Fry and Rf/ϕ strain methods constraints and fold transection mechanisms in the NW Iberian Variscides

• We estimate 2D and 3D finite strain in low grade Ordovician quartzites.
• We compare strain data obtained using Fry and Rf/ϕ methods.
• Most deformation was due to intergranular mechanisms and cleavage is a late event.
• Rf/ϕ ellipsoids are plane strain and Fry ones are prolate.
• Constrictional fabrics characterise transpressive regimes in Central-Iberian Zone.

Apúlia is a small Portuguese sector in NW of Central-Iberian Zone, that have been deformed in a non-coaxial sinistral transpressive regime during the first and main Variscan tectonic event (D1). This deformation give rise to a major NW–SE anticline, where the S1 N–S cleavage transect the inverted short NE limb; two and three-dimensional strains analysis have been done in the low metamorphic grade Ordovician quartzites of this limb using Fry and Rf/ϕ methods. The data show that most deformation was due to intergranular deformation mechanisms. The intragranular deformation leading to the distortion of strain markers and to cleavage was very incipient and a latter event in the D1 phase. The apparent plane strain ellipsoids (if no volume change is assumed) related to the intragranular mechanisms contrast with the more prolate strain ellipsoids related to the bulk deformation of Apúlia Quartzites. This constrictional bulk strain fabrics are characteristic of the sinistral transpressive regimes dominant in the northern sectors of the Central-Iberian Zone.