The structural evolution of the Northern Hastings Block and southern Nambucca Block,southern New England Orogen,eastern Australia

The Hastings Block is a weakly cleaved and complexly folded and faulted terrain made up of Devonian, Carboniferous and Permian sedimentary and volcanic rocks. The map pattern of bedding suggests a major boundary exists that divides the Hastings Block into northern and southern parts. Bedding north of this boundary defines an upright box-like Parrabel Anticline that plunges gently northwest. Four cleavage/fold populations are recognised namely: E–W-striking, steeply dipping cleavage S₁ that is axial surface to gently to moderately E- or W-plunging; F₁ folds that were re-oriented during the formation of the Parrabel Anticline with less common N–S-trending, steeply dipping cleavage S₂, axial surface to gently to moderately N-plunging F₂ folds; poorly developed NW–SE-striking, steeply dipping cleavage S₃ axial surface to mesoscopic, mainly NW-plunging F₃ folds; and finally_, a weakly developed NE–SW-striking, steeply dipping S₄ cleavage formed axial surface to mainly NE-plunging F₄. The Parrabel Anticline is considered to have formed during the D₃ deformation. The more intense development of S₂ and S₃ on the western margin of the Northern Hastings Block reflects increasing strain related to major shortening of the sequences adjacent to the Tablelands Complex during the Hunter–Bowen Orogeny. The pattern of multiple deformation we have recorded is inconsistent with previous suggestions that the Hastings Block is part of an S-shaped orocline folded about near vertically plunging axes.     

Intrafolial folds and associated structures in a progressive strain environment of Darjeeling-Sikkim Himalaya

The Dating rocks and Darjeeling gneisses, which constitute the Sikkim dome in eastern Himalaya, as well as the Gondwana and Buxa rocks of ‘Rangit Window’, disclose strikingly similar sequences of deformation and metamorphism. The structures in all the rocks belong to two generations. The structures of early generation are long-limbed, tight near-isoclinal folds which are often intrafolial and rootless. These intrafolial folds are associated with co-planar tight folds with variably oriented axes and sheath folds with arcuate hinges. Penetrative axial plane cleavage and mineral lineation are related structures; transposition of bedding is remarkable. This early phase of deformation (D ₁) is accompanied by constructive metamorphism. The structures of later generation are open, asymmetrical or polyclinal; a crenulation cleavage or discrete fracture may occur. The structures of early generation are distorted by folds of later generation and recrystallized minerals are cataclastically deformed. Recrystallization is meagre or absent during the later phase of deformation (D ₂). The present discussion is on structures of early generation and strain environment during theD ₁ phase of deformation. The concentration of intrafolial folds in the vicinity of ductile shear zones and decollement or detachment surface (often described as ‘thrust’) may be considered in this context. The rocks of Darjeeling-Sikkim Himalaya display minor structures other than intrafolial folds and variably oriented co-planar folds. The state of finite strain in the rocks, as observed from features like flattened grains and pebbles, ptygmatic folds and boudinaged folds indicate combination of flattening and constrictional type strain. The significance of the intrafolial folds in the same rocks is discussed to probe the environment of strain during progressive deformation (D ₁).     

Structural evolution of a briançonnais cover nappe,the caprauna-armetta unit (ligurian alps,Italy)

The Caprauna-Armetta Unit (CAU) is a Briançonnais cover nappe emplaced on the external margin of the Ligurian Briançonnais Zone. A structural analysis of the nappe indicates that there are four superposed deformations (D₁-D₄). D₁ produced large recumbent isoclinal folds associated with a strong axial-plane cleavage and a SW-trending lineation. These folds can be related to a SW-directed overthrust shear. D₂ produced open to moderately tight folds with subvertical axial planes, overturned towards the northeast. D₃ and D₄ are represented by large wavelength open folds affecting only the large-scale setting of the nappe.A finite strain map of the nappe has been compiled using data from an oolitic limestone layer. The measured strains appears to be essentially the product of the D₁ phase. The measured ellipsoids are generally triaxial. The trend of the finite strain X axes is towards the southwest. Prolate ellipsoids with very high R_xz ratios occur on the inverted limbs and sometimes near the hinge zones of the anticlinal F₁ folds. Oblate ellipsoids are prevalent on the normal limbs. This pattern of finite strain resulted from deformation in a ductile shear zone generated within the tectonic units trailed at the base of the huge Helminthoid Flysch Nappe during its motion towards the foreland.     

