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.     

Strain distribution within a km-scale,mid-crustal shear zone: The Kuckaus Mylonite Zone,Namibia

The subvertical Kuckaus Mylonite Zone (KMZ) is a km-wide, crustal-scale, Proterozoic, dextral strike-slip shear zone in the Aus granulite terrain, SW Namibia. The KMZ was active under retrograde, amphibolite to greenschist facies conditions, and deformed felsic (and minor mafic) gneisses which had previously experienced granulite facies metamorphism during the Namaqua Orogeny. Lenses of pre- to syn-tectonic leucogranite bodies are also deformed in the shear zone. Pre-KMZ deformation (D₁) is preserved as moderately dipping gneissic foliations and tightly folded migmatitic layering. Shear strain within the KMZ is heterogeneous, and the shear zone comprises anastomosing high strain ultramylonite zones wrapping around less deformed to nearly undeformed lozenges. Strain is localized along the edge of leucogranites and between gneissic lozenges preserving D₁ migmatitic foliations. Strain localization appears controlled by pre-existing foliations, grain size, and compositional anisotropy between leucogranite and granulite. The local presence of retrograde minerals indicate that fluid infiltration occurred in places, but most ultramylonite in the KMZ is free of retrograde minerals. In particular, rock composition and D₁ fabric heterogeneity are highlighted as major contributors to the strain distribution in time and space, with deformation localization along planes of rheological contrast and along pre-existing foliations. Therefore, the spatial distribution of strain in crustal-scale ductile shear zones may be highly dependent on lithology and the orientation of pre-existing fabric elements. In addition, foliation development and grain size reduction in high strain zones further localizes strain during progressive shear, maintaining the anastomosing shear zone network established by the pre-existing heterogeneity.     

Evolution of the Mount Woods Inlier, northern Gawler Craton, Southern Australia: an integrated structural and aeromagnetic analysis

Structural mapping integrated with interpretation and forward modelling of aeromagnetic data form complimentary and powerful tools for regional structural analysis because both techniques focus on architecture and overprinting relationships. This approach is used to constrain the geometry and evolution of the sparsely exposed Mount Woods Inlier in the northern Gawler Craton. The Mount Woods Inlier records a history of poly-phase deformation, high-temperature metamorphism, and syn- and post-orogenic magmatism between ca. 1736 and 1584 Ma. The earliest deformation involved isoclinal folding, and the development of bedding parallel and axial planar gneissic foliation (S₁). This was accompanied by high-temperature, upper amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphism at ca. 1736 Ma. During subsequent north–south shortening (D₂), open to isoclinal south–southeast-oriented F₂ folds developed as the Palaeoproterozoic successions of the inlier were thrust over the Archaean nuclei of the Gawler Craton. The syn-D₂ Engenina Adamellite was emplaced at ca. 1692 Ma. The post-D₂ history involved shear zone development and localised folding, exhumation of metamorphic rocks, and deposition of clastic sediments prior to the emplacement of the ca. 1584 Ma Granite Balta Suite. The Mount Woods Inlier is interpreted as the northern continuation of the Kimban Orogen.     

Strain geometry,microstructure and metamorphism in the dextral transpressional Mubarak Shear Belt,Central Eastern Desert,Egypt

Mubarak shear belt provides an opportunity to investigate quantitative finite strain (Rs), proportions of pure shear and simple shear components, sense of shear indicators, subhorizontal to steeply plunging mineral lineations, in a dextral transpressional zone. The structural style of the Mubarak shear belt is consistent with dextral transpression within the Central Eastern Desert where dextral and reverse shear have developed simultaneously with the regional foliation. The high strain zone of the Mubarak shear belt is characterized by steeply dipping foliation with sub-horizontal stretching lineation (simple shear) surrounded by thrust imbrications with slightly plunging stretching lineations. Strain estimates from the Mubarak shear belt are used to determine how pure and simple shear components of deformation are partitioned. The axial ratios in XZ sections range from 1.16 to 2.33 with the maximum stretch, S _X , ranges from 1.06 to 1.48. The minimum stretch, S _Z , ranges from 0.65 to 0.92 indicating a moderate variation in vertical shortening. Volcaniclastic metasediments and metagabbros were subjected to prograde low-grade regional metamorphism in the range of greenschist to lower amphibolite facies (450–650°C at 2–4 kbar). Medium pressure (6–8 kbar at 530°C) was estimated from the high strain zone within the dextral strike-slip shear zones. Retrograde metamorphism occurred at a temperature range of 250–280°C. There is a trend towards decreasing the ratio of 100Mg/(Mg + Fe_tot + Mn) away from the high strain zone of the Mubarak shear belt. Integrated strain and temperature estimates indicate that the simple shear (non-coaxial) components of deformation played a significant role in formation and exhumation of the Mubarak shear belt during the accumulation of finite strain and consequently during progressive transpression and thrusting.     

