Deformation pattern in a heterogeneous material: Folded and cleaved sedimentary cover immediately overlying a crystalline basement (Oisans, French Alps)

Particularly well exposed structures in folded and cleaved sedimentary cover immediately overlying a crystalline basement have been studied. Chemical analysis (X.R.F. and microprobe) reveal pressure solution process and give the possibilities of measurement of mass transfer. Study of fluid inclusion veins has determined the temperature pressure conditions: thermal effect of the basement and decrease of temperature and pressure with the age of various synkinematic veins.Characteristic examples of the behaviour of a heterogeneous material during coaxial and non-coaxial deformation are shown:

1. (1) Successive different asymmetrical folds, various cleavages and fractures appear in a shear zone parallel to the main fabric with variations of thickness and rock behaviour.

2. (2) Evolution of cleavage in such a shear zone (with or without slipping) is linked to the relations between the rotation of contraction direction and the rate of the cleavage process.

3. (3) Fold axes changed from the horizontal y direction to the vertical (or E—W transversal to the crystalline massif) X direction, with increase of the (X/Z) and (X/Y) ratios (obtained by fossils and reconstructed fold shape). This strain is always heterogeneous and the most deformed zone frequently evolves to discontinuities with slip.

4. (4) Indentation exists on all scale: from hard object (100 μ, with parenthesis form of pressure solution cleavage apparent on map distribution of various element) to basement block (with variation of strain value in the indented cover).

A model of the evolution of the deformation of sedimentary cover immediately overlying a crystalline basement is given in conclusion.     

废弃采空区裂隙带高度预测模型及应用

煤炭开采引起覆岩破断及地表下沉,覆岩及地表运移规律可反映裂隙带高度的动态演化过程。因地表下沉滞后于煤炭开采,对于废弃采空区,长期压实作用导致裂隙带高度较采动期间有所降低。基于地表点下沉速度的阶段特征将裂隙带高度的演化过程分为2个阶段,第1阶段裂隙带发育对应岩层破断逐步向上传递的过程,第2阶段裂隙带高度降低对应离层及裂隙闭合、断裂岩层受压后变形回弹及破碎岩体自然压实的过程。着眼于压实作用对裂隙带高度的影响,根据煤层采厚、垮落带和裂隙带岩层变形量及地表下沉值之间的定量关系,建立了第2阶段裂隙带高度预测模型,并结合太平煤矿实测结果进行验证,采用控制变量法分析了单一因素影响下废弃采空区裂隙带高度的演化特征。结果表明：废弃采空区裂隙带高度受控于垮落带块体强度、垮落带初始碎胀系数、采动期间裂隙带高度最大值及对应的垮落带高度、煤层埋深、地表最终下沉量等因素,太平煤矿采后15 a的裂隙带高度实测值11.36～13.00 m与理论预测值12.75 m吻合度较高,模型的可靠性得到验证。最后,应用此预测模型对武安煤矿（关停矿井）2002－2003年采空区裂隙带高度开展理论计算,结合地空瞬变电磁探测确定了地面瓦斯抽采钻孔理想的终孔位置并成功开展了地面钻孔瓦斯抽采试验。     

秦岭南缘青川断裂新生代变形特征及其走滑运动学转换

青川断裂作为秦岭构造带南部边界断层,新生代以来受到印度-欧亚大陆碰撞产生的远场效应,发生了强烈的走滑复活,调节了青藏高原隆升和向东扩展。本文基于错断地貌测量与断裂带脆性变形的野外调查,建立了该断裂新生代2期走滑运动历史,并讨论了走滑运动学转换的大地构造意义。沿断裂带河流水系偏移地貌分析发现,主要河流的Ⅳ级支流沿断裂发生一致的右旋偏移,指示断裂右旋位错量在200~800 m;河流阶地的右旋位错量在49~62 m。野外调查发现,青川断裂发育5~100 m宽的断裂破裂带,主要由断层泥、磨砾岩、断层透镜体等组成,S-C组构发育,磨砾石旋转定向排列。断裂破碎带运动学指向记录了青川断裂2期脆性走滑变形:早期为左旋走滑活动、晚期为右旋走滑活动。结合断裂带东端汉中盆地地层时代和秦岭山地隆升时代,我们推断晚期右旋走滑运动主要发生在上新世以来,调节了碧口地块的向东挤出;而早期左旋走滑运动则很可能是对古近纪晚期青藏高原隆升和扩展的响应。     

