4), examined in a previous study. In theory, differences would be expected, especially for very stiff objects or at very large strain. In all our simple shear models, relatively competent square objects become asymmetric barrel shapes with concave shortened edges, similar to some types of boudin. Incompetent objects develop shapes surprisingly similar to mica fish described in mylonites.     

Microfabrics of calcite ultramylonites as records of coaxial and non-coaxial deformation kinematics: Examples from the Rocher de l'Yret shear zone (Western Alps)

Microfabrics were analysed in calcite mylonites from the rim of the Pelvoux massif (Western Alps, France). WNW-directed emplacement of the internal Penninic units onto the Dauphinois domain produced intense deformation of an Eocene-age nummulitic limestone under lower anchizone metamorphic conditions (slightly below 300 °C). Two types of microfabrics developed primarily by dislocation creep accompanied by dynamic recrystallisation in the absence of twinning. Coaxial kinematics are inferred for samples exhibiting grain shape fabrics and textures with orthorhombic symmetry. Their texture (crystallographic preferred orientation, CPO) is characterised by two c-axis maxima, symmetrically oriented at 15° from the normal to the macroscopic foliation. Non-coaxial deformation is evident in samples with monoclinic shape fabrics and textures characterised by a single oblique c-axis maximum tilted with the sense of shear by about 15°. From the analysis of suitably oriented slip systems for the main texture components under given kinematics it is inferred that the orthorhombic textures, which developed in coaxial kinematics, favour activity of <10–11> and <02–21> slip along the f and r planes, respectively, with minor contributions of basal-<a> slip. In contrast, the monoclinic textures, which developed during simple shear, are most suited for duplex <a> slip along the basal plane. The transition between the dominating slip systems for the orthorhombic and monoclinic microfabrics is interpreted to be due to the effects of dynamic recrystallisation upon texture development. Since oblique c-axis maxima documented in the literature are most often rotated not with but against the shear sense, calcite textures alone should not be used as unequivocal shear sense indicators, but need to be complemented by microstructural criteria such as shape preferred orientations, grain size estimates and amount of twinning.     

A note on fault reactivation

Reactivation of existing faults whose normal lies in the σ₁^′σ₃^′ plane of a stress field with effective principal compressive stresses σ₁^′ >σ₂^′ >σ₃^′ is considered for the simplest frictional failure criterion, τ = μσ_n^′ = μ(σ_n − P), where τ and σ_n are respectively the shear and normal stresses to the existing fault, P is the fluid pressure and μ is the static friction. For a plane oriented at θ to σ₁^′, the stress ratio for reactivation is (σ₁^′/σ₃^′) = (1 + μ cot θ)/(1 − μ tan θ). This ratio has a minimum positive value at the optimum angle for reactivation given by (1/μ) but reaches infinity when θ = 2θ^*, beyond which σ₃^′ < 0 is a necessary condition for reactivation. An important consequence is that for typical rock friction coefficients, it is unlikely that normal faults will be reactivated as high-angle reverse faults or thrusts as low-angle normal faults, unless the effective least principal stress is tensile.     

Plate motion and thermal instability in the asthenosphere

This paper investigates the effect of shear heating in the asthenosphere on the thermal structure of the upper mantle. Equations describing the motion of the lithosphere over the asthenosphere in the presence of a strongly temperature-dependent stress-strain rate relation are derived and solved with the help of several approximations. These approximations are shown to be valid under conditions appropriate for the earth.Two sets of solutions are found. For one set (the “subcritical” solutions) a normal shear stress—velocity relation is found for small stresses. The velocity increases as the stress increases, reaching a maximum velocity σ_c for a critical stress σ_c. The subcritical solutions have a negligible effect on the thermal structure of the earth, even at the critical stress. The other set of solutions (the “supercritical” solutions) has the bizarre property that a decrease of applied shear stress leads to an increase of velocity. Thus, as the shear stress goes to zero, the velocity becomes infinite. At larger shear stresses the velocity decreases until it reaches σ_c at a stress σ_c (the two sets of solutions share this point in common). There are no steady solutions of any kind for shear stresses in excess of σ_c. We discard the supercritical solutions as candidates for the thermal structure of the earth on the basis of their instability to small perturbations of applied stress and temperature.The realm of subcritical solutions (stress less than σ_c, velocity less than σ_c) thus defines a regime of plate motion in which the thermal effects of shear heating are negligible. If the shear stresses acting on plates exceed σ_c, however, new physical processes must come into play to dissipate the excess heat generated. Assuming that the velocities of plates on the earth today are less than σ_c, relative to the deep mantle, a strict upper limit of a few tens of bars can be derived for σ_c, corresponding to effective viscosities of ca. 10¹⁹ poise in the asthenosphere.     

