Strain analysis using deformed pebbles: The influence of initial pebble shape

Several methods exist for the determination of the finite strain ellipsoid from deformed pebble shapes. These methods are critically evaluated and others are proposed on the basis of calculations which predict both the sectional and three-dimensional shape of pebbles in simple deformed simulated conglomerates. In many cases it is found preferable to use an average pebble shape to estimate the tectonic strain and that the harmonic mean of the ratios of axial lengths yields an average pebble shape which is closest to the strain ellipsoid shape.