Deformation structures preserved in rocks

Abstract

The deformation processes outlined in the previous chapters give rise to a wide range of structures, most of which have the potential to become preserved during lithification. The problem facing the field geologist working with ancient rocks, therefore, is first to identify such structures correctly, and then to incorporate the mechanics of their origin into an understanding of the overall geology. A synoptic view of the possible structures is given in this chapter. It includes examples both from sediments and from materials that are now fully lithified, but it is not meant to be a catalogue, and it is certainly not comprehensive. A picture book approach has been avoided. Sims (1978) provided an extensive bibliography of reports of structures in very nearsurface sediments, as did van Loon (1992), who set his numerous literature references in a historical context.