Alkaline Magmatism Versus Collision Tectonics in the Eastern Ghats Belt, India: Constraints from Structural Studies in the Koraput Complex

Linear domains of deformed alkaline rocks and carbonatites have recently been identified as representing sites of ancient suture zones. In peninsular India, the western margin of the Proterozoic Eastern Ghats Belt (EGB) is characterized by a series of alkaline plutons that are aligned close to the contact with the Archaean Craton. Most of the complexes were deformed and metamorphosed during a subsequent orogenic event. Unlike other plutons in the belt, the alkaline complex at Koraput reportedly escaped deformation and granulite facies metamorphism forming an anomalous entity within the zone. Multiply-deformed country rocks hosting this complex underwent syn-D_1CR granulite facies metamorphism followed by D_2CR thrusting, with pervasive shearing along a NE-SW trending foliation. A second granulite facies event followed localized D_3CR shearing. Within the Koraput Complex, strain partitioning was responsible for preserving igneous textures in the gabbroic core, but aligned magmatic amphibole needles and plagioclase laths occasionally define a S_1AC fabric. Along the margins, S_1AC is rotated parallel to a NE-trending, east-dipping S_2AC fabric in the gabbro, fringing syenodiorite and nepheline syenite bands. Locally, D_3AC shearing follows D_2AC deformation; S_2AC and S_3AC parallel S_2CR and S_3CR in the country rocks. High-grade metamorphism represented by recrystallization of amphibole and plagioclase, and breakdown of amphibole and biotite to garnet, pyroxene and K-feldspar in the complex follows D_3AC. Unlike earlier reports, therefore, the Koraput body is also deformed and metamorphosed. The aligned alkaline complexes in the EGB probably represent deformed alkaline rocks and carbonatites formed by rifting related to an earlier episode of continental break-up that were deformed during subsequent juxtaposition of the EGB with the Archaean Craton. This supports the contention that the western margin of the EGB and its contact with the Archaean Craton is a suture zone related to the Indo-Antarctica collision event.     

Neoproterozoic arc sedimentation,metamorphism and collision: Evidence from the northern tip of the Arabian-Nubian Shield and implication for the terminal collision between East and West Gondwana

In the Wadi Um Had area, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt, NE-trending metapelitic and molasse-type successions are exposed. The metasediments bear the geochemical signature of a first depositional cycle in two distinct continental island arc settings that derived from incipiently-to moderately-weathered intermediate to felsic sources under generally warm and humid conditions. The metapelitic succession records three distinct episodes of metamorphism, M₁–M₃, whereas the molasse-type succession records only the last metamorphic episode, M₃. M₁/D₁ records an amphibolite facies tectono-metamorphic event that has been dated at 625 ± 5 Ma, whereas M₂/D₂ records a greenschist facies subduction-related event. Collision of the two domains during a NE–SW shortening D₃, culminated in formation of the macroscopic NW–SE-trending folds. D₂ and D₃ correlate with the gneiss-forming event, which is constrained at <609 Ma, and doming of the nearby Meatiq gneiss dome, respectively. M₃ is a hornblende hornfels facies thermal metamorphism related to the intrusion of the post-orogenic, Neoproterozoic (596.3 Ma) Um Had granite. This study records, for the first time, a tectono-metamorphic phase predating the gneiss-forming event in the Meatiq gneiss dome, and pushes the boundary of the Late Ediacaran terminal collision between East and West Gondwana to ≤600 Ma.     

