Late-orogenic Svecofennian deformation in SW Finland constrained by pegmatite emplacement ages

Late stages of the Svecofennian orogeny in SW Finland were related to a tranpressional stress field and dextral movements along crustal scale shear zones under decreasing temperature and pressure conditions. In the Kemiö area, a minimum estimate for the time span of movements along one of these shear zones is obtained from the ages of 1840 to 1830 Myr-old microcline granite sheets, related to early ductile deformation, and by dating structurally late rare-mineral granite pegmatites, related to brittle deformation. One pegmatite was emplaced when the rheological conditions in the gabbro changed from ductile to semi-ductile and brittle. It has U-Pb ferrotapiolite ages ranging between 1807.0 ± 2.9 Myr (2 ) and 1803.1 + 2.9/ -2.0 Myr (2 ). Another pegmatite emplaced under brittle conditions has an U-Pb ferrotapiolite age of 1802.9 ± 1.3 Myr (2 ). These pegmatites were emplaced preferentially in gabbroic rocks, that showed brittle to semi-ductile deformation at a time when their more felsic host-rocks still showed ductile deformation. The age range bracketed by the microcline granite sheets and the structurally late pegmatites indicates that ductile deformation related to the transpressional Late Svecofennian tectonic regime in southwestern Finland, persisted for at least 30–40 Myr.     

Variation of palaeostress patterns along the Oriente transform wrench corridor, Cuba: significance for Neogene–Quaternary tectonics of the Caribbean realm

In this study, we address the late Miocene to Recent tectonic evolution of the North Caribbean (Oriente) Transform Wrench Corridor in the southern Sierra Maestra mountain range, SE Cuba. The region has been affected by historical earthquakes and shows many features of brittle deformation in late Miocene to Pleistocene reef and other shallow water deposits as well as in pre-Neogene, late Cretaceous to Eocene basement rocks. These late Miocene to Quaternary rocks are faulted, fractured, and contain calcite- and karst-filled extension gashes. Type and orientation of the principal normal palaeostress vary along strike in accordance with observations of large-scale submarine structures at the south-eastern Cuban margin. Initial N–S extension is correlated with a transtensional regime associated with the fault, later reactivated by sinistral and/or dextral shear, mainly along E–W-oriented strike-slip faults. Sinistral shear predominated and recorded similar kinematics as historical earthquakes in the Santiago region. We correlate palaeostress changes with the kinematic evolution along the boundary between the North American and Caribbean plates. Three different tectonic regimes were distinguished for the Oriente transform wrench corridor (OTWC): compression from late Eocene–Oligocene, transtension from late Oligocene to Miocene (?) (D₁), and transpression from Pliocene to Present (D₂–D₄), when this fault became a transform system. Furthermore, present-day structures vary along strike of the Oriente transform wrench corridor (OTWC) on the south-eastern Cuban coast, with dominantly transpressional/compressional and strike-slip structures in the east and transtension in the west. The focal mechanisms of historical earthquakes are in agreement with the dominant ENE–WSW transpressional structures found on land.     

Architecture and geodynamic evolution of the St Ives Goldfield,eastern Yilgarn Craton,Western Australia

A new structural evolution consisting of both extensional and contractional events has been defined for the St Ives Goldfield in the south-central Kalgoorlie Terrane of the eastern Yilgarn Craton in Western Australia. These events shaped the development of the fault architecture, which controlled the location of the regional anticlines, the magmatic centres, and the deposition of the Archaean greenstone successions. The fundamental grain of the St Ives Goldfield is north-northwest-trending. This trend is marked by faults which developed during D₁ extension, which was oriented east-northeast–west-southwest. Across these faults we map major stratigraphic changes in the thickness and composition of units, especially of the previously undivided Black Flag Group volcaniclastic rocks. The centre of the St Ives Goldfield is dominated by the Kambalda Anticline. This north-northwest-trending regional fold was likely established early during the D₁ extensional history, and was fully established during subsequent east-northeast-oriented D₂ contraction. The regional anticline is an important architectural element because (1) magmatism and gold mineralising fluids were focussed into this domed region, and (2) deformation was partitioned across the limbs and crest of this structure. The D₃ event involved regional uplift and extension, resulting in the formation of late basins (Merougil Conglomerate locally) and the emplacement of granitoids sourced from a metasomatised mantle wedge (Mafic-type porphyries). The most significant gold event in terms of endowment occurred during D_4b sinistral strike-slip shearing and associated thrusting (e.g., Tramways and Republican thrusts). These thrusts were previously interpreted as the first contractional structures to deform the area (‘D₁’), but are here reinterpreted as relatively late (D_4b). In this D_4b event, the north-northwest-trending faults underwent sinistral strike-slip shearing and were linked across the Kambalda Anticline by accommodation structures represented by generally east- to east-northeast-trending thrusts. Reactivation of D₁ transfer structures may have influenced the location of these later accommodation structures. Late-stage mineralisation during D₅ was the result of dextral strike-slip brittle shearing.     