Algal pigments in sediments as a measure of eutrophication in the Baltic environment

A method of quantitative comparison of eutrophication of an area is proposed for the Baltic Sea, based on pigment content in sediments. The pigments concerned were chlorins a (i.e. chlorophylls a, b and selected chlorophyll a derivatives) and chlorophylls c. The analyses were performed on 300 samples from different layers of recent (0–10 cm) sediments, collected from about 50 stations, at different sites of the southern Baltic, including the estuaries of the two largest Polish rivers, in different seasons between 1992 and 2001, before and after the great flood of July 1997. The results are related to sampling site, sediment layer and hydrological conditions and also to organic carbon and E_h in sediments, oxygen and salinity in near-bottom waters. Depending on different chlorin a content in 0–1 and 0–10 cm layers, the sampling sites are classified into one of three groups: 1. Szczecin Lagoon and the Deep of Gda sk stations (permanently eutrophic, chl a in 0–1 cm >40 nmol/g, Σchlns a in 0–1 in 0–10 cm layer, Σchlns a_A in Σchlns a=55–65%), 2. Open sea stations (mesotrophic/oligotrophic, chl a in 0–1 cm <10 nmol/g, Σchlns a in 0–1 in 0–10 cm layer, Σchlns a_A in Σchlns a 50%; and 3. Coastal stations (periodically eutrophic, chl a in 0–1 cm 10–40 nmol/g, Σchlns a_A in Σchlns a 40%). The correlation coefficient between chlorophyll a and chlorophylls b and c indicates the classes of algae, which could be the main source of organic matter in the sediments. A high correlation with chlorophylls c is a marker of diatoms; a high correlation with chlorophyll b is a marker of green algae; and low correlation both with chlorophylls b and c—indicates a high blue–green algae input.     

The representation and calculation of the deviatoric component of the geological stress tensor

A new diagram for the representation of stress states is proposed and compared with Nadai's stress diagram. The diagram is a graph whose axes are labelled as the differences of the principal stresses (σ₂-σ₃ as ordinate axis, σ₁-σ₂ as the abscissa; where σ₁ > σ₂ > σ₃ are the principal stresses). The design of the plot has been deliberately modelled on that of the ‘log Flinn’ diagram which is used to represent finite strain ellipsoids. The position of the plotted stress state on this diagram depends on the nature of the deviatoric (non-hydrostatic) component of the stress tensor. The distance of the plotted stress from the origin corresponds broadly to the departure of the stress from a hydrostatic state and the parameter R, defined as the gradient of the line joining the plotted state to the origin, expresses the type of symmetry possessed by the stress tensor.It is explained how the diagram can be used to represent calculated palaeostresses and, in particular, how the parameter R can be found directly from some existing methods of stress analysis currently in use.Besides its proposed function to represent the results of such analyses it is felt that the use of the diagram may make clear the essential elements of the definitions of well-known terms used to describe particular stress states (e.g. plane stress, triaxial stress, axial compression, etc.).     

Strain and vorticity analysis using small-scale faults and associated drag folds

Small-scale faults with associated drag folds in brittle-ductile rocks can retain detailed information on the kinematics and amount of deformation the host rock experienced. Measured fault orientation (α), drag angle (β) and the ratio of the thickness of deflected layers at the fault (L) and further away (T) can be compared with α, β and L/T values that are calculated with a simple analytical model. Using graphs or a numerical best-fit routine, one can then determine the kinematic vorticity number and initial fault orientation that best fits the data. The proposed method was successfully tested on both analogue experiments and numerical simulations with BASIL. Using this method, a kinematic vorticity number of one (dextral simple shear) and a minimum finite strain of 2.5–3.8 was obtained for a population of antithetic faults with associated drag folds in a case study area at Mas Rabassers de Dalt on Cap de Creus in the Variscan of the easternmost Pyrenees, Spain.     

Evolution of a calcite marble shear zone complex on Thassos Island, Greece: microstructural and textural fabrics and their kinematic significance

The deformation history of a monophase calcite marble shear zone complex on Thassos Island, Northern Greece, is reconstructed by detailed geometric studies of the textural and microstructural patterns relative to a fixed reference system (shear zone boundary, SZB). Strain localization within the massive marble complex is linked to decreasing P–T conditions during the exhumation process of the metamorphic core complex. Solvus thermometry indicates that temperatures of 300–350°C prevailed during part of the shear zone deformation history. The coarse-grained marble protolith outside the shear zone is characterized by symmetrically oriented twin sets due to early coaxial deformation. A component of heterogeneous non-coaxial deformation is first recorded within the adjacent protomylonite. Enhanced strain weakening by dynamic recrystallization promoted strong localization of plastic deformation in the ultramylonite of the calcite shear zone, where high strain was accommodated by non-coaxial flow. This study demonstrates that both a pure shear and a simple shear strain path can result in similar crystallographic preferred orientations (single c-axis maximum perpendicular to the SZB) by different dominant deformation mechanisms. Separated a-axis pole figures (+a- and −a-axis) show different density distributions with orthorhombic texture symmetry in the protolith marble and monoclinic symmetry in the ultramylonite marble consistently with the observed grain fabric symmetry.     