Metamorphic and structural evolution of the Early Proterozoic Puolankajärvi Formation, Finland – I. Structural and textural relations

The amphibolite facies Puolankajärvi Formation (PjF) occupies the western margin of the Early Proterozoic Kainuu Schist Belt (KSB) of northern Finland. The lower and middle parts of the PjF consist of turbiditic psammites and pelites and tempestitic semipelites. This report concentrates on the pelitic lithologies which include quartz–two-mica–plagioclase schists with variable amounts of garnet, staurolite, andalusite and biotite porphyroblasts as well as sillimanite and cordierite segregations. The KSB forms a major north–south-trending synclinorium between two Archaean blocks. It contains both autochthonous and allochthonous units and is cut by faults and shear zones. The PjF lies on the western side of the KSB and is probably allochthonous. The formation has undergone six major deformation phases (D₁, D₂, D_3a, D_3b, D₄ and D₅). During D_3a-D₅ the maximum principal stress (σ₁) changed in a clockwise direction from south-west to north-east. Between D₂ and D₃ the intermediate principal stress (σ₂) changed from horizontal to vertical and the interval between D₂ and D₃ marks a transition from thrust to strike-slip tectonics. Relict structures in the porphyroblasts indicate the following mineral growth–deformation evolution in the PjF. (1) Throughout the PjF there was a successive crystallization of garnet (syn-D₁), poryphyroblastic biotite (inter-D_3/4) and staurolite (inter-D_3/4) during the pre-D₄ stage. (2) A syn-D₄-inter-D_4/5 crystallization of kyanite, sillimanite (fibrolite), porphyroblastic tourmaline, magnetite, rutile, cordierite and muscovite–biotite–plagioclase pseudomorphs after staurolite was most localized at and near D₄ shear zones. (3) A syn- to post-D₅ generation of andalusite, ilmenohematite and sheet silicates after staurolite and after cordierite occurred near D₅ faults. The evolution outlined here permits the relative dating of the PjF parageneses, which is used in the second part of the study (Tuisku & Laajoki, 1990), and, together with the knowledge of the pressure–temperature conditions during various growth events, makes it possible to compile pressure–temperature–deformation paths for the PjF.     

Field and textural relationship in pelitic schists and gneisses from the area around Mangpu, Darjeeling district, West Bengal

The metasedimentary rocks of the area around Mangpu constitute a portion of the hinge zone of the northern limb of the major synform of Lower Darjeeling Himalaya. The rocks display evidences of multiple deformation and at least three major phases of deformation have been recognized. The time relations between the phases of deformation (D₁, D₂, D₃) and metamorphic crystallization reveal a single major prograde metamorphic event that initiated with the D₁ deformation and finally outlasted it. The earlier phase of this metamorphism is essentially regional syn-tectonic lowgrade (greenschist facies) which may be designated (M₁, early). This was followed by regional static metamorphism (M₁, late) in the post-tectonic phase between D₁ and D₂ deformations (upper green schist and amphibolite facies). This M1 metamorphism is superposed by later retrogressive metamorphism (M₂) during the D₂ and D₃ deformations (lower greenschist facies). Within the study area four isograds have been delineated by the first appearance of index minerals in the pelitic schists and gneiss which display Barrovian type of metamorphism.     

Deformation history of the Paleoproterozoic Liaohe assemblage in the eastern block of the North China Craton

