RockDeformation.docVIP

Just the Basics… Rock Deformation Past Plate Tectonics different plate tectonic boundaries = different stresses different stresses = different deformation of rocks so, reverse is also possible: from present rock deformation, we can interpret past stresses past plate tectonic patterns Stress can be uniform (pressure) or directed Simple burial results in uniform stress. But plate tectonics can produce three types of directed stress: tensional – plates pull apart, stretches rock compressional – plates push together, squeezes rock shear – plates slip past one another, distorts rock while stress is the force that acts on a rock, strain or deformation is the response of the rock to that stress Deformation (strain) has three stages: Elastic Deformation - reversible; energy stored released as stress decreases, rock reverts to its original size and shape. (elastic behavior) If the elastic limit is exceeded, then Ductile Deformation occurs – non-reversible, permanent change in size and/or shape. (plastic behavior) If stress increases beyond the range of ductile deformation, the rock Fractures (brittle behavior) Whether a rock behaves in a brittle or ductile manner depends on: composition rate of stress high rate (fast) - brittle behavior. temperature high temp (deep) - ductile behavior pressure of overlying rocks high (deep) - ductile behavior ductile rock deformation (folding) tend to be slow (years to millions of yrs) while brittle deformation (fracture/faulting) can be abrupt (seconds) Ductile Deformation varies by type of stress: Tension – stretching thinning Shear – distortion Compression – folds so, widespread folding generally linked to convergent plate margins Brittle Deformation Fracture can result in joints or faults: joints – fractures w/ no movement (often due to release of pressure as rocks are exposed at surface) important in groundwater flow and weathering/erosion faults - fractures along which movement has occurred (due to directed stress) importan