GEOS304Lab7MicrostructureDeformationMechanisms.docVIP

GEOS 304 Lab 7: Microstructure/Deformation Mechanisms Spring 2002 Name:________________ Introduction The aim of this lab is to introduce you to the range of deformation-accomodating processes that occur both within individual crystals and at the boundaries between crystals. These processes occur at the atomic scale, but profoundly determine the dynamic behavior of the crust and mantle. An understanding of these processes is useful in structural geology, but can also be applied to a number of problems ranging from the behavior of glacial ice to the interpretation of seismic anisotropy. There is also much overlap in the realm of material science. In structural geology, an understanding of deformation mechanisms is useful for providing evidence of deformation processes. This evidence in turn provides a basis for understanding rock rheology (flow of rock and the mechanisms of flow), helps in interpretation of deformation histories, and can provide evidence of metamorphic environments. An understanding of microstructures also allows the types of deformation we have seen so far in class be put in a broader context. Hopefully by the end of this lab you will have a better understanding of why brittle and ductile deformation occur in certain environments and why increasing strain rate tends to lead to brittle behavior. Much of the material covered in lab today can also be found in Davis Reynolds chapters 4 and 9. This lab handout is intended to serve as an outline of information relevant to understanding processes addressed by the lab questions. Mechanisms of Deformation Diffusion Mechanisms Diffusion processes occur by the movement of point defects (interstitials or vacancies). Vacancies move towards (1, and material moves towards (3. The net effect is shortening in the (1 direction and lengthening in (3 direction. Crystals can deform by lattice diffusion (diffusion within grains) or grain boundary diffusion (like pressure solution – diffusion along grain boun