Variation in fold geometry in the Yuso basin, northern Spain: implications for the deformation regime

First generation structures in greywackes of the Yuso Group from the Cantabrian Mountains of northern Spain show a distinct variation in geometry with depth in a regional synclinal structure (Curavacas and Lechada synclines); they are easily distinguished from other deformation events. In the structurally uppermost level we find ‘flap folds’. Flap folds are recumbent structures with the inverted limb preserved. Below this level ‘cascade folds’ are found. These structures have a vergence opposite to that of parasitic folds. The nomenclature adopted is from Harrison and Falcon. Characteristically, these structures have shallowly dipping axial surfaces, in agreement with the shallow dip of the axial plane (regional) cleavage. In the lowermost structural level, upright parasitic folds with a steep cleavage are present. The variation in fold geometry is accompanied by a general steepening of the regional cleavage with increasing depth. In the absence of overprinting relationships the F₁ fold geometries are included in a single deformation event.The steepening of the cleavage with depth reflects the change in orientation of the maximum shortening direction from sub-vertical in the upper part of the syncline to sub-horizontal in the lower part. With increasing depth the deformation regime during F₁ changed from bending to buckling. The deformation regime on the regional scale, however, is associated with basement subsidence and passive formation of the regional synclinal structure. Furthermore, the absence of a distinct microfabric for the different F₁ folds indicates that on a small scale a similar deformation regime was present. We conclude, therefore, that the scale at which we study a structure only reflects the deformation regime at that particular scale. Consequently, the overall deformation regime cannot be determined from single outcrops or microstructural analysis alone.     

Finite strain estimates from the dalradian dolomitic formation, Islay, Argyll, Scotland

Sedimentary dykelets in the Dolomitic Formation of Islay have been rotated relative to bedding during the primary deformation, which imposed a penetrative, slaty cleavage on the dolomitic lithologies. The dykelets have been used to determine the principal strain ratios in two dimensions and, by a new method these results have been combined to define the three-dimensional finite strain state. The results show that the shortening normal to the cleavage is in the range 33–66%, and the maximum extension within the cleavage is in the range 25–157%. The deformation is predominantly of the flattening type (1 > k 0).     

Strain analysis in Jurassic argillites of the Monte Sirino area (Lagonegro Zone,southern Apennines,Italy) and implications for deformation paths in pelitic rocks

Analysis of strain in Jurassic argillites forming part of the folded and thrusted sedimentary succession of the Lagonegro basin (southern Italian Apennines) has been carried out using ellipsoid-shaped reduction spots as strain markers. Most of the determined finite strain ellipsoids are of oblate type and show a peculiar distribution of the maximum extension direction (X), with maxima either subparallel or subperpendicular to the local fold axes. Using the strain matrix method, two different deformation histories have been considered to assist the interpretation of the observed finite strain pattern. A first deformation history involved vertical compaction followed by horizontal shortening (occurring by a combination of true tectonic strain and volume loss), whereby all strain is coaxial and there is no change in the intermediate axis of the strain ellipsoid. By this type of deformation sequence, which produces a deformation path where total strain moves from the oblate to the prolate strain field and back to the oblate field, prolate strain ellipsoids can be generated and may be recorded where tectonic deformation has not been large enough to reverse pretectonic compaction. This type of deformation history may be of local importance within the study area (i.e. it may characterize some fold hinge regions) and, more generally, is probably of limited occurrence in deformed pelitic rocks. A second deformation sequence considered the superposition of pre-tectonic compaction and tectonic strain consisting of initial layer-parallel shortening followed by layer-parallel shear (related to flexural folding). Also in this instance, volume change during tectonic deformation and tectonic plane strain have been assumed. For geologically reasonable amounts of volume loss due to compaction and of initial layer-parallel shortening, this type of deformation history is capable of producing a deformation path entirely lying within the oblate strain field, but still characterized by a changeover, during deformation, of the maximum extension axis (X) from a position parallel to the fold axis to one perpendicular to it. This type of deformation sequence may explain the main strain features observed in the study area, where most of the measured finite strain ellipsoids, determined from the limb regions of flexural folds, display an oblate shape, irrespective of the orientation of their maximum extension direction (X) with respect to the local structural trends. More generally, this type of deformation history provides a mechanism to account for the predominance of oblate strains in deformed pelitic rocks.     

