Strain analysis and vorticity of flow in the Northern Sardinian Variscan Belt: Recognition of a partitioned oblique deformation event

A field example of strain partitioning has been analysed along the Nurra–Asinara transect of the NW Sardinian Variscan chain (Italy). The section in the Nurra–Asinara area is in a continuous sequence of tectono-metamorphic complexes made of low- to high-grade metamorphic rocks affected by a polyphase tectonic history. The principal fabric of the area is controlled by a D2 progressive deformation phase in which the strain is partitioned into folds and shear zone domains. The D2 stretching lineation and shear sense show a clear change from south to north. The principal meso- and micro-structures, vorticity gauges and a quantitative kinematic analysis of local strain suggest that the D2 kinematic history could be envisaged as an oblique heterogeneous deformation similar to the transpressive systems described in ancient and modern settings elsewhere. Using a simple kinematic model we also propose that both a transpressive system followed by “thrusting” or a partitioned transpressive system could be responsible for the fabric distribution and strain accumulation described in the study transect.     

Evolution of a Paleoproterozoic “weak type” orogeny in the West African Craton (Ivory Coast)

The Paleoproterozoic domain of the Ivory Coast lies in the central part of the West African Craton (WAC) and is mainly constituted by TTG, greenstones, supracrustal rocks and leucogranites. A compilation of metamorphic and radiometric data highlights that: i) metamorphic conditions are rather homogeneous through the domain, without important metamorphic jumps, ii) HP-LT assemblages are absent and iii) important volumes of magmas emplaced during the overall Paleoproterozoic orogeny suggesting the occurrence of long-lived rather hot geotherms. Results of the structural analysis, focused on three areas within the Ivory Coast, suggest that the deformation is homogeneous and distributed through the Paleoproterozoic domain. In details, results of this study point out the long-lived character of vertical movements during the Eburnean orogeny with a two folds evolution. The first stage is characterized by the development of “domes and basins” geometries without any boundary tectonic forces and the second stage is marked by coeval diapiric movements and horizontal regional-scale shortening. These features suggest that the crust is affected by vertical movements during the overall orogeny. The Eburnean orogen can then be considered as an example of long-lived Paleoproterozoic “weak type” orogen.     

Tectonic Evolution of the Lufilian Arc (Central Africa Copper Belt) During Neoproterozoic Pan African Orogenesis

The Lufilian arc of Central Africa (also called Katangan belt or Copperbelt) is a zone of low to highgrade metasedimentary (and subsidiary igneous) rocks of Neoproterozoic age hosting highgrade CuCoU and PbZn mineralizations. The Lufilian arc is located between the Congo and Kalahari cratons and defines a structure which is convex to the north. Three major phases of deformation characterize the construction of the Lufilian arc. The first phase (D1) called the “Kolwezian phase” developed folds and thrust sheets with a northward transport direction. D1 deformation occurred in the Lufilian arc between ca. 800 and 710 Ma, with a peak in the range 790–750 Ma. It is here correlated with the main deformation in the Zambezi belt. Southward-verging folds with the same trends as the D₁ structures were previously linked to a second tectonic event named Kundelunguian phase of the Lufilian orogeny. We show in this paper that they are backfolds developed during D1 along Katangan ramps and especially along the Kibaran foreland. The second phase (D2) of the Lufilian orogeny is the “Monwezi phase” including several large leftlateral strikeslip faults which have been activated successively. During this deformation phase, the eastern block of the belt rotated clockwise, giving the present day NWSE trend of D1 structures in this part of the Lufilian arc, and generating its convex geometry. The Mwembeshi dislocation, the major transcurrent shear zone separating the Zambezi and Lufilian arc, was mostly active during the D2 deformation phase. D2 deformation occurred between ca. 690 and 540 Ma. Such a long time interval is attributed to the migration of strikeslip faults developed sequentially from south to north, and probably to a slow convergence velocity during the collision between the Congo and Kalahari cratons. The third phase (D3) of the Lufilian orogeny is a late event called the “Chilatembo phase”, marked by structures transverse to the trends of the Lufilian arc. This deformation and the post-D_2′ uppermost Kundelungu sequence (Ks3 Plateaux Group), are younger than 540 Ma and probably early Paleozoic.     

