Microstructural analysis and tectonic evolution in thrust systems: examples from the Assynt region of the Moine Thrust Zone, Scotland

Abstract

Recent microstructural studies of experimentally and naturally deformed rocks have provided important information for the understanding of deformation mechanisms, rates and conditions during tectonic events (Borradaile et al. 1982, Schmid 1982, Hobbs & Heard 1986, Tullis 1986, Wang 1986, Atkinson 1987, Schmid et al. 1987, Knipe & Rutter 1990). The microstructures characteristic of different deformation mechanisms, which operate under different deformation conditions, have been identified and their preservation in tectonites used to assess natural deformation processes and kinematics (Pfiffner 1982; Simpson & Schmid 1983; Groshong et al. 1984; Lister & Snoke 1984; Mitra 1984; Ord et al. 1984; Brodie & Rutter 1985; Gibson & Grey 1985; Knipe & Wintsch 1985; Obee & White 1985; Law et al. 1986; Rutter et al. 1986; Sibson 1986; Twiss 1986; Knipe, 1989). In addition, such studies have helped to construct fault-zone models (Sibson 1982, 1983, 1985; Knipe 1985, 1989; Kuznir & Park 1986; Platt & Behrmann 1986).