The Paleoproterozoic Liaohe assemblage and associated Liaoji granitoids represent the youngest basement in the Eastern Block of the North China Craton. Various structural elements and metamorphic reaction relations indicate that the Liaohe assemblage has experienced three distinct deformational events (D₁ to D₃) and four episodes of metamorphism (M₁ to M₄). The earliest greenschist facies event (M₁) is recognized in undeformed or weakly deformed domains wrapped by the S₁ schistosity, suggesting that M₁ occurred before D₁. The D₁ deformation produced small, mostly meter-scale, isoclinal and recumbent folds (F₁), an associated penetrative axial planar schistosity (S₁), a mineral stretching lineation (L₁) and regional-scale ductile shear zones. Concurrent with D₁ was M₂ metamorphism, which occurred before D₂ and produced low- to medium-pressure amphibolite facies assemblages. Regionally divergent motion senses reflected by the asymmetric F₁ folds and other sense-of-shear indicators, together with the radial distribution of the L₁ lineation surrounding the Liaoji granitoids, imply that D₁ represents an extensional event. The D₂ deformation produced open to tight F₂ folds of varying scales, S₂ axial crenulation cleavages and ENE-NE-striking thrust faults, involving broadly NW–SE compression. Following D₂ was M₃ metamorphism that led to the formation of sillimanite and cordierite in low-pressure type rocks and kyanite in medium-pressure rocks. The last deformational event (D₃) formed NW-WNW-trending folds (F₃), axial planar kink bands, spaced cleavages (S₃), and strike–slip and thrust faults, which deflect the earlier D₁ and D₂ structures. D₃ occurred at a shallow crustal level and was associated with, or followed by, a greenschist facies retrograde metamorphic event (M₄).The Liaohe assemblage and associated Liaoji granitoids are considered to have formed in a Paleoproterozoic rift, the late spreading of which led to the occurrence of the early extensional deformation (D₁) and the M₁ and M₂ metamorphism, and the final closing of which was associated with the D₂ and D₃ phases of deformation and M₃ and M₄ metamorphism.     

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.     

Tectonic Imprints of the Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis on the Mesozoic Rocks Exposed in Munda,Mohmand Agency,Northwest Pakistan

Two well-developed mesoscopic folds, D_2 and D_3, which postdate the middle amphibolite metamorphism, were recognized in the western hinterland zone of Pakistan. NW–SE trending D_2 folds developed during NE–SW horizontal bulk shortening followed by NE–SW trending D_3 folds, which developed during SE–NW shortening. Micro- to mesoscopically the NW–SE trending S2 crenulation cleavage, boudins and mineral stretching lineations are overprinted by D_3. The newly established NW–SE trending micro- to mesoscopic structures in Munda termed D_2, which postdated F_1/F_2, is synchronously developed with F3 structures in the western hinterland zone of Pakistan. We interpret that D_2 and D_3 folds are counterclockwise rotated in the tectonic event that has evolved the Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis after the main phase Indian plate and Kohistan Island Arc collision. Chlorite replacement by biotite in the main matrix crenulation cleavages indicates prograde metamorphism related with D_2. The inclusion of muscovite and biotite in garnet porphyroblasts and the presence of staurolite in these rocks indicate that the Barrovian metamorphic conditions predate D_2 and D_3. We interpret that garnet, staurolite and calcite porphyroblasts grew before D_2 because the well developed S2 crenulation cleavage wraps around these porphyroblasts.     

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.     

Evidence of late oligocene/early miocene backthrusting in the central alpine “root zone”

Abstract

Two groups of stretching lineations can be distinguished in the Central Alpine " root zone " between Ticino and Mera :

1) Steeply plunging lineations formed during retrograde metamor-Phism under amphibolite/greenschist facies conditions indicate an uplift movement of the Central Alps. The lineations can be related to an important back-thrusting event of late Oligocene/early Miocene age.

2) Gently plunging lineations formed under lower greenschist facies conditions display a pattern typical of a dextral strike-slip system. These lineations are of early Miocene age.

This cpmbined movement, achieved by ductile deformation along the lnsubric line was followed by a stage of brittle deformation in a dextral strike-slip system (= Tonale line).

The signification of this interpretation is shown in a new crustal cross section through the Central Alpine/Southern Alpine border zone in the Iicino area.     