Large-scale distributed deformation controlled topography along the western Africa–Eurasia limit: Tectonic constraints

In the interior of the Iberian Peninsula, the main geomorphic features, mountain ranges and basins, seems to be arranged in several directions whose origin can be related to the N–S plate convergence which occurred along the Cantabro–Pyrenean border during the Eocene–Lower Miocene time span. The Iberian Variscan basement accommodated part of this plate convergence in three E–W trending crustal folds as well as in the reactivation of two left-lateral NNE–SSW strike-slip belts. The rest of the convergence was assumed through the inversion of the Iberian Mesozoic Rift to form the Iberian Chain. This inversion gave rise to a process of oblique crustal shortening involving the development of two right lateral NW–SE shear zones. Crustal folds, strike-slip corridors and one inverted rift compose a tectonic mechanism of pure shear in which the shortening is solved vertically by the development of mountain ranges and related sedimentary basins. This model can be expanded to NW Africa, up to the Atlasic System, where N–S plate convergence seems also to be accommodated in several basement uplifts, Anti-Atlas and Meseta, and through the inversion of two Mesozoic rifts, High and Middle Atlas. In this tectonic situation, the microcontinent Iberia used to be firmly attached to Africa during most part of the Tertiary, in such a way that N–S compressive stresses could be transmitted from the collision of the Pyrenean boundary. This tectonic scenario implies that most part of the Tertiary Eurasia–Africa convergence was not accommodated along the Iberia–Africa interface, but in the Pyrenean plateboundary. A broad zone of distributed deformation resulted from the transmission of compressive stresses from the collision at the Pyrenean border. This distributed, intraplate deformation, can be easily related to the topographic pattern of the Africa–Eurasia interface at the longitude of the Iberian Peninsula.Shortening in the Rif–Betics external zones – and their related topographic features – must be conversely related to more “local” driven mechanisms, the westward displacement of the “exotic” Alboran domain, other than N–S convergence. The remaining NNW–SSE to NW–SE, latest Miocene up to Present convergence is also being accommodated in this zone straddling Iberia and Morocco, at the same time as a new ill-defined plate boundary that is being developed between Europe and Africa.     

The correlation between the macroseismic attenuation trend and the geo-structural framework; The calabropeloritan arc as an example

After describing attempts at perfecting a methodology for studying isotropic and anisotropic macroseismic fields in previous works, the authors here try to identify the causes of anisotropy in the context of the “new basement tectonics”.The seismic data are taken both from reconstructions of the macroseismic fields of historic events, by means of a critical analysis of the data, and from macroseismic fields of recent events surveyed by the authors. These data are correlated to the structural framework obtained through recent neotectonic studies and the lineament distribution traced on satellite images and using the “shadow” method. Generally the direction of elongation of the mesoseismic area is closely dependent on the source parameters and can be associated with recent and present-day systems outlined by the latest neotectonic studies.The best correlation is observed, however, with the lineament pattern obtained using the “shadow” method: the domains of the lineaments associated with the preferential trend of the macroseismic field show, in the rose diagram of cumulative number, values of prevalence and kurtosis higher than average; in the cumulative lengths diagram, on the other hand, they show prevalence maxima and, in particular, kurtosis maxima which are all the higher the more the anisotropic trend of field is accentuated. Using the “Giant Griffith Cracks” model for the lineaments, it can be deduced that the swarms refer to fracture systems with greater vertical development generated during the most recent tectonic phases.Finally, from a study of the dynamic characteristics of the elastic waves, that are the main agents responsible for macroseismic effects, it can observed that the wavelength order of magnitude is comparable with that of the linear parameters in the “warp” formed by the “Giant Cracks”. It can, thus, be deduced that the strong absorption of energy can be determined by the fracture swarm when the wave propagation occurs orthogonally to the swarm.     