Strain analysis in folds (Infrahelvetic complex,Central Alps)

Strain analysis based on initially uniformly oriented elliptical particles in an oolitic limestone (Blegi oolite) was used to study the homogeneity of the state of strain on various scales, kinematics of folding and deformation mechanisms. A computer (reduced means) method for strain analysis is presented which is based on deforming a population of ellipses with shape and orientation properties of measured undeformed ooids. The strain values obtained with this method are within an accuracy of about 10% (in terms of axial ratios) and are in good agreement with the ones obtained with existing graphical methods. The state of strain is homogeneous on the scale of a thin section, handspecimen and outcrop, provided that regions around relatively strong fossils and regions of marked variations in lithology are avoided. Whole rock strains and strains as indicated by ooids alone are similar. Strain patterns in folds in limestones embedded in sandstones, shales and marl are compatible with bending accompanied simultaneously with a shortening perpendicular to the axial surface. The shortening may be attributed to the shear strains related to fold asymmetry and overthrusting. Strains on the outer arcs of a competent dolomite layer compare well with theoretical and experimental fold models; strain patterns include complex contact strains and change along the fold hinge line across a transverse fault which was active during the folding process. Strains parallel to the hinge line are more or less uniform but do not necessarily represent a plane strain state. Volume change took place during deformation. It was accomplished by pressure solution processes, the pressure solved material being partly redeposited. Pressure solution accounts for only a relatively small fraction of the bulk finite strain and was accompanied by plastic flow. Intracrystalline deformation together with grain boundary sliding and/or grain boundary migration went hand in hand with recrystallization (noteably grain growth).     

Deformation history of the Hampden Synform in the Eastern Fold Belt of the Mt Isa terrane

The moderately metamorphosed and deformed rocks exposed in the Hampden Synform, Eastern Fold Belt, in the Mt Isa terrane, underwent complex multiple deformations during the early Mesoproterozoic Isan Orogeny (ca 1590–1500 Ma). The earliest deformation elements preserved in the Hampden Synform are first‐generation tight to isoclinal folds and an associated axial‐planar slaty cleavage. Preservation of recumbent first‐generation folds in the hinge zones of second‐generation folds, and the approximately northeast‐southwest orientation of restored L¹ ₀ intersection lineation suggest recumbent folding occurred during east‐west to northwest‐southeast shortening. First‐generation folds are refolded by north‐south‐oriented upright non‐cylindrical tight to isoclinal second‐generation folds. A differentiated axial‐planar cleavage to the second‐generation fold is the dominant fabric in the study area. This fabric crenulates an earlier fabric in the hinge zones of second‐generation folds, but forms a composite cleavage on the fold limbs. Two weakly developed steeply dipping crenulation cleavages overprint the dominant composite cleavage at a relatively high angle (>45°). These deformations appear to have had little regional effect. The composite cleavage is also overprinted by a subhorizontal crenulation cleavage inferred to have developed during vertical shortening associated with late‐orogenic pluton emplacement. We interpret the sequence of deformation events in the Hampden Synform to reflect the progression from thin‐skinned crustal shortening during the development of first‐generation structures to thick‐skinned crustal shortening during subsequent events. The Hampden Synform is interpreted to occur within a progressively deformed thrust slice located in the hangingwall of the Overhang Shear.     

Structure of the Late Palaeozoic Coffs Harbour Beds,northeastern New South Wales

F₁ macroscopic folds in the Late Palaeozoic Coffs Harbour Beds in the SE portion of the New England Fold Belt are commonly transected by cleavage. These macroscopic folds are tight to isoclinal structures, with a consistent vergence to the NE. Axial surfaces are either steeply dipping to the SW or vertical, and are typically faulted. Anomalous bedding‐cleavage relations occur where the steeply dipping cleavage intersects overturned limbs of F₁ macroscopic and some F₁ mesoscopic folds. Elsewhere F₁ mesoscopic folds have a well developed, axial‐surface cleavage and are rarely downward facing. Cleavage is commonly strike‐divergent from axial surfaces of F₁ macroscopic folds, except adjacent to the Demon Fault System, where they are parallel. These anomalous cleavage‐folds relations possibly developed during the one deformation. D₁ structures are refolded by kink‐like folds that are steeply plunging. The structural style of the D₁ deformation indicates that it possibly resulted from accretionary processes at a consuming plate margin.     

