Deformation Kinematics of Main Central Thrust Zone (MCTZ) in the Western Himalayas

Mohsin Ahmad Ahanger; Ghulam Jeelani

doi:10.1007/s12583-020-1059-6

Volume 33 Issue 2

Apr 2022

Turn off MathJax

Article Contents

Journal of Earth Science > 2022 > 33(2): 452-461.

Mohsin Ahmad Ahanger, Ghulam Jeelani. Deformation Kinematics of Main Central Thrust Zone (MCTZ) in the Western Himalayas. Journal of Earth Science, 2022, 33(2): 452-461. doi: 10.1007/s12583-020-1059-6

Citation:

Mohsin Ahmad Ahanger, Ghulam Jeelani. Deformation Kinematics of Main Central Thrust Zone (MCTZ) in the Western Himalayas. Journal of Earth Science, 2022, 33(2): 452-461. doi: 10.1007/s12583-020-1059-6

Citation:

PDF( 25111 KB)

Deformation Kinematics of Main Central Thrust Zone (MCTZ) in the Western Himalayas

doi: 10.1007/s12583-020-1059-6

Mohsin Ahmad Ahanger^,,
Ghulam Jeelani^{,
,}

Department of Earth Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar 190006, India

More Information

Corresponding author: Ghulam Jeelani, geojeelani@gmail.com
Received Date: 19 Mar 2020
Accepted Date: 09 Jul 2020
Publish Date: 30 Apr 2022

Abstract

Abstract

The main central thrust (MCT) is one of the major thrusts in Himalayas. In central Himalaya, MCT was defined as a contact between underlying Lesser Himalayan Sequence (LHS) and overlying higher Himalayan crystallines (HHC). However, in the Kashmir Himalayas, the main central thrust zone (MCTZ), shear zone associated with MCT, is overlain by Kashmir Tethyan Sequence suggesting that the MCTZ has been deformed through a mechanism different than the mechanism responsible for MCTZ evolution in other parts of the Himalayas. In the present study we used structural, microfabric and kinematic analyses to investigate the deformation kinematics of MCTZ. Microstructural investigation revealed that the quartz in orthogneiss mylonites of MCTZ was dynamically recrystallized by grain boundary migration (GBM) and sub-grain rotation recrystallisation (SGR) with top-to-SW sense of shear. The mean kinematic vorticity number (W_m) just above the thrust ranges from 0.72 to 0.84 (40%–52% pure shear component) decreasing upwards to 0.65–0.71 (35%–50% pure shear component). Deformation in the MCTZ is characterized by R_xz strain ratio varying from 2.7 to 8. The present study suggested that the MCTZ suffered 3%–40% vertical shortening and 3%–66% transport-parallel elongation. The results suggested that the HHC's were not completely exhumed to the topographic surfaces in the Kashmir Himalayas. Along the basal decollement, i.e., the main Himalayan thrust (MHT), the deformation continued until MCTZ reached the brittle-ductile transition where deformation mechanism changed to the brittle and the MCTZ rocks were transported to the surface through slip on brittle MCT.
- kinematics,
- mylonites,
- finite strain,
- mean kinematic vorticity number (W_m),
- general shear,
- tectonics

FullText(HTML)

References(69)

References

Bailey, C. M., Eyster, E. L., 2003. General Shear Deformation in the Pinaleño Mountains Metamorphic Core Complex, Arizona. Journal of Structural Geology, 25(11): 1883–1892. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0191-8141(03)00044-0

Bhattacharya, A. R., Weber, K., 2004. Fabric Development during Shear Deformation in the Main Central Thrust Zone, NW-Himalaya, India. Tectonophysics, 387(1/2/3/4): 23–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2004.04.026

Bhattacharyya, K., Dwivedi, H. V., Das, J. P., et al., 2015. Structural Geometry, Microstructural and Strain Analyses of L-Tectonites from Paleoproterozoic Orthogneiss: Insights into Local Transport-Parallel Constrictional Strain in the Sikkim Himalayan Fold Thrust Belt. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 107: 212–231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2015.04.038