Magnetic overprints in granitoids and metamorphic rocks from Limousin (France): evidence for Late Variscan rotations, crustal folding and tilting

Generally, the lack of bedding criteria in basement units hampers the interpretation of paleomagnetic results in terms of geotectonics. Nevertheless, this work demonstrates that successive remagnetizations recorded in Early Carboniferous metamorphic and plutonic units, without clear bedding criteria, can be used to constrain a polyphased tectonic evolution consisting of a regional clockwise rotation, followed by a folding phase, a tilting phase and a second regional clockwise rotation.Metamorphic, ultrabasic, tonalitic and granitic rocks from different parts of Limousin (western French Massif central; 45.5°N/1.25°E), which underwent metamorphism during Devonian–Early Carboniferous or were intruded in the Early–Middle Carboniferous, were sampled in order (a) to identify the magnetic overprinting phases and the related tectono-magmatic events and (b) to constrain the regional and plate tectonic evolution of Limousin. Paleomagnetic results from 32 new and 26 sites investigated previously show that at least 90% of the magnetization isolated in rocks older than 330 Ma are overprints. In agreement with results from adjacent areas of the Variscan belt, the major overprinting phases occurred: (a) in the last stages of the major exhumation phase [332–328 Ma; mean Virtual Geomagnetic Pole (VGP) “Cp”: 37°N/70.5°E], (b) during the post-collisional syn-orogenic extension (325–315 Ma; VGP “B”: 11°N/114°E), (c) in the Latest Carboniferous and Early Permian (VGP “A1”: 27°N/149°E) and (d) in the Late Permian (VGP “A”: 48°N/146°E). The Middle–Late Carboniferous overprints “Cp” and “B” are contemporaneous with emplacement of leucogranitic, crustal derived plutons, and probably result from the hydro-thermal activity related to the magmatism. The drift from “Cp” directions to “B” directions implies that after 330 Ma, Limousin underwent a clockwise rotation by 65°, together with the Central Europe Variscides. The “Bt” components, the VGPs of which deviate from the mean apparent polar wander path (APWP) of the belt, are interpreted as “B” overprints tilted during Late Variscan tectonics, that is, in the time range 325–315 Ma. The first and most important generation of “Bt” overprints was tilted during NW–SE folding associated with NE–SW shortening, updoming and emplacement of leucogranitic plutons. The second generation reveals southeastward tilting due to NE-striking normal faulting. The drift from “B” to “A1” directions implies that Limousin has participated to the second clockwise rotation by 40° of the whole belt in Westphalian times.     

Experimental deformation of diopside and websterite

Diopside single-crystals, oriented favorably for twin gliding on both systems: (001) [100] and (100)[001] have been deformed in a Griggs apparatus using talc as pressure medium. The latter mechanism is dominant at temperatures (T) below 1050° C at strain rates () of 10⁻³ sec⁻¹, and below 800° C at ; at higher temperatures translation gliding on (100)[001] accompanied by syntectonic recrystallization is dominant but other glide systems also operate. Tests at a single set of conditions, T- and -incremental tests and stress-relaxation experiments have been carried out on websterite (68% CPX, 32% OPX), both in talc (“wet”) and talc-AlSiMag (“dry”) assemblies. Most tests were performed in the high-T regime, where syntectonic recrystallization and “relatively nonselective” glide are dominant. The mean size of recrystallized clinopyroxenes (D, μm) appears to be related to stress (σ, kb) as D = 60σ^−0.9. The mechanical data fit the power law exp(-Q/RT)σⁿ, where for the “wet” experiments A = 10^5.9kb⁻ⁿsec⁻¹, Q = 91.2 kcal/mole, n = 5.3; for σ < 3.5 kb n appears to decrease to 3.3. For the “dry” experiments A = 10^2.2, Q = 77.9, and n = 4.3 for σ < 7.0 kb. Clinopyroxene in the upper mantle occurs as ca. 0–15% mixed phase in peridotites and websterites occur as thin layers. Stresses in these materials will then be near those in the olivine-rich matrix. At , the equivalent viscosity of dry websterite is less than that of dry dunite at depths to 60 km but it increases rapidly at higher pressures; at 240 km it is 10⁶ greater than that of dunite. This may account for the low strains and passive behavior observed for clinopyroxene crystals in most peridotites and websterites, that presumably have formed at great depth. Attenuated folds of websterite in peridotite—evidence of more ductile behavior—may then have formed at shallower levels; alternatively they may have formed under “wet” conditions.     