Systematic changes in orientation of linear mylonitic fabrics: An example of strain partitioning during transpressional deformation in north Golpaygan,Sanandaj–Sirjan zone,Iran

Kilometer-scale, shallowly dipping, NW-striking top-to-the NE reverse and dextral strike-slip shear zones occur in metamorphic rocks of north Golpaygan. These metamorphic rocks are exposed at the NE margin of the central part of the Sanandaj–Sirjan zone in the hinterland of the Zagros orogen. NW-striking top-to-the NE normal shear zones were also found in a small part of the study area. Structural evidence of three deformation stages were found. Pre-mylonitization metamorphic mineral growth happened during D₁. The main mylonitization event was during the D₂ deformational event, following coaxial refolding, synchronous to retrograde metamorphism of amphibolite to greenschist facies in the Late Cretaceous–Paleocene, and before D₃ folding and related mylonitization. We documented the systematic changes in the orientations of D₂ linear fabrics especially stretching lineations and superimposition relations of structures. It is concluded that the dextral strike-slip and dip-slip shear zones were coeval kinematic domains of partitioned dextral transpression. The shallowly dipping reverse and strike-slip shear zones are compatible with partitioning in a very inclined transpressional model. Fabric relations reflect that the top-to-the NE normal shear zones were not produced during deformation partitioning of inclined dextral transpression. The Late Cretaceous–Paleocene strain partitioning was followed by later N–S shortening and NE-extension in the north Golpaygan area.     

Structural analyses of the crystalline rocks between Dirang and Tawang,West Kameng district,Arunachal Himalaya

In Kameng Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, the crystalline rocks of Se La Group of Higher Himalaya are thrust over the Lesser Himalayan rocks of Dirang Formation, Bomdila Group along the Main Central Thrust and exhibit well preserved structures on macro- to microscopic scales. Detailed analysis of structures reveals that the rocks of the area have suffered four phases of deformation D₁, D₂, D₃ and D₄. These structures have been grouped into (i) early structures (ii) structures related to progressive ductile thrusting and (iii) late structures. The early structures which developed before thrusting formed during D₁ and D₂ phases of deformation, synchronous to F₁ and F₂ phases of folding respectively. The structures related to progressive ductile shearing developed during D₃ phase of deformation, when the emplacement of the crystalline rocks took place over the rocks of Dirang Formation along the Main Central Thrust. Different asymmetric structures/kinematic indicators developed during this ductile/brittle-ductile regime suggest top-to-SSW sense of movement of the crystalline rocks of the area. D₄ is attributed to brittle deformation. Based on satellite data two new thrusts, i.e. Tawang and Se La thrusts have been identified parallel to Main Central Thrust, which are suggestive of imbricate thrusting. Strain analysis from the quartz grains of the gneissic rocks reveals constriction type of strain ellipsoid where k value is higher near the MCT, gradually decreases towards the north. Further, the dynamic analysis carried out on the mesoscopic ductile and brittle-ductile shear zones suggest a NNE-SSW horizontal compression corresponding to the direction of northward movement of Indian Plate.     