桂北地区三门韧性剪切带的厘定及其构造意义

通过野外地质调查、室内显微组构分析和磁组构测量,在桂北三门地区厘定出一条大型韧性剪切带;并利用热液锆石U-Pb定年约束其变形时代.三门韧性剪切带发育密集的透入性片理、旋转碎斑系、拉伸线理、眼球构造、书斜构造、A型褶皱、波状消光、机械双晶、核幔构造和S-C组构等宏观和微观韧性变形特征.磁各向异性度(P值)显示其走向呈NNE向,倾向呈NWW向.运动学指向显示早期具有左旋逆冲剪切,晚期具有右旋正滑剪切的运动学性质.磁化率椭球体扁率(E值)显示岩石变形以压扁型应变为主,暗示运动学方向以左旋逆冲剪切为主.镁铁质糜棱岩的热液锆石U-Pb定年结果为441±2 Ma,代表三门韧性剪切带的变形时代.在磁组构、运动学和年代学研究的基础上,结合区域地质资料,认为该韧性剪切带是华南加里东期华夏陆块由SE向NW逆冲到扬子陆块受阻后反冲作用的产物.这一认识揭示了扬子陆块和华夏陆块碰撞拼合的方式和时代,为深化华南加里东构造运动的认识提供了新的资料.     

碳酸盐岩层序地层格架内组构选择性孔隙分布特征——以塔里木盆地塔中地区上奥陶统良里塔格组台地边缘相为例*

组构选择性孔隙是塔中地区良里塔格组台地边缘相油气储集层的重要孔隙类型,目前该类型的孔隙在层序地层格架内的分布特征仍不清晰。作者在前人建立的层序地层格架的基础上,通过大量的岩心、薄片、测井及地震资料的分析,在塔中地区良里塔格组台地边缘相识别出7类主要组构选择性孔隙: 粒内溶孔、粒间溶孔、铸模孔、粒间孔、窗格孔、生物体腔孔及格架孔。高频层序中,组构选择性孔隙在90%的礁(丘)滩复合体中上部的大气淡水渗流带—潜流带中成层集中发育,厚度10~40 m,且各类型孔隙纵向上分布特征不同。受研究区湿润的古气候、相对海平面的频繁波动、台地边缘礁滩相较大的沉积速率及较好的初始渗透性等因素控制,组构选择性孔隙的发育具有层位性、旋回性及区块差异性等分布规律。即组构选择性孔隙层主要发育在高位体系域内沉积的良三段—良一段中;纵向上发育5期,主要分布在进积型准层序组6、8及9中,其次是加积型准层序组5、7、10;自东向西,各井区孔隙层数量、厚度及物性均逐步降低,主要孔隙类型由粒内溶孔、铸模孔、粒间溶孔及体腔孔逐渐变为以窗格孔、粒内溶孔及粒间溶孔。     

断层破碎带突水突泥演化特征试验研究

为了研究富水断层破碎带隧道突水突泥灾害演化机制,自行研制了一套可考虑质量迁移及地应力状态的大型室内突水突泥试验系统。利用该装置开展了不同水压加载方式、不同破碎带介质参数等条件的断层破碎带突水突泥灾害演化过程模拟试验。结果表明：（1）断层破碎带突水突泥灾害演化是渗流?侵蚀强耦合过程,在水压作用下,破碎带介质中的细颗粒首先发生迁移,导致充填介质孔隙结构增加,进而加速细颗粒流失,促使涌水率不断增长,随着细颗粒不断迁移流失,水流流态由层流转换为紊流,最终诱发突水突泥灾害;（2）破碎带介质初始孔隙率和施加水压越大越易诱发突水突泥,介质渗流演化特征越明显,渗流场参量如渗透率、孔隙率、雷诺数增加越快,且渗流场参量演化曲线出现突增现象;（3）梯度水压加载模式下断层破碎带介质较恒定水压加载条件下突水突泥演化特征更明显,介质发生突水突泥的临界水压更小。在此基础上,基于涌水率?时间（Q-t）、水力梯度?涌水率（i-Q）关系的流态转换分析和基于渗透率?水力梯度（k-i）关系的渗透性演化特征,建立了断层破碎带渗透演化特征概化模型。该研究结果对于断层破碎带突水突泥灾害演化机制与防治措施具有一定的理论指导价值。     