Polystage deformation of the Gaoligong metamorphic zone: Structures, 40Ar/39Ar mica ages,and tectonic implications

The Gaoligong metamorphic zone is located southeast of the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis in western Yunnan, China. The zone is characterized by four stages of deformation (D1–D4). D1 structures record early compressive deformation during the Indosinian orogeny, which formed tight to isoclinal F1 folds of bedding with a penetrative S1 foliation developed parallel to fold axial planes. Mid-crustal horizontal shearing during D2 resulted in overprinting of D1 structures. D1 and D2 structures are associated with granulite facies metamorphism. D3 doming resulted in late crustal thickening and the development of a regional NW–SE trending F3 antiform. Synchronous with or slightly subsequent to D3 deformation, the zone experienced D4 ductile strike-slip shearing, resulting in its exhumation to shallow crustal levels and retrograde metamorphism. Granitic D4 mylonites predominantly yield ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar mica ages of 15–16 Ma, indicating that D4 dextral strike-slip shearing occurred in the Miocene. Weakly deformed leucogranite and protomylonite yield ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages of 10–11 Ma, suggesting that ductile strike-slip shearing continued to the Late Miocene. The new ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar data indicate that escape-related deformation along the Gaoligong strike-slip shear zone occurred in the Miocene. In association with recent geophysical studies, and on the basis of the structural, crystal preferred orientation (CPO), and geochronological data presented in this paper, we suggest that the Gaoligong metamorphic zone formed in response to intracontinental transpression in the southeast of Tibet, characterized as intense deformation and metamorphism at middle–upper crustal levels.     

Syn-kinematic emplacement of the Pangong metamorphic and magmatic complex along the Karakorum Fault (N Ladakh)

This paper investigates the age, P–T conditions and kinematics of Karakorum Fault (KF) zone rocks in the NW part of the Himalaya–Karakorum belt. Granulite to greenschist facies assemblages were developed within the KF zone during strike-slip shearing. The granulites were formed at high temperature (800 °C, 5.5 kbar), were subsequently retromorphosed into the amphibolite facies (700–750 °C, 4–5 kbar) and the greenschist facies (350–400 °C, 3–4 kbar). The Tangtse granite emplaced syn-kinematically at the contact between a LT and the HT granulite facies. Intrusion occurred during the juxtaposition of the two units under amphibolite conditions. Microstructures observed within the Tangtse granite exhibit a syn-magmatic dextral S–C fabric. Compiled U–Pb and Ar–Ar data show that in the central KF segment, granulite facies metamorphism occurred at a minimum age of 32 Ma, subsequent amphibolite facies metamorphism at 20–18 Ma. Further shearing under amphibolite facies (650–500 °C) was recorded at 13.6 ± 0.9 Ma, and greenschist-facies mica growth at 11 Ma. These data give further constrains to the age of initiation and depth of the Karakorum Fault. The granulite-facies conditions suggest that the KF, accommodating the lateral extrusion of Tibet, could be at least a crustal or even a Lithosphere-scale shear zone comparable to other peri-Himalayan faults.     

Structural fabric evidence for indentation tectonics in the Nambucca Block,southern New England Fold Belt,New South Wales

Structural studies of Lower Permian sequences exposed on wave‐cut platforms within the Nambucca Block, indicate that one to two ductile and two to three brittle — ductile/brittle events are recorded in the lower grade (sub‐greenschist facies) rocks; evidence for four, possibly five, ductile and at least three brittle — ductile/brittle events occurs in the higher grade (greenschist facies) rocks. Veins formed prior to the second ductile event are present in some outcrops. Further, the studies reveal a change in fold style from west‐southwest‐trending, open, south‐southeast‐verging, inclined folds (F₁ ⁰) at Grassy Head in the south, to east‐northeast‐trending, recumbent, isoclinal folds (F₁ ⁰; F₂ ⁰) at Nambucca Heads to the north, suggesting that strain increases towards the Coffs Harbour Block. A solution cleavage formed during D₁ in the lower grade rocks and cleavages defined by neocrystalline white mica developed during D₁ and D₂ in the higher grade rocks. South‐ to south‐southwest‐directed tectonic transport and north‐south shortening operated during these earlier events. Subsequently, north‐northeast‐trending, open, upright F₃ ² folds and inclined, northwest‐verging, northeast‐trending F₄ ² folds developed with poorly to moderately developed axial planar, crenulation cleavage (S₃ and S₄) formed by solution transfer processes. These folds formed heterogeneously in S₂ throughout the higher grade areas. Later northeast‐southwest shortening resulted in the formation of en échelon vein arrays and kink bands in both the lower and higher grade rocks. Shortening changed to east‐northeast‐west‐southwest during later north‐northeast to northeast, dextral, strike‐slip faulting and then to approximately northwest‐southeast during the formation of east‐southeast to southeast‐trending, strike‐slip faults. Cessation of faulting occurred prior to the emplacement of Triassic (229 Ma) granitoids. On a regional scale, S₁ trends east‐west and dips moderately to the north in areas unaffected by later events. S₂ has a similar trend to S₁ in less‐deformed areas, but is refolded about east‐west axes during D₃. S₃ is folded about east‐west axes in the highest grade, multiply deformed central part of the Nambucca Block. The deformation and regional metamorphism in the Nambucca Block is believed to be the result of indenter tectonics, whereby south‐directed movement of the Coffs Harbour Block during oroclinal bending, sequentially produced the east‐west‐trending structures. The effects of the Coffs Harbour Block were greatest during D₁ and D₂.     