Ar/Ar geochronology of gold mineralization in Brasiliano strike-slip shear zones in the Borborema province, NE Brazil

⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar geochronology of muscovite and biotite grains genetically related to gold and Be–Ta–Li pegmatites from the Seridó Belt (Borborema province, NE Brazil) yield well-defined, reliable plateau ages. This information, combined with data about paragenetic and field relationships, reveals Cambro-Ordovician mineralization ages (520 and 500–506 Ma) for the orogenic gold deposits in the Seridó Belt. Biotite ages of 525±2 Ma, which represent the mean weighted results of the incremental heating analysis of six biotite single crystals, record the time of pegmatite emplacement and reactivation of Brasiliano/Pan-African strike-slip shear zones. These results, along with previous structural evolution studies, suggest that shear zones formed during the Brasiliano/Pan-African event were reactivated in the Upper Cambrian–Lower Ordovician. Mineralization occurs late in the history of the orogen.     

世界伟晶岩型锂矿床地质研究进展

稀有金属伟晶岩主要分为LCT (Li-Cs-Ta)型和NYF (Nb-Y-F)型,其中LCT型伟晶岩是全球重要锂矿来源。本文分析了全球伟晶岩型锂矿床的地质勘查和研究成果,简要介绍了各大陆代表性伟晶岩型锂矿床,发现锂矿空间分布不均匀,成矿时间具有多期性和阶段性,成矿事件主要发生在汇聚造山作用的晚期,伴随超大陆汇聚事件。LCT型伟晶岩富含挥发分,与后碰撞S型花岗岩密切相关,多产于中高级变质岩区,就位深度较大,多沿断裂构造贯入。     

Structural,petrological and chemical analysis of syn‐kinematic migmatites: insights from the Western Gneiss Region,Norway

Evidence of melting is presented from the Western Gneiss Region (WGR) in the core of the Caledonian orogen, Western Norway and the dynamic significance of melting for the evolution of orogens is evaluated. Multiphase inclusions in garnet that comprise plagioclase, potassic feldspar and biotite are interpreted to be formed from melt trapped during garnet growth in the eclogite facies. The multiphase inclusions are associated with rocks that preserve macroscopic evidence of melting, such as segregations in mafic rocks, leucosomes and pegmatites hosted in mafic rocks and in gneisses. Based on field studies, these lithologies are found in three structural positions: (i) as zoned segregations found in high‐P (ultra)mafic bodies; (ii) as leucosomes along amphibolite facies foliation and in a variety of discordant structures in gneiss; and (iii) as undeformed pegmatites cutting the main Caledonian structures. Segregations post‐date the eclogite facies foliation and pre‐date the amphibolite facies deformation, whereas leucosomes are contemporaneous with the amphibolite facies deformation, and undeformed pegmatites are post‐kinematic and were formed at the end of the deformation history. The geochemistry of the segregations, leucosomes and pegmatites in the WGR defines two trends, which correlate with the mafic or felsic nature of the host rocks. The first trend with Ca‐poor compositions represents leucosome and pegmatite hosted in felsic gneiss, whereas the second group with K‐poor compositions corresponds to segregation hosted in (ultra)mafic rocks. These trends suggest partial melting of two separate sources: the felsic gneisses and also the included mafic eclogites. The REE patterns of the samples allow distinction between melt compositions, fractionated liquids and cumulates. Melting began at high pressure and affected most lithologies in the WGR before or during their retrogression in the amphibolite facies. During this stage, the presence of melt may have acted as a weakening mechanism that enabled decoupling of the exhuming crust around the peak pressure conditions triggering exhumation of the upward‐buoyant crust. Partial melting of both felsic and mafic sources at temperatures below 800 °C implies the presence of an H₂O‐rich fluid phase at great depth to facilitate H₂O‐present partial melting.     

Polyphase tectonics and late Variscan extension in Austria (Moldanubian Zone,Strudengau area)