FLUID DYNAMICS OF ORE DEPOSITS

矿床学中的流体力学是矿产资源地质领域的一个新方向，它研究成矿流体在具孔隙和破碎的地质媒体中运移的一般规律。这种流体运移以其积极参与构造形成和成矿物质迁移为特征。地壳表层（５～１０ｋｍ）是一个流体系统形成和活动的特殊带，因此可以称为流体圈或成矿圈。它具有不同均匀的结构，其９５％（体积）属挤压带，仅５％为张性带。岩石块体中的压实和挤压作用反映了其内的机构能量积累和转换过程，并作为独特的具有高地球化学活性和剧烈质量迁移的推动力。伸展和减压带通常是质量迁移的终点，矿床于岩石物理条件有利的媒体内富集。在流体的参与下，构造活动和成矿作用最为活跃。矿物质迁移和沉淀的决定因素是液压构造作用，这表现为合适的构造物理环境和水动力作用相结合，导致早期形成主要的水动力裂隙和流体房，晚期于流体房中发生多阶段矿化。这一过程在同沉积裂隙带、火山通道边缘、隆起的外围、背斜核部环境中最为发育。     

Isotopic effects in fracture-dominated reactive fluid-rock systems

A mathematical model is presented that describes the effects of pore fluid aqueous diffusion and reaction rate on the isotopic exchange between fluids and rocks in reactive geo-hydrological systems where flow is primarily through fractures. The model describes a simple system with parallel equidistant fractures, and chemical transport in the matrix slabs between fractures by aqueous diffusion through a stagnant pore fluid. The solid matrix exchanges isotopes with pore fluid by solution-precipitation at a rate characterized by a time constant, R (yr⁻¹), which is an adjustable parameter. The effects of reaction on the isotopes of a particular element in the fracture fluid are shown to depend on the ratio of the diffusive reaction length for that element (L) to the fracture spacing (b). The reaction length depends on the solid-fluid exchange rate within the matrix, the partitioning of the element between the matrix pore fluid and the matrix solid phase, the porosity and density of the matrix, and the aqueous diffusivity. For L/b < 0.3, fluid-rock isotopic exchange is effectively reduced by a factor of 2L/b relative to a standard porous flow (single porosity) model. For L/b > 1, the parallel fracture model is no different from a porous flow model. If isotopic data are available for two or more elements with different L values, it may be possible to use the model with appropriate isotopic measurements to estimate the spacing of the primary fluid-carrying fractures in natural fluid-rock systems. Examples are given using Sr and O isotopic data from mid-ocean ridge (MOR) hydrothermal vent fluids and Sr isotopes in groundwater aquifers hosted by fractured basalt. The available data for MOR systems are consistent with average fracture spacing of 1-4 m. The groundwater data suggest larger effective fracture spacing, in the range 50-500 m. In general, for fractured rock systems, the effects of fracture-matrix diffusive exchange must be considered when comparing isotopic exchange effects for different elements, as well as for estimating water age using radioactive and cosmogenic isotopes.     

煤层气储层裂隙阵列侧向测井响应数值模拟与分析

裂隙是煤层气储层重要的流体渗流通道,是煤层气有效储集体形成的重要条件。研究裂隙的测井响应特征是确定煤层裂隙参数的关键。利用三维有限元方法,确定不同裂隙条件的阵列侧向测井响应。研究表明:阵列侧向测井修正的视电导率与裂隙孔隙度、裂隙流体电导率基本为线性关系;随裂隙倾角增大,阵列侧向视电阻率升高;随基块电阻率增大,阵列侧向视电阻率增加;高角度裂隙(组)的阵列侧向测井深浅视电阻率呈现正差异,而基块电阻率较大的低角度裂隙(组)的响应可呈现负差异特征;相同裂隙孔隙度下,裂隙密度增加可能使裂隙组的阵列侧向视电阻率增加,当裂隙密度足够大时,测井响应基本不随裂隙密度发生变化;交叉裂隙的测井响应与平行裂隙组差异明显,且不同倾角组合的交叉裂隙的测井响应之间差异明显。      

Deformation and fluid flow during orogeny at the palaeo-Pacific active margin of Gondwana: the Early Palaeozoic Robertson Bay accretionary complex (north Victoria Land, Antarctica)