Microstructural evolution of the Seridó Belt, NE-Brazil: the effect of two tectonic events on development of c-axis preferred orientation in quartz

The polyphase evolution of the Seridó Belt (NE-Brazil) includes D₁ crust formation at 2.3–2.1 Ga, D₂ thrust tectonics at 1.9 Ga and crustal reworking by D₃ strike-slip shear zones at 600 Ma. Microstructural investigations within mylonites associated with D₂ and D₃ events were used to constrain the tectono-thermal evolution of the belt. D₂ shear zones commenced at deeper crustal levels and high amphibolite facies conditions (600–650 °C) through grain boundary migration, subgrain rotation and operation of quartz c-prism slip. Continued shearing and exhumation of the terrain forced the re-equilibration of high-T fabrics and the switching of slip systems from c-prism to positive and negative a-rhombs. During D₃, enhancement of ductility by dissipation of heat that came from syn-D₃ granites developed wide belts of amphibolite facies mylonites. Continued shearing, uplift and cooling of the region induced D₃ shear zones to act in ductile-brittle regimes, marked by fracturing and development of thinner belts of greenschist facies mylonites. During this event, switching from a-prism to a-basal slip indicates a thermal path from 600 to 350 °C. Therefore, microstructures and quartz c-axis fabrics in polydeformed rocks from the Seridó Belt preserve the record of two major events, which includes contrasting deformation mechanisms and thermal paths.     

Deformation History of the Kunavaram Complex, Eastern Ghats Belt, India: Implications for Alkaline Magmatism Along the Indo-Antarctica Suture

The Kunavaram alkaline complex is a NE-SW trending elongate body located along a major lineament, the Sileru Shear Zone (SSZ) that is regarded as a Proterozoic suture related to Indo-Antarctica collision. The complex is hosted within migmatitic quartzofeldspathic gneisses, mafic granulites retrogressed to amphibolites, and quartzites. The structural evolution of the country rocks and the alkaline complex are similar. The first phase of deformation, D₁, produces a pervasive segregation banding (S₁) in all rock units within and outside the complex. A second deformation phase D₂ isoclinally folded S₁ along subvertical axial planes with shallow plunging axes. F₂ isoclinal folds are ubiquitous in the country rocks and the eastern extremity of the complex. In the interior of the alkaline body, D₂ strain decreases and S₁ is commonly subhorizontal. While amphibolite to granulite facies conditions prevailed during deformation, post-D₂ annealing textures testify to persisting high grade conditions. In the west, a NNE-SSW trending dextral shear zone with strike-slip sense (D₃) truncates the complex. Within this shear zone, quartzofeldspathic country rocks are plastically deformed, while hornblende-K-feldspar assemblages of the complex are retrogressed to biotite and plagioclase. Warping related to D₃ shears also resulted in fold interference patterns on the subhorizontal S₁ foliation in low D₂ strain domains. Based on its steep dip, north-easterly trend, and non-coaxial nature with dextral strike-slip sense, the D₃ shear zone can be correlated with the SSZ. Since this shear zone, i.e., the SSZ, is not associated with primary igneous fabrics and resulted in solid state deformation of the complex, it cannot be considered as a conduit for alkaline magmatism, but is probably responsible for the post-tectonic disposition of the pluton.     