Kinematics of large scale asymmetric folds and associated smaller scale brittle — Ductile structures in the proterozoic somnur formation, pranhita — Godavari Valley, South India

The development of structural elements and finite strain data are analysed to constrain kinematics of folds and faults at various scales within a Proterozoic fold-and-thrust belt in Pranhita-Godavari basin, south India. The first order structures in this belt are interpreted as large scale buckle folds above a subsurface decollement emphasizing the importance of detachment folding in thin skinned deformation of a sedimentary prism lying above a gneissic basement. That the folds have developed through fixed-hinge buckling is constrained by the nature of variation of mesoscopic fabric over large folds and finite strain data. Relatively low, irrotational flattening strain (X:Z-3.1-4.8, k<1) are associated with zones of near upright early mesoscopic folds and cleavage, whereas large flattening strain (X:Z-3.9-7.3, k<1) involving noncoaxiality are linked to domains of asymmetric, later inclined folds, faults and intense cleavage on the hanging wall of thrusts on the flanks of large folds. In the latter case, the bulk strain can be factorized to components of pure shear and simple shear with a maximum shearing strain of 3. The present work reiterates the importance of analysis of minor structures in conjunction with strain data to unravel the kinematic history of fold-and-thrust belts developed at shallow crustal level.     

Relationships between garnet shape, rotational inclusion fabrics and strain in some Moine metamorphic rocks of Skye, Scotland

Study of rotational inclusion fabrics in garnet porphyroblasts demonstrates that angles of rotation are dependent not only on the amounts of strain suffered by the host rocks but also on porphyroblast shape: near-spherical crystals suffer considerably more rotation than discoidal for a given amount of strain. Angles ranging from 160° to 0° have been measured but rotation took place during two distinct phases of deformation each associated with the formation of folds and attendant axial planar fabrics.The rotational inclusion fabrics permit a study to be made of the geometry and state of strain around two minor folds and thus suggest that the main mechanism of fold development was flexural flow. The differences in the amounts of strain, as recorded by rotational inclusion fabrics, around the two folds further suggest that there was unequal limb rotation during fold development and that the maximum compressive stress lay obliquely to the layering at the onset of folding.     

The establishment of recumbent folds in the Lower Palaeozoic near Queanbeyan,New South Wales

Lower Palaeozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks east of Queanbeyan, N.S.W., have undergone multiple deformation resulting in four systems of folds. The first of these consists of large isoclinal, recumbent folds (F1). The second generation folds (F2) are the most pronounced; they consist of flattened flexural‐slip folds with well developed axial‐plane slaty cleavage. Minor variants of this system are associated with meridionally‐trending faults. Third and fourth generation folds are minor kink systems.

The existence of first generation folds was established on the basis of F2 fold‐facing determinations, and their likely form was deduced from the geometrical variations of F2 folds. It is thought that all fold phases developed during the Late Silurian Bowning Orogeny.     

Fry and Rf/ϕ strain methods constraints and fold transection mechanisms in the NW Iberian Variscides

Apúlia is a small Portuguese sector in NW of Central-Iberian Zone, that have been deformed in a non-coaxial sinistral transpressive regime during the first and main Variscan tectonic event (D₁). This deformation give rise to a major NW–SE anticline, where the S₁ N–S cleavage transect the inverted short NE limb; two and three-dimensional strains analysis have been done in the low metamorphic grade Ordovician quartzites of this limb using Fry and Rf/ϕ methods. The data show that most deformation was due to intergranular deformation mechanisms. The intragranular deformation leading to the distortion of strain markers and to cleavage was very incipient and a latter event in the D₁ phase. The apparent plane strain ellipsoids (if no volume change is assumed) related to the intragranular mechanisms contrast with the more prolate strain ellipsoids related to the bulk deformation of Apúlia Quartzites. This constrictional bulk strain fabrics are characteristic of the sinistral transpressive regimes dominant in the northern sectors of the Central-Iberian Zone.     

Structure of the Ordovician succession around Aberdaron,southwest Llŷn,North Wales

Three deformation phases are recognizable within the Lower Ordovician metasedimentary sequence of the Aberdaron area and they are similar to those described for Lower Palaeozoic sequences in other parts of North Wales. There is no certain evidence however for a major Aberdaron Syncline as described by some previous workers. The first deformation phase produced southcast verging mesoscopic folds with steep to moderate dipping axial surfaces and a sporadic axial plane cleavage. The second deformation was relatively weak and produced only a low-dipping crenulation cleavage at a few favoured localities. The third phase gave rise to numerous small buckle folds, kinks in some pelitic units where the first cleavage was well developed, an axial plane cleavage, and a suite of quartz veins. The orientation of the third phase minor structures is not uniform and the fold trend and strike of axial plane cleavage varies from east-northeast to south-southeast, although retains a constant angular relationship to the local strike of bedding. The distribution of the third cleavage is bimodal and the third deformation phase may have been brought about by conjugate shears during a late brittle fracture stage of NW–SE compression. The structural sequence affecting the Ordovician cannot be correlated with that in the Mona Complex and it seems likely that the Mona Complex was deformed before the Arenig.     