Bindal, C. M., Raina, B. K., Bhattacharya, D. D., et al., 2012. Geology and Mineral Resources of Jammu and Kashmir State. Geological Survey of India Miscellaneous Publication, 30: Part X

Di Pietro, J. A., Pogue, K. R., 2004. Tectonostratigraphic Subdivisions of the Himalaya: A View from the West. Tectonics, 23(5): TC5001. https://doi.org/10.1029/2003tc001554

Elliott, D., 1970. Determination of Finite Strain and Initial Shape from Deformed Elliptical Objects. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 81(8): 2221–2236. https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1970)81[2221:dofsai]2.0.co;2

Faghih, A., Kusky, T., Samani, B., 2012. Kinematic Analysis of Deformed Structures in a Tectonic Mélange: A Key Unit for the Manifestation of Transpression along the Zagros Suture Zone, Iran. Geological Magazine, 149(6): 1107–1117. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0016756812000295

Forte, A. M., Bailey, C. M., 2007. Testing the Utility of the Porphyroclast Hyperbolic Distribution Method of Kinematic Vorticity Analysis. Journal of Structural Geology, 29(6): 983–1001. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2007.01.006

Fossen, H., Tikoff, B., 1998. Forward Modeling of Non-Steady-State Deformations and the 'Minimum Strain Path': Reply. Journal of Structural Geology, 20(7): 979–981. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0191-8141(98)00028-5

Frank, W., Grasemann, B., Guntli, P., et al., 1995. Geological Map of the Kishtwar-Chamba-Kulu Region (NW Himalayas, India). Jahrbuch der Geologischen Bundesanstalt, 138: 299–308

Fuchs, G. R., 1975. Contributions to the Geology of the North-Western Himalayas. Geolog. Bundesanst, 32: 1–59

Fuchs, G. R., Linner, M., 1995. Geological Traverse across the Western Himalaya—A Contribution to the Geology of Eastern Ladakh, Lahul, and Chamba. Jahrbuch der Geologischen Bundesanstalt, 138: 665–685

Gansser, A., 1981. The Geodynamic History of the Himalaya. Zagros Hindu Kush Himalaya. Geodynamic Evolution, 3: 111–121

Gapais, D., 1989. Shear Structures within Deformed Granites: Mechanical and Thermal Indicators. Geology, 17(12): 1144–1147. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1989)017<1144:sswdgm>2.3.co;2 doi: 10.1130/0091-7613(1989)017<1144:sswdgm>2.3.co;2

Handy, M. R., 1990. The Solid-State Flow of Polymineralic Rocks. Journal of Geophysical Research, 95(B6): 8647–8661. https://doi.org/10.1029/jb095ib06p08647

Heim, A. A., Gansser, A., 1939. Central Himalaya: Geological Observations of the Swiss Expedition. Mem. Soc. Helv. Sci. Nat., 73: 245

Hirth, G., Tullis, J., 1992. Dislocation Creep Regimes in Quartz Aggregates. Journal of Structural Geology, 14(2): 145–159. https://doi.org/10.1016/0191-8141(92)90053-y

Jessup, M. J., Law, R. D., Searle, M. P., et al., 2006. Structural Evolution and Vorticity of Flow during Extrusion and Exhumation of the Greater Himalayan Slab, Mount Everest Massif, Tibet/Nepal: Implications for Orogen-Scale Flow Partitioning. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 268(1): 379–413. https://doi.org/10.1144/gsl.sp.2006.268.01.18

Jiang, D. Z., 1998. Forward Modeling of Non-Steady-State Deformations and the 'Minimum Strain Path': Discussion. Journal of Structural Geology, 20(7): 975–977. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0191-8141(98)00027-3

Keshavarz, S., Faghih, A., 2020. Heterogeneous Sub-Simple Deformation in the Gol-E-Gohar Shear Zone (Zagros, SW Iran): Insights from Microstructural and Crystal Fabric Analyses. International Journal of Earth Sciences, 109(2): 421–438. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-019-01812-9