New data suggest syn-convergent extrusion and polyphase tectonics followed by late Variscan extension in the Strudengau area of the southern Moldanubian zone in Austria. The tectonic history can be summarized as follows: (1) The oldest ductile event is observed in HT/LP metamorphic pelitic gneisses, which preserve E-dipping foliation planes (D₁-fabric) with NW–SE-trending lineations. (2) The overlying gneisses record HT/HP conditions with decompression-induced anatexis in the central part of the domain. These gneisses exhibit N–S trending, horizontal lineations along steep-dipping foliation planes (D₂-fabric) crosscutting the D₁-fabric of the pelitic gneisses. Along the margin, these rocks have been strongly mylonitized under amphibolite facies conditions (D₂). D₂ is interpreted as a significant vertical shear zone, which juxtaposes the HT/LP rocks against the orogenic lower crust. (3) Lastly, the whole area is overprinted by localized shear zones (D₃-fabric) with top-to-the-NW kinematics. This newly discovered Strudengau shearing event is associated with isoclinal folding that possesses axial planes parallel to the mylonitic foliation and fold axes parallel to the stretching lineations. Initial mylonitization occurred under greenschist facies, representing the latest ductile event of the Strudengau area. The new geochronological data presented here indicate a narrow time frame (c. 323–318 Ma) for the D₃ deformation. Therefore, this event is contemporaneous with the intrusion of the granites of the South Bohemian Batholith (330–310 Ma). The nearby South Bohemian Batholith and generally steep dyke swarms in the Strudengau area and to the north trend in a NE–SW preferred orientation, interpreted to be D₃-synkinematic magmatism. In a regional context, the NW–SE stretching during D₃ together with the synkinematic intrusion of dykes is associated with late orogenic extension in the Austrian Moldanubian Zone. Kinematic data of brittle normal faults and tension gashes are consistent with NW–SE-oriented extension under cooler conditions.     

Superposed deformation and inherited structures in an ancient dilational step-over zone: Post-mortem of the Rengali Province,India

In the eastern Indian shield, a dextral strike-slip system juxtaposed the Archaean Singhbhum Province against the Proterozoic Eastern Ghats Belt at ∼490–470 Ma. Two WNW–ESE trending strands of the strike-slip system enclose a multiply deformed (D₁ to D₃) intervening domain called the Rengali Province, with D₃ representing dextral shearing. In a granulite lens within the province, an early fabric (S_gr) was deformed by an amphibolite facies D₁–D₂ deformation continuum in the late Archaean time, forming cylindrical folds. In the surrounding quartzofeldspathic gneisses, quartzites and mica schists of the province, superimposition of syn-D₃ shortening on D₁-D₂ folds generated complex non-cylindrical geometries; the granulites escaped D₃ strain. Microstructures in the province-bounding shear zones confirm that D₃ deformation was associated with mylonitization, dynamic recrystallization and greenschist facies metamorphism. In the quartzites, syn-D₃ folds can be correlated with rotation of D₁–D₂ structures through the shortening zone of bounding dextral shears. Since the province-bounding shears form a step-over zone, the structural complexity within the Rengali Province arises from superposition of syn-D₃ shortening structures on initially asympathetically oriented inherited cylindrical D₁-D₂ folds. Hydrous fluid channeling causing greenschist facies metamorphism and quartz vein emplacement accompanied D₃ as the step-over zone was dilational in nature.     

Structural framework for the emplacement of the Bolangir anorthosite massif in the Eastern Ghats Granulite Belt, India: implications for post-Rodinia pre-Gondwana tectonics

Massif type anorthosites at Bolangir, eastern India are emplaced at the vicinity of the proto-Indian craton—Eastern Ghats Granulite belt contact. Micro- and meso-structural evidences indicate that the emplacement of the anorthosite pluton and the adjoining granitoids was syn-tectonic with respect to the D₃ deformation phase (950–1,000 Ma) in the host gneiss. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility confirms that magnetic fabrics within anorthosite were dominantly developed during D₃ deformation. Emplacement of felsic melts in the N-S trending dilatant shear zones in the granitoids, Fe-Ti-Zr-REE rich melt bands along N-S trending shear zones and localized N-S magnetic foliation in anorthosite near the Fe-Ti-Zr-REE rich melt bands indicate change in the stress field from NNW-SSE (D₃) to E-W (D₄). Available geochronological and paleogeographic data coupled with the structural analyses of the intrusive and the host gneiss indicate that the emplacement of massif type anorthosite in the EGP is not related to the accretion of Eastern Ghats Granulite Belt over proto-Indian continent during late Neoproterozoic.     

