Fold (Structure) Successions and Deformational Sequences

Abstract

Interference patterns in highly deformed rocks are often enigmatic, sometimes spectacularly so (back cover and Figures 10.4 and 10.38), and it is not surprising that observers are sometimes overawed by first impressions of the structure. No doubt it is this initial sense of overwhelming complexity, particularly when experienced by an observer with little experience of such complex structures, that has prompted the use of expressions such as ‘wild folding’ (Berthelsen et ah, 1962) referred to earlier. Whether or not there is justification for conclusions like those of Williams (1985), that the problems in attempting to resolve such structural complexity outweigh the advantages, depends on the purpose of the study rather than on the nature of the structure. Undoubtedly there will be difficulties in undertaking such a study, but daunting first impressions should be ignored and a determined effort made to adopt a systematic analytical approach to resolving the structure.