Klepeis, K. A., Daczko, N. R., Clarke, G. L., 1999. Kinematic Vorticity and Tectonic Significance of Superposed Mylonites in a Major Lower Crustal Shear Zone, Northern Fiordland, New Zealand. Journal of Structural Geology, 21(10): 1385–1405. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0191-8141(99)00091-7

Kurz, W., Unzog, W., Neubauer, F., et al., 2001. Evolution of Quartz Microstructures and Textures during Polyphase Deformation within the Tauern Window (Eastern Alps). International Journal of Earth Sciences, 90(2): 361–378. https://doi.org/10.1007/s005310000153

Law, R. D., Searle, M. P., Simpson, R. L., 2004. Strain, Deformation Temperatures and Vorticity of Flow at the Top of the Greater Himalayan Slab, Everest Massif, Tibet. Journal of the Geological Society, 161(2): 305–320. https://doi.org/10.1144/0016-764903-047

Li, J. B., Wang, T., Ouyang, Z. X., 2010. Strain and Kinematic Vorticity Analysis of the Louzidian Low-Angle Ductile Shear Detachment Zone in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, China. Science China Earth Sciences, 53(11): 1611–1624. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-010-4041-9

Means, W. D., 1989. Stretching Faults. Geology, 17(10): 893–896. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1989)017<0893:sf>2.3.co;2 doi: 10.1130/0091-7613(1989)017<0893:sf>2.3.co;2

Means, W. D., 1994. Rotational Quantities in Homogeneous Flow and the Development of Smallscale Structure. Journal of Structural Geology, 16(4): 437–445. https://doi.org/10.1016/0191-8141(94)90089-2

Misra, D. K., 1999. The Crystalline Thrust Sheets in the Himachal-Garhwal, NW Himalaya, India. Geoscience Journal, 20(1): 1–10

Mookerjee, M., Canada, A., Fortescue, F. Q., 2016. Quantifying Thinning and Extrusion Associated with an Oblique Subduction Zone: An Example from the Rosy Finch Shear Zone. Tectonophysics, 693(4): 290–303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2016.06.012

Mulchrone, K. F., McCarthy, D. J., Meere, P. A., 2013. Mathematica Code for Image Analysis, Semi-Automatic Parameter Extraction and Strain Analysis. Computers & Geosciences, 61: 64–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cageo.2013.08.001

Mulchrone, K. F., O'Sullivan, F., Meere, P. A., 2003. Finite Strain Estimation Using the Mean Radial Length of Elliptical Objects with Bootstrap Confidence Intervals. Journal of Structural Geology, 25(4): 529–539. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0191-8141(02)00049-4

Nanda, M. M., Singh, M. P., 1976. Stratigraphy and Sedimentation of the Zanskar Area, Ladakh and Adjoining Parts of the Lahaul Region of Himachal Pradesh. Himalayan Geology, 6: 365–388

Passchier, C. W., 1987. Stable Positions of Rigid Objects in Non-Coaxial Flow—A Study in Vorticity Analysis. Journal of Structural Geology, 9(5/6): 679–690. https://doi.org/10.1016/0191-8141(87)90152-0

Passchier, C. W., Trouw, R. A., 2005. Microtectonics. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York

Passchier, C. W., Urai, J. L., 1988. Vorticity and Strain Analysis Using Mohr Diagrams. Journal of Structural Geology, 10(7): 755–763. https://doi.org/10.1016/0191-8141(88)90082-x

Raina, B. K., Gupta, B. K., 1984. On the Geology of Ramsu-Pogul-Paristan-Desa-Ramban Area, Doda District, Jammu and Kashmir. Geological Survey of India, New Delhi

Ramsay, J. G., 1980. Shear Zone Geometry: A Review. Journal of Structural Geology, 2: 83–89 doi: 10.1016/0191-8141(80)90038-3

Rautela. P., Thakur, V. C., 1992. Structural Analysis of the Panjal Thrust Zone, Himachal Himalaya, India. Journal of Himalayan Geology, 3(2): 195–207