Structures,kinematic analysis,rheological parameters and temperature-pressure estimate of the Mesozoic Xingcheng-Taili ductile shear zone in the North China Craton

The NE to ENE trending Mesozoic Xingcheng-Taili ductile shear zone of the northeastern North China Craton was shaped by three phases of deformation. Deformation phase D₁ is characterized by a steep, generally E–W striking gneissosity. It was then overprinted by deformation phase D₂ with NE-sinistral shear with K-feldspar porphyroclasts forming a subhorizontal low-angle stretching lineation on a steep foliation. During deformation phase D₃, lateral motion accommodated by ENE sinistral strike-slip shear zones dominated. Associated fabrics developed at upper greenschist metamorphic facies conditions and show the deformation characteristics of middle- to shallow crustal levels. In some parts, the older structures have been in turn overprinted by late-stage sinistral D₃ shearing. Finite strain and kinematic vorticity in all deformed granitic rocks indicate a prolate ellipsoid (L-S tectonites) near plane strain. Simple shear-dominated general shear during D₃ deformation is probably of general significance. The quartz c-axis textures indicate prism-gliding with a dominant rhomb <a> slip and basal <a> slip system formed mainly at low-middle temperatures. Mineral deformation behavior, quartz c-axis textures, quartz grain size and the Kruhl thermometer demonstrate that the ductile shear zone developed under greenschist facies metamorphic conditions at deformation temperatures ranging from 400 to 500 °C. Dislocation creep is the main deformation mechanism at a shallow crustal level. Fractal analysis showed that the boundaries of recrystallized quartz grains had statistically self-similarities. Differential stresses deduced from dynamically recrystallized quartz grain size are at around 20–39 MPa, and strain rates in the order of 10⁻¹² to 10⁻¹⁴ s⁻¹. This indicates deformation of granitic rocks in the Xingcheng-Taili ductile shear zone at low strain rates, which is consistent with most other ductile shear zones. Hornblende-plagioclase thermometer and white mica barometer indicate metamorphic conditions of medium pressures at around ca. 3–5 kbar and temperatures of 400–500 °C within greenschist facies conditions. The main D₃ deformation of the ENE-trending sinistral strike-slip ductile shearing is related to the roll-back of the subducting Pacific plate beneath the North China Craton.     

Palaeozoic tectonics of the south-western Chinese Tianshan: new insights from a structural study of the high-pressure/low-temperature metamorphic belt

The south-western Chinese Tianshan orogenic belt is famous for its omphacite-bearing blueschists and associated eclogite-facies metavolcanic rocks. Although numerous petrologic, geochemical and geochronological studies are available, structural data and interpretations are still rare. This paper provides new structural data, including bulk geometry of structures and kinematic analyses, based on field and laboratory studies along the Akyazhi, Keburt and Muzaert Rivers. The study area is divided into three tectonic units, namely (1) a Southern Unit composed of weakly metamorphosed sedimentary rocks of Silurian age; (2) a Central HP/LT Unit composed of blueschist-eclogite-facies metamorphic rocks derived from basalts, pelites and volcaniclastic rocks; (3) a Northern Unit, which consists of a Carboniferous magmatic arc developed upon an amphibolite-facies metamorphic continental basement. Our structural analysis documents a polyphase deformation. The main event (D₁) is reflected by Devonian to Carboniferous top-to-the northwest ductile shearing, coeval with HP/LT metamorphism. This is followed by north-directed thrusting (D₂) of the Southern Unit over the Central HP/LT Unit, coeval with retrogression of the high-pressure rocks. A top-to-the-S (SE) deformation (D₃) overprints the earliest events and is observed in the Northern and Central Units. Lastly, Permian dextral ductile-brittle wrenching (D₄) overprints the older flat-lying fabrics. D₄ is conspicuous along the Nalati Fault that separates the Northern Unit from the Central HP/LT Unit. The absolute timing of these deformation events is discussed in the light of available radiometric dating. The structural, metamorphic and geochronological data are integrated into a geodynamic model of the south-western Chinese Tianshan that emphasizes south-directed subduction of microcontinents located between Tarim and Junggar.     

