DeformationMechanisms—Summary.docVIP

Deformation Mechanisms Introduction Do not want to spend too much time on this It is important new information Beyond what I think belongs in a first course in Structural Geology We will just hit the highlights Crystal Structure Lattice—3-dimensional array of atoms, ions, or molecules Very organized Minimum energy to maintain Bonding Ionic—loss or gain of electrons; oppositely charged ions are held together Covalent—sharing of electrons Metallic—electrons move relatively freely through the material Bonding Ionic—loss or gain of electrons; oppositely charged ions are held together Covalent—sharing of electrons Metallic—electrons move relatively freely through the material Deformation Elastic deformation—recoverable Follows all the rules we recently discussed Elastic Constants (E, K, G or () can be determined for each mineral Exceed elastic limit--permanent deformation Exceeding tensile strength results in breaking of bonds Fracture may cut irregularly across the crystal Fracture may follow a crystallographic plane of weakness If shear strain exceeds elastic limit Fracture may form Lattice will slip along a crystallographic plane The process requiring the least energy will occur Slip Systems and Crystallography Slip system Slip plane—planes that are suitably weak and allow slip Line of slip—line along which slip occurs Directions of cleavage in a mineral disclose the crystallographic orientations in the lattice along which bonds are most easily broken Muscovite’s weakest bonds are parallel to the perfect (001) cleavage plane Quartz has no cleavage; there are no favorable pathways for fractures to cut through quartz Slip Systems—Olivine Planes and lines are designated by use of Miller indices, which you will learn about in Mineralogy Slip plane is [010] Slip line is parallel to [100] Slip Systems—Mica Cleavage defines weakest plane Slip is along cleavage plane [001] Slip direction is [100] Bonding Metallic bonding Very weak Lattice of densely packed positive ions (cat