A pulsed extension model for the Neogene–Recent E–W-trending Alaşehir Graben and the NE–SW-trending Selendi and Gördes Basins, western Turkey

We have developed a significant body of new field-based evidence relating to the history of crustal extension in western Turkey. We establish that two of the NE–SW-trending basins in this region, the Gördes and Selendi Basins, whose sedimentary successions begin in the early Miocene, are unlikely to relate to late-stage Alpine compressional orogeny or to E–W extension of Tibetan-type grabens as previously suggested. We argue instead that these basins are the result of earlier (?) late Oligocene, low-angle normal faulting that created approximately N–S “scoop-shaped” depressions in which clastic to lacustine and later tuffaceous sediments accumulated during early–mid-Miocene time, separated by elongate structural highs. These basins were later cut by E–W-trending (?) Plio–Quaternary normal faults that post-date accumulation of the Neogene deposits. In addition, we interpret the Alaşehir (Gediz) Graben in terms of two phases of extension, an early phase lasting from the early Miocene to the (?) late Miocene and a young Plio–Quaternary phase that is still active. Taking into account our inferred earlier phase of regional extension, we thus propose a new three-phase “pulsed extension” model for western Turkey. We relate the first two phases to “roll-back” of the south Aegean subduction zone and the third phase to the westward “tectonic escape” of Anatolia.     

山西隆起区燕山期构造变形特征

山西隆起区燕山运动期间表现出以逆冲断层、纵弯褶皱为基本结构要素的收缩构造变形特征。区内不同时代地层具有独特的岩石组合和物理性质,保存和记录了燕山期构造在不同层次的变形样式和特征。通过对地表地质、地貌及构造特征的研究分析,初步总结出“分层收缩变形,垂向叠置增厚”的构造模式。应用平衡剖面法对近东西向收缩变形所造成的水平缩短与垂向加厚效应进行了定量估算,剖面复原表明,变形前、后隆起区总体水平缩短率约为 32.8%,垂向加厚使寒武系底部不整合界面在隆起区比鄂尔多斯盆地高出约5 km。强烈的冲断抬升和褶皱变形造成上部地壳横向缩短,垂向增厚,使原本垂向上有序叠置的地质体和不同层次构造形迹在空间位置上发生了较大变化。现在地表地质体的空间分布、北部和南部褶皱组合样式的差异,以及断裂沿走向的分段性,都是构造变形垂向分层性的表现形式,是后期隆升、剥蚀程度差异在地表造成的结果。     

The sheath folds in the Tananao Group between Tienshiang and Tailuko, east-west cross-island highway, Taiwan

Sheath folds or “eye” folds on decimetric to metric scales are well-developed in the metachert-marble-green rock interlayers of the Changchun Formation and in the marble lens of the Tienhsiang Formation, within the Tananao Group between Tienhsiang and Tailuko, along E-W cross-island highway of Taiwan. Closely associated with the sheath folds are the tight to isoclinal folds with rectilinear axes which are parallel to the hinge line of the “eyes”, and the directions of these folds range from N-S to N30°E with gentle plunges to the north or south.The sheath folds are believed to have been formed during the second phase of deformation in this region. The traces of the earlier folding can generally be found at the hinges or limbs of these sheath folds.The explanation presented here is that the sheath fold might be generated episodically during the F₂ deformational phase throughout the entire history of progressive shearing as a result of episodic instability of the flow with successive refolding of metamorphic fabric, during Plio-Pleistocene deformation of Taiwan.     

A tectonic interpretation of “Eburnean terrane” outliers in the Reguibat Shield, Mauritania

The Reguibat Shield comprises a western “Archaean terrane” and eastern “Eburnean terrane” juxtaposed during the early Palaeoproterozoic Eburnean Orogeny. Metasedimentary rocks of probable Palaeoproterozoic age are preserved as flat-lying klippen (Kediat Ijil and Guelb Zednes) and steep imbricate zones (El Mahaoudat range and Sfariat Belt). These are interpreted to record a phase of thrust tectonics that emplaced a continental margin succession onto a composite Archaean foreland prior to ca. 2.06 Ga sinistral transcurrent deformation. Together, these events reflect partitioned Eburnean transpression.     