Samani, B., Faghih, A., Grasemann, B., 2020. Strain Pattern and Vorticity Analysis of Deformed Conglomerates in the Heneshk Area within the Sanandaj-Sirjan Metamorphic Belt, Zagros Mountains, Iran. International Journal of Earth Sciences, 109(1): 145–157. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-019-01794-8

Sarkarinejad, K., Keshavarz, S., Faghih, A., 2015a. Kinematics of the Sirjan Mylonite Nappe, Zagros Orogenic Belt: Insights from Strain and Vorticity Analyses. Journal of Geosciences, 60(3): 189–202. https://doi.org/10.3190/jgeosci.198

Sarkarinejad, K., Keshavarz, S., Faghih, A., 2015b. Strain Analysis in the Sanandaj-Sirjan HP-LT Metamorphic Belt, SW Iran: Insights from Small-Scale Faults and Associated Drag Folds. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 105(4): 47–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2015.02.006

Sarkarinejad, K., Keshavarz, S., Faghih, A., et al., 2016. Kinematic Analysis of Rock Flow and Deformation Temperature of the Sirjan Thrust Sheet, Zagros Orogen, Iran. Geological Magazine, 154(1): 147–165. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0016756815000941

Sarkarinejad, K., Partabian, A., Faghih, A., et al., 2011. Usage of Strain and Vorticity Analyses to Interpret Large-Scale Fold Mechanisms along the Sanandaj-Sirjan HP-LT Metamorphic Belt, SW Iran. Geological Journal, 47(1): 99–110. https://doi.org/10.1002/gj.1346

Searle, M. P., Law, R. D., Godin, L., et al., 2008. Defining the Himalayan Main Central Thrust in Nepal. Journal of the Geological Society, 165(2): 523–534. https://doi.org/10.1144/0016-76492007-081

Searle, M. P., Law, R. D., Jessup, M. J., 2006. Crustal Structure, Restoration and Evolution of the Greater Himalaya in Nepal-South Tibet: Implications for Channel Flow and Ductile Extrusion of the Middle Crust. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 268(1): 355–378. https://doi.org/10.1144/gsl.sp.2006.268.01.17

Shah, S. K., 1978. Facies Pattern of Kashmir Basin within Tectonic Framework of Himalaya. Today and Tomorrow's Printers and Publishers, New Delhi. 63–78

Smith, C. S., 1948. Grains, Phases, and Interphases: An Interpretation of Microstructure. Transactions of the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, 175: 15–51

Srikantia, S. V., 1984. Structural Framework and Tectonic Evolution of Kashmir and Himachal Himalaya. Geological Survey of India, New Delhi. 440–465

Tapponnier, P., Xu, Z. Q., Roger, F., et al., 2001. Oblique Stepwise Rise and Growth of the Tibet Plateau. Science, 294(5547): 1671–1677. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.105978

Thakur, V. C., 1981. An Overview of Thrusts and Nappes of the Western Himalaya. In: McClay, K. R., Price, N. J., eds., Thrust and Nappe Tectonics. Geological Society London Special Publications, 9: 381–392

Thakur, V. C., 1998. Structure of the Chamba Nappe and Position of the Main Central Thrust in Kashmir Himalaya. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 16(2/3): 269–282. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0743-9547(98)00011-7

Thakur, V. C., Rawat, B. S., 1992. Geologic Map of Western Himalaya. Dehra Dun, India, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehra Dun

Tikoff, B., Fossen, H., 1993. Simultaneous Pure and Simple Shear: The Unifying Deformation Matrix. Tectonophysics, 217(3/4): 267–283. https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-1951(93)90010-h

Tikoff, B., Fossen, H., 1995. The Limitations of Three-Dimensional Kinematic Vorticity Analysis. Journal of Structural Geology, 17(12): 1771–1784. https://doi.org/10.1016/0191-8141(95)00069-p

