Flame foliation: Evidence for a schistosity formed normal to the extension direction
Abstract Foliations are normally thought to develop approximately parallel to the XY-plane of the finite strain ellipsoid, i.e., perpendicular to the main shortening direction. We present a new type of schistosity named “flame foliation” that forms orthogonal to the main extension direction, approximately parallel to the YZ-plane of finite strain. Flame foliation consists of anastomosing biotite-rich selvedges overprinting S1 in pelitic layers of metaturbitites in NW Namibia. The biotite crystals in the selvedges are peculiar because they are oriented oblique or orthogonal to the flame foliation itself and parallel to the previous S1 cleavage, a feature no other foliation shows. In some cas…
Complex vein systems as a data source in tectonics: An example from the Ugab Valley, NW Namibia
Abstract Neoproterozoic metaturbidites in the Lower Ugab Domain, Namibia, contain a complex network of four sets of quartz-calcite veins, overprinted by km-scale folds associated with four regional foliations. The veins formed by fluid overpressure predating the main deformation. Deformation structures developed at the junction of two mobile belts during the assembly of Gondwana, the NS Kaoko Belt, and the EW trending Damara Belt. Km-scale NS trending folds were initiated during EW constriction in the Kaoko Belt, while their further development and all subsequent events are related to constriction in the EW-Damara Belt, with coeval sinistral strike slip in the Kaoko Belt. Deformation of the…
Modelling of segment structures: Boudins, bone-boudins, mullions and related single- and multiphase deformation features
Finite element modelling has been used to simulate the development of segment structures, deformed layer segments separated by veins, such as boudins, mullions, and bone-boudins. A parameter sensitivity analysis is used to compare the influence of the nature of the flow, the relative viscosities of veins in necks and the host rock, and the initial geometry of the layer segments. Parameter fields have been determined for the relative viscosity of veins and layers, and the kinematic vorticity number of flow. Reworked segment structures can have several shapes such as bone-, bulging, shortened bone-boudins and their asymmetric equivalents such as domino- and shearband-boudin geometry. The mode…