Granitoid emplacement by multiple sheeting during Variscan dextral transpression: The Saint-Laurent – La Jonquera pluton (Eastern Pyrenees)

The structural study of the Saint-Laurent – La Jonquera pluton (Eastern Pyrenees), a Variscan composite laccolithic intrusion emplaced in metasedimentary and gneissic rocks of the Roc de Frausa dome, by means of the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) technique has allowed the determination of the nature and orientation of its magmatic fabrics. The magmatic foliation has a predominant NE–SW strike and the mean lineation is also NE–SW trending with a shallow plunge. A strain gradient is measured so that the tonalites to granodiorites that form the basal parts of the pluton, and are intruded into amphibolite-facies metamorphic rocks, recorded the highest anisotropies, whereas the monzogranites and leucogranites, emplaced into upper crustal, low-grade metamorphic rocks, are weakly deformed. These results point to the synkinematic sequential emplacement of multiple granitoid sheets, from less to more differentiated magmatic stages, during the Late Carboniferous D₂ event characterized by an E–W-trending dextral transpression. The magmatic foliation appears locally disturbed by the effects of two tectonic events. The first of them (D₃) produced mylonitization of granitoids along NW–SE retrograding shear zones and open folds in the host Ediacaran metasediments of the Roc de Frausa massif, likely during late Variscan times. Interference between D₂ and D₃ structures was responsible for the dome geometry of the whole Roc de Frausa massif. The second and last perturbation consisted of local southward tilting of the granitoids coupled to the Mesozoic–Cenozoic cover during the Alpine.     

Tectonic imprints within a granite exposed near Srinagar,Rajasthan, India

Partial melting in the middle to lower crustal level produces melts of granitic composition during orogeny. Thrusts play a vital role in their exhumation after consolidation of these granitic melts. In this paper we focus on one such granite along the eastern margin of the Delhi Fold Belt (DFB) rocks near Srinagar, Rajasthan, India. This is the first report of granite within the area and holds a key stratigraphic position in the entire rock package. The said granite is found to be intrusive to the DFB metasediments as well as their basement popularly known as the Banded Gneissic Complex (BGC). We disentangle the deformation fabrics seen within the granite and associated DFB metasediments, suggesting that subsequent to emplacement and consolidation, the granite has co-folded along with the country rocks. Three deformational events could be identified within the DFB metasediments namely, D_1D, D_2D and D_3D. The peak metamorphism was achieved in the D_1D event. The granite magma is generated and emplaced late syn-kinematic to D_1D and thereafter is deformed by D_2D and D_3D producing D_1G and D_2G structural fabrics. These compressive deformations resulted in the collapse of the basin; the combined package of DFB rocks and the granite was thrusted eastwards over the basement rocks. The tectonic transport direction during thrusting is suggested eastwards from our structural analysis. Transverse faults developed perpendicular to the length of the granite have led to partitioning of the strain thereby showing a heterogeneity in the development of fabric within it.     

Geochronology and geological evolution of metamorphic rocks in the Field Islands area, East Antarctica

Detailed geochronological, structural and petrological studies reveal that the geological evolution of the Field Islands area, East Antarctica, was substantially similar to that of the adjacent Archaean Napier Complex, though with notable differences in late and post Archaean times. These differences reflect the area's proximity to the Proterozoic Rayner Complex and consequent vulnerability to tectonic process involved in the formation of the latter. Distinctive structural features of the Field Islands are (1) consistent development of a discordant, pervasive S₃ axial-plane foliation; (2) re-orientation of S₃ axial planes to approximate to the subsequent E-W tectonic trend of the nearby Rayner Complex; (3) selective retrogression by a post-D₃ static thermal overprint; and (4) relatively common development of retrogressive, E-W-trending, mylonitic shear zones. Peak metamorphic conditions in excess of 800°C at 900 ± 100 M Pa (9 kbar) were attained at one locality following, but probably close to the time of D₂ folding. D₃ took place in late Archaean times when metamorphic temperatures were about 650°C and pressures were about 600 MPa (6 kbar). Later, temperatures of 600 ± 50°C and pressures of 700 MPa (7kbar) were attained in an amphibolite-facies event, presumably associated with the widespread granulite to amphibolite-facies metamorphism and intense deformation involved in the formation of the Rayner Complex at about 1100 Ma. The area was subsequently subjected to near-isothermal uplift. Rb-Sr isotopic data indicate that the pervasive D₃ fabric developed at about 2400–2500 Ma, and this age can be further refined to 2456⁺⁸_-5 Ma by concordant zircon analyses from a syn-D₃ pegmatite. All zircons were affected by only minor (<7–10%) Pb loss and/or new zircon growth during the Rayner event at about 1100Ma. Thus the 450–850 μg/gU concentrations of these zircons were too low to cause sufficient lattice damage over the 1350 Ma (from 2450 Ma) for excessive Pb to be lost during the 1100 Ma event. The emplacement of pegmatite at 522 ± 10 Ma substantially changed the Rb-Sr systematics of the only analysed rock that developed a penetrative fabric during the 1100 Ma event. Monazite in this pegmatite contains an inherited Pb component, which probably resides in small opaque inclusions. A good correlation is found between Rb-Sr total-rock ages and rock fabric. U-Pb zircon intercepts with concordia also mostly correspond to known events. However, in one example a near perfect alignment of zircon analyses, probably developed by mixing of unrelated components, produced concordia intercepts that appear to have no direct geochronological significance.     

