Quartz c-axis evidence for deformation characteristics in the Sanandaj–Sirjan metamorphic belt, Iran

Quartz c-axis fabric, finite strain, and kinematic vorticity analyses were carried out in well-exposed quartz mylonites to investigate the heterogeneous nature of ductile deformation within the Eghlid deformed area in the High Pressure–Low Temperature (HP–LT) Sanandaj–Sirjan metamorphic belt (Zagros Mountains, Iran). This belt belongs to a sequence of tectonometamorphic complexes with low- to high-grade metamorphic rocks affected by a polyphase deformation history. Asymmetric quartz c-axis fabrics (type I) confirm a localized top-to-the-southeast sense of shear. Quantitative finite strain analysis in the XZ, XY and YZ principal planes of the finite strain ellipsoid demonstrate that the strain ratio increases towards the thrust planes of the Zagros Thrust System. Kinematic vorticity analysis of deformed quartz grains showed sequential variation in the kinematic vorticity number from ∼0.5 to ∼0.8 between the thrust sheets. Such vorticity numbers show that both simple and pure shear components contribute to the deformation. Our results show that simple shear dominated deformation near the thrust faults, and pure shear dominated deformation far from them. Quartz c-axis opening angles suggest deformation temperatures range between 450° ± 50 °C and 600° ± 50 °C, which yield greenschist to amphibolite facies conditions during ductile deformation.

► Quartz c-axis studies show an important non-coaxial deformation in the area.
► The results show an important deformation path partitioning between thrust faults.
► Results show simple shear dominated deformation near the thrust faults.
► Results show pure shear dominated deformation far from the thrust faults.
► Deformation temperatures were determined range between 450° ± 50 °C and 600° ± 50 °C.