Investigations on the mechanical significance of crenulation cleavage

Measurements of total, incremental and progressive strains associated with the development of small scale crenulation cleavage in some low-grade metamorphic rocks from Australia and Switzerland are applied to a discussion of the mechanical significance of the cleavage.Limits are placed on the amount of incremental and total slip or simple shear possible along the cleavage by the observation that the XY principal plane trace of bulk total crenulation strain coincides within 4° of the crenulation cleavage trace in all cases where this strain has been measured or estimated. The measurements are made on eight specimens using deformed porphyroblasts, crystal fibres in pressure-shadows around pyrite and flattened folds and include deformations with coaxial and non-coaxial histories.Further measurements derived from pressure-shadow fibres (eight specimens) show that the style and orientation of incremental deformation are essentially independent of the crenulation cleavage, except for a limit (43°) to the obliquity of the principal incremental extension axis during a given cleavage episode. The only special deformation related to the cleavage is the coaxial one. An indication of passive cleavage behaviour at high strain is shown by the progressive strain history of one specimen. Evidence for passive rotation of a transected axial plane is shown by another. A model is proposed to account for these observations, especially the conditions necessary for initiation and continued development of a new cleavage fabric.Some further applications of existing strain measurement techniques are described: of the R_f/Ø_f method to heterogeneously superposed tectonic strains and of an improved procedure of t′_α/α flattening analysis.     

Deciphering the presence of axial-planar veins in tectonites

Veins and dikes are often oriented subparallel to the axial surfaces of folds in the adjacent layered or foliated rocks.This implies an awkward situation,since veins would lay in planes close-to-parallel to the maximum stretching axis.A series of geometric models have been conceived in order to gain insight into the possible mechanisms for their formation.The models are based on the analysis of a varied selection of field structures and on the review of similar structures in the existing literature.A first categorization consists on distinguishing between axial-planar veins achieved by either progressive or polyphase deformation.Five models of axial-planar veins resulting from progressive deformation are described and discussed:(1) fold-related veins associated with the standard folding mechanisms,(2) fracture arrays localized along the short limbs of folds(asymmetric fold-related veins),(3) folds associated with rotation of extension veins(vein-related folds),(4) high strain and transposition of early veins,and(5) high strain and late veins parallel to axial planar foliations(axial planar foliation-related veins).The axial planar geometry is achieved through variable amounts of progressive rotational strain,except in model 5,in which the co-planarity is acquired at the time of vein intrusion.The possibility for axial-planar veins to have developed in two distinct phases in the context of polyphase or polyorogenic tectonics has also been explored and discussed.This study contributes to a better understanding of the intriguing interplays between deformation,metamorphic and magmatic processes in orogenic belts.     

Non-axial planar cleavage and Caledonian sinistral transpression in eastern Ireland

Transected F₁ fold structures in eastern Ireland are associated with subhorizontal stretching in the S₁, cleavage whereas axial planar cleavage contains a vertical elongation direction. This suggests that the non-axial planar cleavage was influenced by a distributed strike-slip ductile shear. A major NE-SW trending F₁ syncline is described in which the minor F₁ folds show systematic variations in cleavage transection parameters. On the steep limb of the major syncline the cleavage transects the minor F₁ folds in a consistently clockwise sense, whereas on the normal limb anticlockwise transected folds are seen. Axial planar cleavage occurs at the core of the major syncline. Fold profile analysis indicates that the buckling of the layers began before the initiation of the cleavage. Open, parallel folds at the major synclinal hinge zone are progressively ‘flattened’ on the steep limb towards a major D₁ sinistral transcurrent fault. The angular transection, A, attains a maximum of 15° clockwise which diminishes to <5° at higher strains adjacent to the major fault. Incremental fibre growth in pressure shadows show a two-stage tectonic strain superposition of vertical pure shear followed by sinistral transcurrent simple shear during the development of the clockwise transecting cleavage. Anticlockwise transected folds were influenced by local dextral strike-slip on the southern margins of a rigid terrane. As a regional feature, the clockwise transection is explained by a sinistral transpressive deformation of end-Silurian age.     