Wrench structural deformation in Ras Al Hilal-Al Athrun area, NE Libya: a new contribution in Northern Al Jabal Al Akhdar Belt

Al Jabal Al Akhdar is a NE/SW- to ENE/WSW-trending mobile part in Northern Cyrenaica province and is considered a large sedimentary belt in northeast Libya. Ras Al Hilal-Al Athrun area is situated in the northern part of this belt and is covered by Upper Cretaceous–Tertiary sedimentary successions with small outcrops of Quaternary deposits. Unmappable and very restricted thin layers of Palaeocene rocks are also encountered, but still under debate whether they are formed in situ or represent allochthonous remnants of Palaeocene age. The Upper Cretaceous rocks form low-lying to unmappable exposures and occupy the core of a major WSW-plunging anticline. To the west, south, and southeast, they are flanked by high-relief Eocene, Oligocene, and Lower Miocene rocks. Detailed structural analyses indicated structural inversion during Late Cretaceous–Miocene times in response to a right lateral compressional shear. The structural pattern is themed by the development of an E–W major shear zone that confines inside a system of wrench tectonics proceeded elsewhere by transpression. The deformation within this system revealed three phases of consistent ductile and brittle structures (D₁, D₂, and D₃) conformable with three main tectonic stages during Late Cretaceous, Eocene, and Oligocene–Early Miocene times. Quaternary deposits, however, showed at a local scale some of brittle structures accommodated with such deformation and thus reflect the continuity of wrenching post-the Miocene. D₁ deformation is manifested, in Late Cretaceous, via pure wrenching to convergent wrenching and formation of common E- to ENE-plunging folds. These folds are minor, tight, overturned, upright, and recumbent. They are accompanied with WNW–ESE to E–W dextral and N–S sinistral strike-slip faults, reverse to thrust faults and pop-up or flower structures. D₂ deformation initiated at the end of Lutetian (Middle Eocene) by wrenching and elsewhere transpression then enhanced by the development of minor ENE–WSW to E–W asymmetric, close, and, rarely, recumbent folds as well as rejuvenation of the Late Cretaceous strike-slip faults and formation of minor NNW–SSE normal faults. At the end of Eocene, D₂ led to localization of the movement within E–W major shear zone, formation of the early stage of the WSW-plunging Ras Al Hilal major anticline, preservation of the contemporaneity (at a major scale) between the synthetic WNW–ESE to E–W and ENE–WSW strike-slip faults and antithetic N–S strike-slip faults, and continuity of the NW–SE normal faults. D₃ deformation is continued, during the Oligocene-Early Miocene, with the appearance of a spectacular feature of the major anticline and reactivation along the E–W shear zone and the preexisting faults. Estimating stress directions assumed an acted principal horizontal stress from the NNW (N33°W) direction.     

Structural succession in a late palaeozoic slate belt and its tectonic significance

Five deformational “episodes” (D₁-D₅) during which folds and associated cleavages formed, and a later period of faulting dominated by strike-slip movements, comprise the structural sequence in the Nambucca slate belt. D₁ structures are most widespread and involved greatest strain; D₂-D₄ structures have affected progressively smaller areas and indicate progressively smaller strains. Strong compressive stresses during D₁ produced horizontal shortening and vertical extension, and the D₂-D₄ structures result from adjustments to this initial strain. Regional metamorphism accompanied D₁, and D₁ strain is greatest in the more highly metamorphosed rocks. Some granitic bodies were probably emplaced at this time, but most plutons rose only after folding had ceased. Orogenesis, as indicated by folding and regional metamorphism lasted less than 10 m.y., but faulting continued for at least another 30 m.y.The slate belt accumulated close to a consuming plate margin, but deformation commenced only after subduction ceased, with compressive stresses generated by coupling across the former plate boundary. The development of a wrench regime during D₅, and its continued existence during a long period of faulting, suggests either that the consuming plate boundary was replaced by a transform fault, or that subduction stepped oceanward and underthrusting was obliquely directed.     