Structural investigations, integrated with X‐ray diffraction, fluid inclusion microthermometry and oxygen‐stable isotope analyses are used to reconstruct the deformation history and the palaeo‐fluid circulation during formation of the low‐grade, turbidite‐dominated Early Palaeozoic Robertson Bay accretionary complex of north Victoria Land (Antarctica). Evidence for progressive deformation is elucidated by analysing the textural fabric of chronologically distinct, thrust‐related quartz vein generations, incrementally developed during progressive shortening and thickening of the Robertson Bay accretionary complex. Our data attest that orogenic deformation was mainly controlled by dissolution–precipitation creep, modulated by stress‐ and strain‐rate‐dependent fluid pressure cycling, associated with local and regional permeability variations induced by the distribution and evolution of the fracture network during regional thrusting. Fracture‐related fluid pathways constituted efficient conduits for episodic fluid flow. The dominant migrating fluid was pre‐to‐syn‐folding and associated with the migration of warm (160–200 °C) nitrogen‐ and carbonic (CO₂ and CH₄)‐bearing fluids. Both fluid advection and diffusive mass transfer are recognized as operative mechanisms for fluid–rock interaction and vein formation during continuous shortening. In particular, fluid–rock interaction was the consequence of dissolution–precipitation creep assisted by tectonically driven cooling fluids moving through the rock section as a result of seismic pumping. The most likely source of the migrating fluids would be the frontal part of the growing accretionary complex, where fluids from the deep levels in the hinterland are driven trough channelization operated by the thrust‐related fracture (fault) systems.     

Long-term deformation and fluid-enhanced mass transport in a Variscan peridotite shear zone in the Ivrea Zone,northern Italy: a microtextural,petrological and geochemical study of a reactivated shear zone

The microtextural, petrological and geochemical study of a ductile shear zone in the phlogopite peridotite of Finero/Ivrea Zone (northern Italy) reveals the long-term deformation of this zone. The zone is divided into a protomylonitic and an ultramylonitic part. Both parts reflect different periods of deformation, although the orientation of the mineral lineations does not change. In the coarse-grained part (period 1) the deformation started under granulite facies conditions (about 775°C). Olivine, ortho- and clinopyroxene and phlogopite recrystallized dynamically. In the ultramylonitic part relics of the granulite facies event and evidence for a continuous or two-stage deformation history under amphibolite facies (minimum 640°C) to upper greenschist facies conditions (maximum 520°C) are preserved (period 2). Amphibolite facies conditions are indicated by olivine recrystallization, the monoclinization of orthopyroxene porphyroclasts and the recrystallization and chemical changes of clinopyroxene. The greenschist facies final stage of period 2 is characterized by decreased X _{CO 2} and the syntectonic formation of antigorite, tremolite and phlogopite at the expense of recrystallized and porphyroclastic olivine and pyroxene. Between both deformation periods a short break in deformation continuity is probable. Continuous deformation or reactivation in shear zones of the Ivrea Zone has not been described so far. During the granulite facies shearing, small amounts of channelized fluid flow led to a slight mass transfer. The shear zone shows a moderate enrichment of Na, Ba, Cu, Cs, H₂O and CO₂ and a small loss of P. The mass balance of the ultramylonite indicates a significant increase in mass transport. A mass gain can be inferred for H, Na, K, Ba, Al, Ti, P, S, Cs, Sr, Rb, C, Zn, Zr, S, Sc, light rare earth elements, Nb, Cl and Au. The zone is depleted in Ca, Cu, Co, F and Ni. Si, Mg, Cr, Mn, Y, Nb and V are constant within analytical error. Deformation and fluid infiltration led to a change in volume which increases during the granulite facies event by 5.7% and during the lower temperature phase by 3.3%. The calculated fluid to rock ratios by standard equations results in unrealistically high values. For the interpretation of highly deformed rocks with drastic grain size reduction it is therefore necessary to consider the enhanced diffusion, which is mainly controlled by the increased grain boundary surface.     

Pore fabrics of ceramic models investigated by magnetic anisotropy

Ceramics was used as model to investigate the pore fabric originated during ductile deformation. The magnetic anisotropy was used to measure the connected pore fabric after pore saturating by the ferromagnetic fluid. The ductile deformation of the ceramics was investigated through measurement of magnetic anisotropy of dry specimens. The character and symmetry of the pore fabric are compatible with those of the deformations forming the fabric of the ceramics.     