Dehydration-related deformation during regional metamorphism, NW Sardinia, Italy

The relationship between deformation and dehydration has been investigated in Hercynian regionally metamorphosed rocks exposed on NW Sardinia. Two episodes of prograde mineral growth (M₁ & M₂) involving dehydration are recognized: growth of chlorite/phengite porphyroblasts at anchizone metamorphic conditions, contemporaneous with the first phase of deformation, D₁, and growth of biotite from chlorite and phengite coincident with the second phase of deformation, D₂. Deformation during both episodes of dehydration is characterized by penetrative axial planar foliations defined by well-developed phyllosilicate preferred orientations quantified by XRD textural goniometry, tight to isoclinal similar folds (interlimb angles <40°), and mineral-filled veins (hydrofractures) orientated parallel to axial planar foliations, that formed contemporaneously with the development of the penetrative foliations. No prograde mineral growth occurred during D₂ at chlorite-zone conditions. D₂ deformation in the absence of dehydration is characterized by non-penetrative crenulation cleavages, poorly developed phyllosilicate preferred orientations, relatively open (interlimb angles >40°), low-strain similar folds and minor brittle deformation. Systematic variations in macrofold interlimb angles, with respect to the timing of mineral growth, indicate that enhanced shortening (c. 80%) occurred during dehydration. Microfabrics show that the onset of dehydration is associated with the transition from a crenulation cleavage to a penetrative foliation. The presence of axial planar hydrofractures that formed coevally with dehydration and fabric development requires that supralithostatic fluid pressures and low differential stresses (<c. 20 MPa) accompanied dehydration. These features demonstrate a connection between the timing of dehydration and the style of deformation.     

白银厂矿区劈理成因的磁组构分析

将磁性组构方法用于甘肃白银厂矿区的构造分析.结果表明该区岩石的磁性组构与岩石组构具有同一分布规律.岩石的磁线理与岩石的拉长线理L~a近于一致,磁面理与第一期劈理S_1基本平行,并垂直于岩石的磁化率椭球的最小主轴,也垂直于应变椭球的最短主轴方位,故推断第一期劈理S_1的成因主要属压扁成因.同时受到后期的多次变形与褶皱迭加影响.S_1轴面的优选面状分布发生变位不大,表明该区多次构造变形主要来自早期的同一主应力场作用所致.矿区岩石的磁面理与应变椭球拉长轴面或第一期劈理面S_1存在某些的角度差,表明该区岩石的劈理面由于受后期多次构造变形影响,可能发生剪切运动或旋转机制.     

Determination of magnetic anisotropy and a ca 1.2 Ga palaeomagnetic pole from the Bremer Bay area,Albany Mobile Belt,Western Australia

Granulite facies tonalitic gneiss, mafic granulite and late metadolerite dykes from Bremer Bay in the Mesoproterozoic Albany Mobile Belt yield palaeomagnetic remanence that were acquired between ca 1.2 Ga and 1.1 Ga. A well‐constrained pole (66.6°N, 303.7°E) fits the ca 1.2 Ga part of the Precambrian Australian apparent polar wander path. This pole is in agreement with the high‐latitude position of Australia at ca 1.2–1.1 Ga shown on some Rodinia reconstructions. More data are required before any significance can be attributed to a second, poorly defined pole (41.8°S, 243.7°E) that falls at some distance from the ca 0.8 Ga part of the Australian apparent polar wander path. Magnetic anisotropy measurements from all samples except late granite dykes indicate northeast‐southwest elongation (i.e. parallel to the local trend of the orogenic belt) and northwest‐southeast contraction. This is in agreement with the orientation of principal strain axes deduced from structures formed during late stages of ductile deformation. The mean magnetic fabric lineation (long axis of the strain ellipsoid) is subparallel to a mineral elongation lineation and the axes of late upright to inclined folds. Short axes of the strain ellipsoid determined from magnetic fabric measurements are in a similar orientation to poles to the axial surfaces of these folds and to the associated cleavage. This mean shortening axis bisects late conjugate ductile shear zones that overprint the folds. This study has shown that structurally complex high‐grade gneisses and intrusive rocks with variable timing relationships may yield meaningful palaeomagnetic results for late stages of metamorphism. Magnetic anisotropy analysis is also seen to be a valuable tool in providing principal strain directions for late ductile deformation.