Structural evolution of the Irtysh Shear Zone (northwestern China) and implications for the amalgamation of arc systems in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

The NW–SE Irtysh Shear Zone is a major tectonic boundary in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), which supposedly records the amalgamation history between the peri-Siberian orogenic system and the Kazakhstan/south Mongolia orogenic system. However, the tectonic evolution of the Irtysh Shear Zone is not fully understood. Here we present new structural and geochronological data, which together with other constraints on the timing of deformation suggests that the Irtysh Shear Zone was subjected to three phases of deformation in the late Paleozoic. D₁ is locally recognized as folded foliations in low strain areas and as an internal fabric within garnet porphyroblasts. D₂ is represented by a shallowly dipping fabric and related ∼ NW–SE stretching lineations oriented sub-parallel to the strike of the orogen. D₂ foliations are folded by ∼ NW–SE folds (F₃) that are bounded by a series of mylonite zones with evidence for sinistral/reverse kinematics. These fold and shear structures are kinematically compatible, and thus interpreted to result from a transpressional deformation phase (D₃). Two samples of mica schists yielded youngest detrital zircon peaks at ∼322 Ma, placing a maximum constraint on the timing of D₁–D₃ deformation. A ∼ NE–SW granitic dyke swarm (∼252 Ma) crosscuts D₃ fold structures and mylonitic fabrics in the central part of the shear zone, but is displaced by a mylonite zone that represents the southern boundary of the Irtysh Shear Zone. This observation indicates that the major phase of D₃ transpressional deformation took place prior to ∼252 Ma, although later phases of reactivation in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic are likely. The late Paleozoic deformation (D₁–D₃ at ∼322–252 Ma) overlaps in time with the collision between the Chinese Altai and the intra-oceanic arc system of the East Junggar. We therefore interpret that three episodes of late Paleozoic deformation represent orogenic thickening (D₁), collapse (D₂), and transpressional deformation (D₃) during the convergence between the Chinese Altai and the East Junggar. On a larger scale, late Paleozoic sinistral shearing (D₃), together with dextral shearing farther south, accommodated the eastward migration of internal segments of the western CAOB, possibly associated with the amalgamation of multiple arc systems and continental blocks during the late Paleozoic.     

Tectonic analysis of progressive secondary deformation in the hinge of a major Caledonian fold nappe,north-western Ireland

Polyphase deformation chronologies established within the mid-crustal portions of orogenic belts have classically been attributed to regional-scale ‘events’ which generate distinct structural sequences that can be directly correlated across large tracts of the orogenic belt. However, concepts of progressive deformation in which minor structures may be continually generated, amplified and redeformed within a unifying kinematic framework suggest that regional correlation of minor structures is both misguided and misleading. Detailed structural analysis of lower amphibolite facies Dalradian metasediments in north-west Ireland does, however, demonstrate that a coherent and meaningful deformation chronology can be established within the framework of individual fold nappes. Protracted deformation has resulted in the generation of a series of overprinting, secondary structures (D₄–D₉), which are kinematically linked to the continued structural evolution and south-east directed translation of the crustal-scale (D₃) Ballybofey (fold) Nappe. Secondary (D₄) crenulation axes initiated at an oblique angle to the direction of nappe transport both rotate and amplify into larger scale folds, which are subparallel to transport and demonstrate successive stages of diachronous folding. Continued nappe-related deformation induces southwards verging contractional (D₅) folds, which are particularly well developed and focused into reactivated ductile (D₃) thrust zones generated during the initial stages of nappe translation. Subsequent to thickening-induced ductile extension and collapse of the nappe, a return to contractional tectonics is marked by major episodes of broad, open buckle folding developed orthogonal to both the overturned limb (D₇) and upper limb (D₈) of the nappe. Detailed structural analysis and investigation of secondary folds and overprinting fabrics provides a valuable insight into the protracted kinematic evolution of major fold nappes.