Tethyan, Mediterranean, and Pacific analogues for the Neoproterozoic–Paleozoic birth and development of peri-Gondwanan terranes and their transfer to Laurentia and Laurussia

Modern Tethyan, Mediterranean, and Pacific analogues are considered for several Appalachian, Caledonian, and Variscan terranes (Carolina, West and East Avalonia, Oaxaquia, Chortis, Maya, Suwannee, and Cadomia) that originated along the northern margin of Neoproterozoic Gondwana. These terranes record a protracted geological history that includes: (1) 1 Ga (Carolina, Avalonia, Oaxaquia, Chortis, and Suwannee) or 2 Ga (Cadomia) basement; (2) 750–600 Ma arc magmatism that diachronously switched to rift magmatism between 590 and 540 Ma, accompanied by development of rift basins and core complexes, in the absence of collisional orogenesis; (3) latest Neoproterozoic–Cambrian separation of Avalonia and Carolina from Gondwana leading to faunal endemism and the development of bordering passive margins; (4) Ordovician transport of Avalonia and Carolina across Iapetus terminating in Late Ordovician–Early Silurian accretion to the eastern Laurentian margin followed by dispersion along this margin; (5) Siluro-Devonian transfer of Cadomia across the Rheic Ocean; and (6) Permo-Carboniferous transfer of Oaxaquia, Chortis, Maya, and Suwannee during the amalgamation of Pangea. Three potential models are provided by more recent tectonic analogues: (1) an “accordion” model based on the orthogonal opening and closing of Alpine Tethys and the Mediterranean; (2) a “bulldozer” model based on forward-modelling of Australia during which oceanic plateaus are dispersed along the Australian plate margin; and (3) a “Baja” model based on the Pacific margin of North America where the diachronous replacement of subduction by transform faulting as a result of ridge–trench collision has been followed by rifting and the transfer of Baja California to the Pacific Plate. Future transport and accretion along the western Laurentian margin may mimic that of Baja British Columbia. Present geological data for Avalonia and Carolina favour a transition from a “Baja” model to a “bulldozer” model. By analogy with the eastern Pacific, we name the oceanic plates off northern Gondwana: Merlin (≡Farallon), Morgana (≡Pacific), and Mordred (≡Kula). If Neoproterozoic subduction was towards Gondwana, application of this combined model requires a total rotation of East Avalonia and Carolina through 180° either during separation (using a western Transverse Ranges model), during accretion (using a Baja British Columbia “train wreck” model), or during dispersion (using an Australia “bulldozer” model). On the other hand, Siluro-Devonian orthogonal transfer (“accordion” model) from northern Africa to southern Laurussia followed by a Carboniferous “Baja” model appears to best fit the existing data for Cadomia. Finally, Oaxaquia, Chortis, Maya, and Suwannee appear to have been transported along the margin of Gondwana until it collided with southern Laurentia on whose margin they were stranded following the breakup of Pangea. Forward modeling of a closing Mediterranean followed by breakup on the African margin may provide a modern analogue. These actualistic models differ in their dictates on the initial distribution of the peri-Gondwanan terranes and can be tested by comparing features of the modern analogues with their ancient tectonic counterparts.     