Late Cenozoic stress evolution along the Karasu Valley, SE Turkey

This study defines the Mio-Pliocene to present-day stress regime acting at the northeastern corner of the eastern Mediterranean region along the Karasu Valley (i.e., the Amanos Range), taking in the Antakya, Osmaniye and Kahramanmaras provinces. The inversion slip vectors measured on fault planes and chronologies between striations indicate that the stress regime varied from transpressional initially to transtensional, having consistent NW- and NE-trending σ_Hmax (σ₁) and σ_Hmin (σ₃) axes, respectively; there are significantly different mean stress-ratio (R_m) values however. The older mean stress state is characterized by N151±11°E-trending σ₁ and N59±12°E-trending σ₃ axes, and by a mean arithmetic R_m value of 0.76, indicating that the regional stress regime is transpressional. The younger stress regime is characterized by N154±8°E-trending σ₁ and N243±8°E-trending σ₃ axes, and by a mean arithmetic R_m value of 0.17, indicating a transtensional character for this regional stress regime. The low R values of the stress deviators related to the recent stress state reflect normal-component slips. The earthquake focal mechanism inversions confirm that the younger stress regime continues into the Recent. The inversion identifies a transtensional stress regime representing strike-slip and an extensional stress state with a consistent NE-trending σ_Hmin (σ₃) axis. These stress states are characterized by N66°E and N249°E-trending σ₃ axes, respectively. Both significant regional stress regimes induce left-lateral displacement along the southern part of the East Anatolian Fault (EAF, or Amanos Fault). The temporal change, probably in Quaternary time, within the regional stress regime—from transpression to transtension—resulted from the coeval influences of subduction processes in the west–southwest (i.e., along the Cyprus arc), continental collision in the east, and westward escape of the Anatolian block.     

Influence of a low-viscosity layer between rigid inclusion and viscous matrix on inclusion rotation and matrix flow: A numerical study

We have used 2-D finite element modelling to investigate the influence of a permanent low-viscosity layer between matrix and inclusion on matrix flow and inclusion rotation under viscous simple shear flow. Rigid inclusions of different shape (circle, square, ellipse, lozenge, rectangle and skewed rectangles) and aspect ratio (R) were used. The calculated matrix flow pattern is neither bow tie nor eye-shaped. It is a new flow pattern that we call cat eyes-shaped, which is characterized by: (i) straight streamlines that slightly bend inwards at the inclusion's crests; (ii) elongate eye-shaped streamlines on each side of the inclusion; (iii) stagnation points in the centre of the eyes; (iv) absence of closed streamlines surrounding the inclusion; (v) changes in flow configuration with inclusion orientation; the lines of flow reversal bend and tilt, closed streamline circuits may disappear, and streamlines may bend outwards at the inclusion's crests.Concerning inclusion rotation, the numerical results show that: (i) a low-viscosity layer (LVL) makes inclusions with R = 1 rotate synthetically, but the rotation rate depends upon shape (circle or square) and orientation. Therefore, shape matters in the slipping mode. (ii) All studied shapes with R > 1 rotate antithetically when starting with the greatest principal axis (e₁) parallel to the shear direction ( = 0°); (iii) rotation is limited because there is a stable equilibrium orientation (_se) for all studied shapes with R > 1. (iii) There is also an unstable equilibrium orientation (_ue), and both _se and _ue depend upon inclusion's R and shape.The present numerical results closely agree with previous results of analogue experiments with a permanent low viscosity interface. Only minor deviations related with small shape differences were detected.     

The effect of experimental deformation on the graphitization of Pennsylvania anthracite

“Hard” carbon-based Pennsylvania anthracite was deformed in the steady-state at high temperatures and pressures in a series of coaxial and simple shear experiments designed to constrain the role of shear strain and strain energy in the graphitization process. Graphitization did not occur in coaxially deformed anthracite. Nonetheless, dramatic molecular ordering occurs at T 700°C, with average bireflectance values (%) increasing from 1.68 at 700°C to 6.36 at 900°C. R_omin is lowest and bireflectance is highest in zones of high strain (e.g., kink bands) at all temperatures.In anthracite samples deformed in simple shear over the 600°–900°C range at 1.0 GPa, average R_omax (%) values increase up to 11.9, whereas average bireflectance (%) values increase up to 10.7. Bireflectance increases with increasing shear strain and locally exceeds 12.5%. Graphitization occurs in several anthracite sample deformed in simple shear at 900°C. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy confirms the presence of graphite with d₀₀₂=0.3363 nm. These data strongly suggest that shear strain is the dominant factor responsible for the natural transformation of anthracite to graphite at temperatures far below the 1600°C required for graphitization of other hard carbons in earlier hydrostatic heating experiments at 0.5 GPa pressure.     