Advective heat transfer and fabric development in a shallow crustal intrusive granite — the case of Proterozoic Vellaturu granite,south India

Syntectonic plutons emplaced in shallow crust often contain intermediate-to low-temperature deformation microstructures but lack a high-temperature, subsolidus deformation fabric, although the relict magmatic fabric is preserved. The Proterozoic Vellaturu granite emplaced at the eastern margin of the northern Nallamalai fold belt, south India during the late phase of regional deformation has a common occurrence of intermediate-to low-temperature deformation fabric, superimposed over magmatic fabric with an internally complex pattern. But high-T subsolidus deformation microstructure and fabric are absent in this pluton. The main crystal plastic deformation and fluid enhanced reaction softening was concentrated along the margin of the granite body. Resulting granite mylonites show Y-maximum c-axis fabric in completely recrystallized quartz ribbonds, dynamic recrystallization of perthites, and myrmekite indicative of fabric development under intermediate temperature (∼ 500–400°C). The weakly-deformed interior shows myrmekite, feldspar microfracturing and limited bulging recrystallization of quartz. The abundance of prism subgrain boundaries is indicative of continuing deformation through low-temperature (∼ 300°C). The relative rates of cooling influenced by advective heat transfer and deformation of the pluton seem to control the overall subsolidus fabric development. The rapid advective heat transfer from the interior in the early stages of subsolidus cooling was followed by slow cooling through intermediate temperature window as a well-developed phyllosilicate rich mylonitic skin around the granite body slowed down conductive heat loss. Low-T crystal plastic deformation of quartz was effected at a late stage of cooling and deformation of the shallow crustal granite body emplaced within the greenschist facies Nallamlai rocks.     

沾化凹陷泥岩裂缝油气藏研究

沾化凹陷泥岩裂缝油气藏具有以下特征：（1）储层为暗色、厚层富含有机质的生油岩；（2）泥岩油气显示段具有高压异常；（3）主要分布于深凹陷区缓斜坡上，泥质岩油气显示段主要集中在断层带附近。泥岩裂缝性储集层的形成主要与异常高孔隙流体压力、局部构造变形及断裂作用有关，被非裂缝性泥岩所封闭形成自生自储的泥岩裂缝油气藏。     

韧性剪切变形对岩石地球化学行为的制约——以北阿尔金巴什考供韧性剪切带为例

韧性剪切变形对岩石地球化学行为的制约一直是地质学家们探讨的课题。本文以构成北阿尔金红柳沟——拉配泉俯冲碰撞杂岩带与北阿尔金地块边界的巴什考供斜向逆冲型韧性剪切带为例，通过对韧性剪切带内花岗岩变形前后不同变形强度构造岩的地球化学组成进行对比，确定等比线斜率，探讨韧性变形对岩石体积和成分变异的影响。计算结果表明，在糜棱岩化过程中，糜棱岩化花岗岩体积亏损21％，花岗质糜棱岩体积亏损31％。质量平衡计算结果和等比线图表明，韧；陛剪切作用导致SiO2，流失量最大，A12O3、K2O及Ba、Rb、Sr等都有不同程度的丢失，显示出较强的活动性，MnO、P2O5、Sc位于等比线上或附近，表现出相对的稳定性。岩石中活动组分的变异是流体渗滤作用引起的，不活动组分的变异是体．积亏损造成的。     

某水电站坝基挠曲破碎带工程力学特性试验研究

膝状挠曲破碎带是某水电站坝基的主要工程地质问题。破碎带岩性为完整性较差的碎裂、碎屑软弱砂岩,并呈现孔隙式胶结接触,其工程力学特性对坝基变形和稳定存在巨大影响。基于破碎带砂岩组织结构疏松、含水率较高、物理力学性能较差等特点,首先开展了基本物理特性试验分析,认为岩石微细观结构复杂、渗透特性较好,属小孔隙率砂岩。其次,开展了室内常规和现场力学特性试验研究;最后,在宏观力学参数确定的基础上,探讨了破碎带对工程作用的响应及影响。结果表明,破碎带岩石内部结构破坏严重,矿物成分主要为石英、长石、绢云母等,化学成分以SiO2为主,但化学侵蚀并不显著。常规剪切曲线呈现出明显的4阶段特征,三轴压缩试验破坏机制为塑性剪切破坏,表现出强度低、延性扩容明显、出现屈服平台等特征,且碎裂岩强度略高于碎屑岩;现场试验表明岩体变形均匀,变形模量较低,处于60～630 MPa;地基承载力处于0.8～2.3 MPa。研究成果对该水电站坝基工程有重要的参考价值。     