Tikoff, B., Fossen, H., 1999. Three-Dimensional Reference Deformations and Strain Facies. Journal of Structural Geology, 21(11): 1497–1512. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0191-8141(99)00085-1

Tikoff, B., Teyssier, C., 1994. Strain and Fabric Analyses Based on Porphyroclast Interaction. Journal of Structural Geology, 16(4): 477–491. https://doi.org/10.1016/0191-8141(94)90092-2

Vannay, J. C., Grasemann, B., 2001. Himalayan Inverted Metamorphism and Syn-Convergence Extension as a Consequence of a General Shear Extrusion. Geological Magazine, 138(3): 253–276. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0016756801005313

Vannay, J. C., Grasemann, B., Rahn, M., et al., 2004. Miocene to Holocene Exhumation of Metamorphic Crustal Wedges in the NW Himalaya: Evidence for Tectonic Extrusion Coupled to Fluvial Erosion. Tectonics, 23(1): TC1014. https://doi.org/10.1029/2002tc001429

Wadia, D. N., 1931. The Syntaxis of the North-West Himalaya: Its Rocks, Tectonics, and Orogeny. Records of the Geological Survey of India, 65(2): 189–220

Wallis, S. R., Platt, J. P., Knott, S. D., 1993. Recognition of Syn-Convergence Extension in Accretionary Wedges with Examples from the Calabrian Arc and the Eastern Alps. American Journal of Science, 293(5): 463–494. https://doi.org/10.2475/ajs.293.5.463

Wallis, S., 1995. Vorticity Analysis and Recognition of Ductile Extension in the Sanbagawa Belt, SW Japan. Journal of Structural Geology, 17(8): 1077–1093. https://doi.org/10.1016/0191-8141(95)00005-x

Wang, X. S., Zhang, S. K., Zhang, F. Z., 2005. Kinematic Vorticities and Shear Types of the Qingyi Ductile Shear Zone in Western Shandong. Acta Geosci. Sin. , 26: 423–428 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Wang, X. S., Zheng, Y. D., Wang, T., 2007. Strain and Shear Types of the Louzidian Ductile Shear Zone in Southern Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, China. Science in China Series D: Earth Sciences, 50(4): 487–495. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-007-2054-9

Wang, X. S., Zheng, Y. D., Zhang, J. J., 2002. Extensional Kinematics and Shear Type of the Hohhot Metamorphic Core Complex, Inner Mongolia. Geological Bulletin of China, 21: 238–243 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Xypolias, P., Doutsos, T., 2000. Kinematics of Rock Flow in a Crustal-Scale Shear Zone: Nimplication for the Orogenic Evolution of the Southwestern Hellenides. Geological Magazine, 137(1): 81–96. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0016756800003496

Xypolias, P., Kokkalas, S., 2006. Heterogeneous Ductile Deformation along a Mid-Crustal Extruding Shear Zone: An Example from the External Hellenides (Greece). Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 268(1): 497–516. https://doi.org/10.1144/gsl.sp.2006.268.01.23

Zheng, Y. D., 1999. Kinematic Vorticity Number and Shear Type Related to the Yagan Metamorphic Core Complex Sino-Mongolian Border. Scientia Geologica Sinica, 34: 273–280 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Zheng, Y. D., Chang, Z. Z., 1985. Finite Strain Measurement and Ductile Shear Zones. Geological Publishing House, Beijing. 35–102 (in Chinese)

Zheng, Y. D., Wang, T., 2005. Kinematics and Dynamics of the Mesozoic Orogeny and Late-Orogenic Extensional Collapse in the Sino-Mongolian Border Areas. Science in China Series D, 48(7): 849–862. https://doi.org/10.1360/03yd0552

Zheng, Y., Wang, Y., Liu, R., et al., 1988. Sliding-Thrusting Tectonics Caused by Thermal Uplift in the Yunmeng Mountains, Beijing, China. Journal of Structural Geology, 10(2): 135–144. https://doi.org/10.1016/0191-8141(88)90111-3

Relative Articles

Supplements(0)

Cited By

Proportional views