Magnetic fabric, shape preferred orientation and regional strain in granitic rocks

Since granites do not preserve easily mappable foliations, lineations, and strain markers, determining the degree of shape preferred orientation (SPO) in them is challenging. The aim of this paper is to present a methodology for determining variation in the degree of SPO in granites and to test the feasibility of correlating the same with regional strain. The case of the Godhra Granite located in the southern parts of Aravalli Mountain Belt (India) is taken as an example. Degree of SPO is determined using two different techniques (a) anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) and (b) strength of mineral lineation determined by calculating the concentration parameter (κ) of von Mises distribution by digital image analysis of biotite (κbi) and feldspar (κf) in thin sections prepared parallel to the magnetic foliation plane. SPO data obtained using the above two techniques from 20 samples distributed across the entire granite are analysed. Samples with a higher κ also have a stronger magnetic fabric (magnetic lineation, L and degree of magnetic anisotropy P′). Also, the degree of SPO is greater for granites from the southern parts as compared to the northern parts. It is argued that this variation in degree of SPO cannot be attributed to rheological differences or strain resulting from difference in aspect ratios. Regional strain is inferred as the dominant factor. Since the emplacement of the Godhra Granite is synchronous with the tectonic rejuvenation along the Central Indian Tectonic Zone (CITZ) that lies to its south, the higher degree of SPO in the southern parts is attributed to its proximity to the CITZ. Whilst caution needs to be exercised to directly apply magnetic data as a measure of strain-intensity on a regional scale, it can be a useful guide to select samples for detailed SPO analysis using some alternative technique, especially for granites and other magmatic rocks that are devoid of mesoscopic strain markers.