Relations between the emplacement and fabric-forming conditions of the Kapitan-Dimitrievo pluton and the Maritsa shear zone (Central Bulgaria): magnetic and visible fabrics analysis

The Kapitan-Dimitrievo pluton was emplaced within the 15 km wide Maritsa shear zone during the Late Cretaceous. It has well-known U–Pb zircon age (78.54 ± 0.13 Ma) and appears as a late-syntectonic intrusion that marked the last ductile deformation in the Maritsa shear zone. Magnetite is believed to be the main carrier of the magnetic fabric in this pluton, and crystallized mainly late, after the main rock-forming minerals. Two fabrics are recorded, a visible syn-magmatic fabric (due to magma flow) and magnetic late-magmatic fabric (related to regional stresses). Although different, both are mainly related to the shearing along this shear zone. These results constrain in age the dextral strike-slip controlled emplacement and evolution of the Late Cretaceous plutons from Central Bulgaria.     

磁化率各向异性与剪切带

岩石组构记录了地壳形成与演化的关键信息,提取这些信息对分析和恢复地球动力学过程具有重要意义.磁化率各向异性(AMS)是一种重要的岩石组构方法,可以有效地揭示岩石的应变特征,分析其地球动力学过程,是研究构造变形性质以及应力作用方式的有效手段.本文在梳理AMS的研究历史、主要成果和最新进展的基础上,系统阐述了AMS的基本原...     

Progressive deformation across a ductile shear zone: an example from the Singhbhum Shear Zone,eastern India

Structural investigations in the Precambrian Singhbhum Shear Zone of eastern India document an intimate relationship between micro- to meso-scale structures and the deformation history. Shear zone rocks are characterized by composite foliation, a well-developed stretching lineation, folds, shear planes, and quartz veins. These structures reflect thrusting of the Proterozoic north Singhbhum hanging wall block over the Archaean south Singhbhum footwall block. Microstructural analysis of multiple foliation and mylonitic rocks within the shear zone helps to define its progressive evolution. During progressive deformation, overprinting of microstructures resulted in incomplete transposition or complete erasing of previously formed structures and mineral assemblages, allowing room for new dynamic equilibrium structures to form. The dominant deformation mechanism was dissolution–recrystallization, with locally important fluid circulation responsible for transformation of the quartzo-feldspathic mass into phyllonite, and quartzites and schists into mylonite. Textural features suggest that the bulk deformation was non-coaxial, evolving from dominant pure shear in the early stage followed by simple shear in a single progressive strain history of the Singhbhum Shear Zone.     

Age,origin, and thermal histories of some plutonic rocks from the Salinian block of California

U-Pb isotopic measurements on zircons from some granitic rocks of the Salinian block indicate emplacement and crystallization of these rocks about 104 m.y. ago (mid-Cretaceous). The relatively radiogenic nature of initial Sr and common Pb in these rocks, and the presence of an inherited component of zircon in some of them strongly suggest the involvement of continental crust in the genesis of the magmas. Possibly the magmas were generated in a zone of melting that overlapped the boundary between the mantle and the continental crust. U-Pb measurements on sphene, apatite, and feldspar from the plutons, along with previously published K-Ar and fission-track ages shed light on the post-emplacement thermal histories of the plutons. Most of the samples from the northern part of the Salinian block (Bodega Head, Point Reyes) show relatively simple thermal histories. Evidently these plutons were emplaced at moderate levels in the crust, crystallized, and cooled to moderate temperatures over an interval of about 10–15 m.y. Plutons from the central Salinian block (Santa Lucia Range) show more complex and prolonged thermal histories. These plutons evidently were emplaced at greater depths in the crust than were the plutons from the northern Salinian block. They remained at elevated temperatures for ca. 25 m.y., then cooled fairly rapidly, probably as a result of rapid uplift and erosion. One sample from the northern Salinian block shows an even longer span of time between emplacement and cooling. The thermal evolution of the Salinian plutonic rocks predates major offset along the San Andreas fault zone and thus reflects the thermal evolution of the undisrupted source terrane of the Salinian block. Isotopic measurements of the type reported here might therefore prove valuable in correlations across the San Andreas fault zone. Moreover, detailed study of thermal evolution within the Salinian block could shed light on major offsets within the block.