Porphyry copper deposits of the CIS and the models of their formation

Deposits of the “porphyry” family (essentially porphyry copper and gold-porphyry copper, gold-bearing porphyry molybdenum-copper, gold-containing porphyry copper-molybdenum and porphyry molybdenum deposits) are associated in time and space with granitoid magmatism mainly in Phaerozoic volcano-plutonic belts. Whatever their age, the deposits belong to two types of belts: basaltic belts, representing axial zones of island arcs, or andesitic belts formed within active continental (Andean-type) margins.The petrochemistry of ore-bearing magmatism related to the nature of the substratum of volcano-plutonic belts, reveals a number of essential characteristics, both in composition and zonation of wallrock alteration and ore mineralization. These characterisics enabled previous researchers to establish four models of porphyry copper deposits based on their lithologic associations, e.g., “diorite”, “granodiorite”, “monzonite” and “granite”.Pophyry copper deposits are thought to be the product of self-generating “two-fluid mixing” ore-magmatic systems. Porphyry intrusions are pathways for energy and metals from deep-seated magma chambers, of which the upper mineralized parts are accessible for observation. The relationship between magmatic fluids and meteoric water participating in the ore-forming processes (dependent on the structural-petrophysical conditions of formation), provide a subdivision for the porphyry copper ore-magmatic systems into three types: “open”, “closed” and “transitional”.Concurrently, a common trend in the evolution of the systems has been established, from a nearly autoclave regime of structural-and ore-forming processes to a gradual increase in the importance of hydrothermal recycling. The completeness of the OMS (ore-magmatic system) development according to this scheme, which determines the existence of various OMS types, depends on many factors, the most important being the depth of formation of porphyry intrusive bodies, the petrophysical peculiarities of the host rocks and the palaeohydrogeological conditions of ore deposition.Although rock fracturing (especially defluidization: second boiling) and contraction are caused by the same mechanisms, the stockwork growth in “open” and “closed” systems, relative to the wall rock, takes place in opposite directions, primarily due to different petrophysical parameters of the near-stock environment.In “open” systems structural and ore metasomatic processes are finalized. Fractures extend progressively from porhyry stocks into the marginal parts of the intrusive framework and extension of large-scale recycling of magmatic and activated meteoric water, in the same direction, result in the formation of ore-bearing stockworks. These are large in all dimensions, cover mainly hanging-wall zones and are characterized by clearly defined concentric mineral zoning and extensive geochemical haloes.In a “closed” OMS with centripetal growing fractures, hydrothermal convection is stunted. The vertical extension of recycling cells is restricted and the volume of meteoric water involved in circulation during the period of ore deposition is relatively small. As a result, relatively small intra-intrusive lenticular stockworks are developed which are characterized by close co-existence of several generations of mineralization with fragmentary preservation of the earliest ones. These are characterized by the elements of “reverse” zoning, increased density of the veinlets and metal content, as well as poorly developed hanging-wall dispersion haloes.     

Seismic coupling and uncoupling at subduction zones

Seismic coupling has been used as a qualitative measure of the “interaction” between the two plates at subduction zones. Kanamori (1971) introduced seismic coupling after noting that the characteristic size of earthquakes varies systematically for the northern Pacific subduction zones. A quantitative global comparison of many subduction zones reveals a strong correlation of earthquake size with two other variables: age of the subducting lithosphere and convergence rate. The largest earthquakes occur in zones with young lithosphere and fast convergence rates, while zones with old lithosphere and slow rates are relatively aseismic for large earthquakes. Results from a study of the rupture process of three great earthquakes indicate that maximum earthquake size is directly related to the asperity distribution on the fault plane (asperities are strong regions that resist the motion between the two plates). The zones with the largest earthquakes have very large asperities, while the zones with smaller earthquakes have small scattered asperities. This observation can be translated into a simple model of seismic coupling, where the horizontal compressive stress between the two plates is proportional to the ratio of the summed asperity area to the total area of the contact surface. While the variation in asperity size is used to establish a connection between earthquake size and tectonic stress, it also implies that plate age and rate affect the asperity distribution. Plate age and rate can control asperity distribution directly by use of the horizontal compressive stress associated with the “preferred trajectory” (i.e. the vertical and horizontal velocities of subducting slabs are determined by the plate age and convergence velocity). Indirect influences are many, including oceanic plate topography and the amount of subducted sediments.All subduction zones are apparently uncoupled below a depth of about 40 km, and we propose that the basalt to eclogite phase change in the down-going oceanic crust may be largely responsible. This phase change should start at a depth of 30–35 km, and could at least partially uncouple the plates by superplastic deformation throughout the oceanic crust during the phase change.     

Consolidation of the American Cordilleras

The continental margin orogenic systems of the western Americas are enormous features that formed along the Pacific margins of the North and South American plates during late Mesozoic through Cenozoic time. There has been considerable debate concerning their origin, and they are often compared with intra-oceanic fringing arc-trench systems more typical of the Australasian margins of the Pacific Ocean, in that both involve the subduction of oceanic lithosphere, often with similar convergent relative motion vectors. The onset of orogenesis in the two Cordilleras, as shown in reversal of sedimentary polarity from sources generally on the continent to sources along the Pacific margin, seems to date from shortly after emplacement of the oldest oceanic crust in that part of the Atlantic Ocaen east of each continent — i.e., about 170 Ma, or Middle Jurassic, in the case of the Central Atlantic, and about 135 to 100 Ma, or Early to mid-Cretaceous, in the case of the South Atlantic. These ages also seem to mark the onset of westward motion of the two continents over the Pacific Ocean basin and subsequent crustal thickening and uplift, with development of thrust belts, foreland basins, and foredeeps. Prior to this prolonged westward drift, both margins had been convergent for at least several hundred million years, but no massive mountain building had taken place. Instead, the margins were tectonically “neutral”, with typically submarine fringing arc-trench systems or shallow marine to continental margin arcs which stood “outboard” of shallow marine platformal shelves or basins whose main sedimentary polarity was from the continent. Although accretion of “suspect” terranes, high rates of convergence, and age of subducting lithosphere all may have influenced particularly local tectonic response and/or phases of orogenic activity in the two chains, the absolute motion of the two continental margins over the Pacific Ocean basin is considered to have been the dominant factor in Cordilleran tectonic evolution.     