Deformation of the Assegaai supracrustals and adjoining granitoids,Transvaal, South Africa

The structures in Archaean quartzites of the Assegaai greenstone belt in the Transvaal of South Africa can be interpreted in terms of three major deformation events. Earliest D₁, involved thrusting along brittle ramp and flat crush zones. Rising temperatures then led to the mobilization of SiO₂ and the development of syn-D₁ stylolites and omnidirectional quartz veins in the quartzites. Increasingly ductile behaviour results in some of the early D₁ crush zones being overprinted by late D₁ mylonitic shear zones while eastward-verging recumbent folds formed about N-S axes in the layered quartzites.The Assegaai supracrustals were then separated from a contiguous basement of Ancient Gneiss Complex (AGC) by the intrusion of a granitoid sheet about 3 km thick along their sheared subhorizontal contact either late in D₁ or in the interval between D₁ and D₂. The supracrustals were then refolded about steep NNE-trending axial surfaces by concentric F₂ folds on a variety of scales. Such folds were the second major structures to affect the supracrustals but the first to deform the granitoid sheet.The older of two suites of quartzo-feldspathic veins in the AGC were probably generated penecomtemporaneously with the syn-D₁ quartz veins in ther Assegaai quartzites. This interpretation can be tested by removing the intense D₂ constriction (and 30% volume increase) recorded by a later network of syn-granitoid quartzofeldspathic veins in the AGC from the D₁ + D₂ flattening recorded by the older veins. This procedure can be carried out by geometric vector subtraction on a Hsü diagram. The result reveals that the D₁ strains in the Assegaai supracrustals and the then contiguous AGC were identical penetrative subhorizontal flows prior to the intrusion of the intervening granitoid. The last significant strain in the region is represented by a brittle NNE-trending strike-slip fault and, locally in the quartzites, disharmonic conjugate folds.     

Lithology and structure of the Grenville-aged (∼1.1 Ga) basement of Heimefrontfjella (East Antarctica)

The Heimefrontfjella mountains, Western Dronning Maud Land (East Antarctica), are dominantly composed of Grenville-aged (≈ 1.1 Ga) rocks, which were reworked during the Pan -African orogeny at ≈500 Ma. Three discontinuity-bounded Grenville-aged terranes have been recognized namely (from north to south) the Kottas, Sivorg and Vardeklettane terranes. The terranes contain their own characteristic lithological assemblages, although each is made up of an early supracrustal sequence of metavolcanic and/or metasedimentary gneisses, intruded by various (predominantly granitoid) suites. No older basement upon which the protoliths of these older gneisses were deposited has been recognized. In each terrane the older layered gneisses were intruded by various plutonic suites ranging in age from ≈ 1150 to ≈1000 Ma. The Vardeklettane terrane is characterized by abundant charnockites and two-pyroxene granulite facies parageneses in metabasites, whereas the Sivorg and Kottas terranes were metamorphosed to amphibolite facies grade. P-T estimates show that peak metamorphic conditions changed from ≈600°C at 8 kbar in the south, to ≈700 °C at 4 kbar in the northern Sivorg terrane. Regional greenschist retrogression of high-grade assemblages may be of Pan-African age. The Heimefrontfjella terranes were juxtaposed and pervasively deformed during a complex and protracted period of E-W collision orogenesis in a transpressive regime at ≈ 1.1 Ga. This is manifest as early, gently dipping thrust-related shear fabrics (D₁), succeeded by the initiation of an important (D₂) steep dextral shear zone (Heimefront shear zone, HSZ), during which the early fabrics and structures were steepened and rotated in an anticlockwise sense. The HSZ is a curvilinear structure which changes from a dextral oblique strike-slip lateral ramp in the north to a steep dip-slip frontal ramp in the south, where it forms the boundary between the Sivorg and Vardeklettane terranes. The Pan-African event is manifested as discrete, low- to medium-temperature ductile to brittle shears (D₃) and numerous K/Ar cooling ages.