Three-dimensional finite strain analysis in the high-grade part of the Sanbagawa Belt using deformed meta-conglomerate

Abstract   Regional ductile deformation of the Sanbagawa belt is generally thought to be characterized by constrictional strain, based on strain analysis using deformed radiolarians in the low-grade regions. Similar strain analysis could not be carried out in the medium- to high-grade zones, because it is very difficult to identify individual radiolarians after strong recrystallization. However, discovery of the first known meta-conglomerate in the high-grade region of the Sanbagawa Belt allows quantitative 3-D strain to be estimated in this region. Using a development of the Rf-φ method, an evaluation of appropriate errors for this estimate can be determined. The principal strain ratios and estimated errors are X/Y = 5.4–6.6 and Y/Z = 3.8–3.9 implying deformation in the flattening field and refuting the idea of uniform constrictional strain. Semi-quantitative markers of the shape of the strain ellipse throughout the high-grade regions suggest that the deformation of the Sanbagawa Belt is dominantly in the flattening field. The difference with the earlier results may be due to late-stage overprinting by upright folding of the main ductile fabric in the low-grade region of western Shikoku.