Ductile deformation of garnet in mylonitic gneisses from the Münchberg Massif (Germany)

Mylonitic gneisses from the Münchberg Massif contain single grains (type I) and polycrystalline aggregates (type II) of garnet displaying a distinct elongation parallel to a macroscopic lineation which is interpreted as the result of ductile deformation. Lattice-preferred orientations of quartz (textures) symmetrical to the macroscopic foliation and lineation and the lack of rotational microfabrics indicate that the bulk deformation was pure shear at least during the latest strain increments. Garnet textures measured by EBSD together with microprobe analyses demonstrate that these two structural types of garnet can be related to two different processes of ductile deformation: (1) For the single grains stretching can be attributed to diffusion creep along grain boundary zones (Coble creep). The related mass transfer is indicated by the fact that primary growth zones are cut off at the long faces of the grains while the related strain shadow domains do not show comparable chemical zoning. Pressure solution and precipitation suitable to produce similar structures can be largely ruled out because retrogressive reactions pointing to the presence of free hydrous fluids are missing. (2) For the polycrystalline garnet aggregates consisting of cores grading into fine-grained mantles, dislocation creep and associated rotation recrystallization can be assumed. Continuous lattice rotation from the core to the outer polycrystalline rim allow a determination of the related dominant slip systems which are {100}<010> and equivalent systems according to the cubic lattice symmetry. The same holds for garnets which appear to be completely recrystallized. For this type of fine-grained aggregates an alternative nucleation model is discussed. Due to penetrative dislocation glide in connection with short range diffusion and the resulting lattice rotation, primary growth zones are strongly disturbed.Since for the considered rock unit of the Münchberg Massif peak metamorphic temperatures between 630 and 670 °C can be assumed, this study clearly demonstrates that the inferred processes of ductile garnet deformation can occur not only in HT regimes as often suggested in the literature even if embedded within a matrix of “low-strength” minerals like quartz, feldspars and micas.     

Contemporary movements and tectonics on Canada's west coast: A discussion

Evidence from published tidal records and geodetic relevelling data in British Columbia indicates that there is a consistent pattern of contemporary uplift on the outer coast (2 mm/yr) and subsidence on the inner coast (1–2 mm/yr). The zero uplift contour or “hinge-line” runs through Hecate Strait, Georgia Strait and Victoria. This pattern continues southwards into Washington State but is interrupted to the north by considerable uplift in southeastern Alaska.Although glacio-isostatic recovery has dominated vertical movements in the region over the last 10,000 years, the distribution and trend of the observed contemporary movements are not compatible with the pattern to be expected from this source and are most probably tectonic in origin. There is, however, no clear distinction between the movements seen opposite the Queen Charlotte transform margin and the Vancouver Island convergent margin. Comparison with movements observed at other active plate margins show that the pattern is essentially similar to that seen in association with subduction and convergence.The paradox that the vertical movement rates are much too great to explain observed geology and topography may be soluble by assuming that discontinuous lateral shifts of the movement pattern occur on a scale of hundreds of thousands of years.     

