Heterogeneous Deformation in a Ridge-Transform System: An Example from the Troodos Ophiolite, Cyprus
Abstract
Ridge-transform intersections are regions with complex patterns of deformation from overlapping spreading and faulting-related processes. The Troodos ophiolite in Cyprus allows for the rare study of a fossil ridge-transform system preserved in gabbros, sheeted dikes, and lavas of the oceanic crust. The system is defined by the NS-striking Solea graben, interpreted as a paleoridge, and the EW-striking Arakapas fault, a dextral paleotransform fault. The crustal rocks are exposed for 30-40 km on both the inside and outside corners of the system. Previous regional studies often combine paleomagnetic analysis with sheeted dikes directions to make inferences about deformation in the oceanic lithosphere. These studies typically focus on either ridge- or fault-related deformation along 1D transects, for example comparing results from either side of the Solea graben, or examining distributed deformation along a fault-normal transect. Two assumptions are common in these analyses: (1) there is a reference magnetization direction for the entire ophiolite, for comparison with paleomagnetic remanence directions, and (2) that dikes were intruded vertically. Our approach is to study deformation across the entire ridge-transform system. We divide the area into several fault-parallel transects. By comparing results from transects at varying distance from the ridge-transform intersection, we form a picture of 2D deformation. Our data include 3100 dike orientations and 280 paleomagnetic directions from published maps and studies, including results from 40 new sites. Along each transect, we use the data from the ridge as the reference and then assume a steady deformation away from the ridge (to the west, for the outside corner; to the east, for the inside corner). Our analysis includes statistical techniques, such as geodesic regression and permutation tests, to characterize the variations in dike and paleomagnetic data along each transect and their statistical significance.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2016
- Bibcode:
- 2016AGUFM.T31H..03T
- Keywords:
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- 7250 Transform faults;
- SEISMOLOGYDE: 8118 Dynamics and mechanics of faulting;
- TECTONOPHYSICSDE: 8120 Dynamics of lithosphere and mantle: general;
- TECTONOPHYSICSDE: 8150 Plate boundary: general;
- TECTONOPHYSICS