A deformation partitioning approach to resolving the sequence of fold events and the orientations in which they formed across multiply deformed large-scale regions

► Zones of porphyroblastic rock preserve the effects of the numerous regional deformation events. ► FIAs are a product of folding events and their trends are controlled by folds with steep axial planes. ► FIA trends directly reflect folds that formed with steeply dipping axial planes. ► Regional fold trends have peaks coincident or within 10° of a succession of FIA peaks. ► FIAs provide the regional successions of folding preserving the orientations in which they formed.