Dislocation generation, slip systems, and dynamic recrystallization in experimentally deformed plagioclase single crystals

Three samples of gem quality plagioclase crystals of An60 were experimentally deformed at 900 °C, 1 GPa confining pressure and strain rates of 7.5–8.7×10⁻⁷ s⁻¹. The starting material is effectively dislocation-free so that all observed defects were introduced during the experiments. Two samples were shortened normal to one of the principal slip planes (010), corresponding to a “hard” orientation, and one sample was deformed with a Schmid factor of 0.45 for the principal slip system [001](010), corresponding to a “soft” orientation. Several slip systems were activated in the “soft” sample: dislocations of the [001](010) and 110(001) system are about equally abundant, whereas 110{111} and [101] in ( 31) to ( 42) are less common. In the “soft” sample plastic deformation is pervasive and deformation bands are abundant. In the “hard” samples the plastic deformation is concentrated in rims along the sample boundaries. Deformation bands and shear fractures are common. Twinning occurs in close association with fracturing, and the processes are clearly interrelated. Glissile dislocations of all observed slip systems are associated with fractures and deformation bands indicating that deformation bands and fractures are important sites of dislocation generation. Grain boundaries of tiny, defect-free grains in healed fracture zones have migrated subsequent to fracturing. These grains represent former fragments of the fracture process and may act as nuclei for new grains during dynamic recrystallization. Nucleation via small fragments can explain a non-host-controlled orientation of recrystallized grains in plagioclase and possibly in other silicate materials which have been plastically deformed near the semi-brittle to plastic transition.     

The use of bisnorhopane as a stratigraphic marker in the Oseberg Back Basin, North Viking Graben, Norwegian North Sea

This paper discusses the occurrence of 28,30-dinor-17α,18α,21β-hopane (bisnorhopane) in stratigraphically, fairly well preserved Viking Group sections from wells in local depressions in the North Viking Graben Area. The results show the presence of high relative amounts of bisnorhopane in the “Syn-rift sections”, whilst the “Post-rift sections” contain little or no bisnorhopane. Since most exploration wells are drilled on structural highs, primarily penetrating the “Post-rift Draupne”, this may explain why many analyzed source rock sections in this area contain little bisnorhopane.As a correlation of Draupne sections using the vertical, relative bisnorhopane distributions, it is suggested to be a potential stratigraphic marker for the area, indicating the presence of “Syn-rift Draupne” sediments.The relative bisnorhopane amounts follow a logarithmic reduction with depth and thermal maturity. The bisnorhopane signal is nearly extinguished at 3700 m depth at a maturity of R_o = 0.9–1.0%.     

The Cenomanian/Turonian Boundary Event (CTBE) at Wunstorf, north-west Germany, as reflected by marine palynology

The Cenomanian/Turonian Boundary Event (CTBE) at Wunstorf, north-west Germany, has been analysed palynologically by high resolution sampling to reconstruct changes in relative sea-level and water mass character within photic zone waters. Based on changes in the ratio of terrigenous sporomorphs to marine palynomorphs (t/m index), the distribution of the organic-walled algal taxa as well as of selected dinocyst taxa and groups the section can largely be subdivided into pre-“plenus-bed” and post-“plenus-bed” intervals, reflecting different stages of third-order relative sea-level cycles and/or changes in water mass influence in the photic zone. Accordingly, the pre-“plenus-bed” interval is placed in a transgressive systems tract starting at the “facies change” event (C. guerangeri/M. geslinianum ammonite Zone boundary) with the maximum flooding surface at the top of the “Chondrites II” bed (top of R. cushmani Biozone). A highstand systems tract is suggested from the base of the “plenus-bed” up the base of the “fish-shale” event. Within the “fish-shale” event interval, a transgressive systems tract is suggested to start at the base of the thin, grey-green marly interbed. The Cenomanian/Turonian boundary proper, as defined by the first occurrence of Mytiloides spp., as well as the lowermost Turonian are located within the initial phase of a transgressive systems tract. With respect to water mass characteristics within photic-zone waters, the pre-“plenus-bed” interval is predominantly characterized by warm water masses that changed gradually towards the deposition of the “Chondrites II” bed, where a strong influence of cool and/or salinity-reduced waters is indicated by various palynological proxies. Within the post-“plenus-bed” interval a mixture and/or alternation of warmer and cooler waters is indicated, with the warmer water influence increasing gradually towards and within the Lower Turonian stage. The increased proportions of prasinophytes within the “Chondrites II” bed and parts of the “fish-shale” interval may indicate availability of reduced nitrogen chemospecies, especially ammonium, within photic-zone waters as a function of a vertical expansion of the oceanic O₂-minimum zone.