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Flysch-ophiolite successions: polarity indicators in arc and collision-type orogens

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Abstract

ARC systems formed above subduction zones show a characteristic polarity defined by the direction of dip of the seismic Benioff zone along or within which the subducting plate descends. In modern active arcs the polarity is indicated by the relative position of the volcanic arc and trench, by changes in the K2O/SiO2 ratio across the volcanic arc1, and commonly by arc curvature. The polarity of ancient arcs can be determined by variations in the K2O/SiO2 ratio in volcanic arcs or their plutonic granodioritic equivalents2, by recognition of parallel ophiolite and magmatic belts, or by the presence of paired metamorphic belts3. The polarity in many ancient arc systems, and also in collision-type orogens, is, however, uncertain either because magmatic arcs are poorly developed or because the relative positions of the paired belts have been confused by tectonic movements.

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  1. Department of Geology and Mineralogy, Parks Road, Oxford, UK

    A. H. G. MITCHELL

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  1. A. H. G. MITCHELL
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MITCHELL, A. Flysch-ophiolite successions: polarity indicators in arc and collision-type orogens. Nature 248, 747–749 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1038/248747a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/248747a0

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