Additional Participants

Senior Personnel

Charles Guidotti

Graduate Student

Jeff Marsh

Felice Thijssen

Undergraduate Student

Hendrik Lenferink

Technician, Programmer

Martin Yates

Project Period

January 2009-December 2009

Level of Access

Open-Access Report

Grant Number

0440063

Submission Date

2-7-2010

Abstract

When Earth's tectonic plates interact with one another the rocks that comprise them are deformed, commonly forming great mountain chains. During this deformation, the minerals that make up the rocks can become spatially or crystallographically aligned to form a fabric. The development of rock fabric is a primary factor affecting the strength, or rheological evolution of deforming rocks. Fabric development commonly involves coupling of both physical and chemical processes. For example, crenulation cleavage is the most common type of fabric in multiply deformed rocks, and its formation leads to extreme mineral segregation and rheological anisotropy. It is also commonly associated with the growth of large metamorphic minerals (porphyroblasts), which are used by structural geologists to infer deformation histories and mechanical quantities such as shear strain, shear strain rate and vorticity. Although crenulation cleavage is common throughout the world's mountain chains, and may play an important role in the localization of deformation across a range of scales, the details of its formation, and its possible mechanical significance, remain poorly understood. The investigators and their students are combining field- and laboratory-based studies with computer modeling to address the effects of rock fabric, particularly crenulation cleavage, on the rheological evolution of rocks. The chosen field area is located in the Appalachian mountains of western Maine. The results of this project will be incorporated into web-based educational modules that are intended as resources for earth-science teachers and students at all levels.

Rights and Access Note

This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. In addition, no permission is required from the rights-holder(s) for educational uses. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Download

Share

 

Rights Statement

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted.