The detection and significance of early deformation in the southern Variscan Pyrenees,Spain; implications for regional Paleozoic structural evolution

Detailed structural analysis of part of the Variscan southcentral Pyrenees revealed the occurrence of several deformation generations, of which the most important one, called the mainphase folding and striking WNW-ESE, seems to be the oldest. Directional analysis of structural elements related to mainphase folding (sedimentary bedding, mainphase cleavage, small-scale foldaxes and intersection lineations) shows, however, that sedimentary bedding must have been non-planar before mainphase deformation took place. This observation suggests that premainphase folding occurred as well, and indeed the areal distribution of intersection lineations in the studied area demonstrates the existence of two early Variscan fold systems. They are characterized by very open NNW-SSE and WSW-ENE folds and have subvertical axial planes and subhorizontal foldaxes. In strong contrast to mainphase folds, penetrative axial plane foliations did not develop during deformation. Pre-mainphase folds in varying orientations have been reported from many other areas in the central Variscan Pyrenees, but a reinterpretation of existing maps and other data shows that also in these cases two pre-mainphase deformation generations must be present, rather than just one as suggested in most previous work. Again, the interference pattern of the two fold systems as well as field evidence indicates that axial planes are steep and strike approximately N-S and E-W, but locally strong reorientation due to Alpine deformation (mainly thrusting) has taken place. The significance of pre-mainphase folding in the Variscan Pyrenees is discussed in the light of an overall dynamic/ kinematic model involving alternating convergent and divergent right-lateral oblique-slip movements along the north-eastern boundary of the Iberian (micro-)plate. The occurrence of pre-mainphase folds is related to

1. the transition from divergent to convergent obliqueslip movement (NNW-SSE folds), and
2. initial oblique convergence of the Iberian and European plates (WSW-ENE folds) prior to mainphase collision.