The role of shear strain in the graphitization of a high-volatile bituminous and an anthracitic coal

A ‘soft’ carbon-based high-volatile bituminous (R_{o max}=0.68%) coal and a ‘hard’ carbon-based Pennsylvania anthracite (R_{o max}=5.27%) were deformed in the steady state at high temperatures and pressures in a series of coaxial and simple shear deformation experiments designed to constrain the role of shear strain and strain energy in the graphitization process. Tests were carried out in a Griggs-t type solid (NaCl) medium apparatus at T=400–900°C, constant displacement rates of 10^-5−10^-6 s⁻¹, at confining pressures of 0.6 GPa (coaxial) or 0.8 and 1.0 GPa (simple shear). Coaxial samples were shortened up to 50%, whereas shear strains up to 4.9 were attained in simple shear tests. Experiments lasted up to 118 h. Deformed, high-volatile bituminous coal was extensively coked and no correlation between strain and R_{o max}, bireflectance or coal texture was observed in any samples. With increasing temperature, R_{o max} and bireflectance increase in highly anisotropic, coarse mosaic units, but remain essentially constant in the fine granular mosaic, which becomes more abundant at higher temperatures. Graphite-like reflectances are observed locally only in highly reactive macerals and in pyrolytic carbon veins. The degree of molecular ordering attained in deformed bituminous coal samples appears to be determined by the heating-pressurization path rather than by subsequent deformation.Graphitization did not occur in coaxially deformed anthracite. Nonetheless, dramatic molecular ordering occurs at T>700°C, with average bireflectance values increasing from 1.68% at 700°C to 6.36% at 900°C. Anisotropy is greatest in zones of high strain at all temperatures. In anthracite samples deformed in simple shear over the 600–900°C range at 1.0 GPa, the average R_{o max} values increase up to 11.9%, whereas average bireflectance values increase up to 10.7%. Bireflectance increases with progressive bedding rotation and, thus, with increasing shear strain. Graphitization occurs in several anthracite samples deformed in simple shear at 900°C. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy of highly anisotropic material in one sample confirms the presence of graphite with d₀₀₂=0.3363 nm. These data strongly suggest that shear strain, through its tendency to align basic structural units, is the factor responsible for the natural transformation of anthracite to graphite at temperatures far below the 2200°C required in hydrostatic heating experiments at ambient pressure.     

Solid bitumen reflectance and Rock-Eval Tmax as maturation indices: an example from the “Nordegg Member”, Western Canada Sedimentary Basin

Marine, organic-rich rock units commonly contain little for vitrinite reflectance (VR₀) measurement, the most commoly used method of assessing thermal maturity. This is true of the Lower Jurassic “Nordegg Member”, a type I/II, sulphur-rich source rock from the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. This study examines the advantages and pitfalls associated with the use of Rock-Eval T_max and solid bitumen reflectance (BR₀) to determined maturity in the “Nordegg”. Vitrinite reflectance data from Cretaceous coals and known coalification gradients in the study area are used to extrapolate VR₀ values for the “Nordegg”.T_max increases non-linearly with respect to both BR₀ and extrapolated VR₀ values. A sharp increase in the reflectaance of both solid bitumen and vitrinite occurs between T_max 440–450°C, and is coincident with a pronounced decrease in Hydrogen Index values and the loss of solid bitumen and telalginite fluorescence over the same narrow T_max interval. This T_max range is interpreted as the main zone of hydrocarbon generation in the “Nordegg”, and corresponds to extrapolated VR₀ values of 0.55–0.85%. The moderate to high sulphur contents in the kerogen played a significant role in determining the boundaries of the “Nordegg” oil window.A linear relationship between BR₀ and extrapolated VR₀, as proposed elsewhere, is not true for the “Nordegg”. BR₀ increases with respect to extrapolated VR₀ according to Jacob's (1985) formula (VR₀=0.618×(BR₀)+0.40) up to VR₀≈0.72% (BR₀≈0.52%). Beyond this point, BR₀ increases sharply relative to extrapolated VR₀, according to the relatioship VR₀ = 0.277 × (BR₀) + 0.57 (R² = 0.91). The break in the BR₀−VR₀ curve at 0.72%VR₀ is thought to signifiy the peak of hydrocarbon generation and represents a previously unrecognized coalification jump in the solid bitumen analogous to the first coalification jump of liptinites.