Lyell Collection
Geological Society, London, Special Publications
Lyell Centre  |   Lyell Collection  |   Subscriptions   |   Geological Society  |   Email alerts  |   Online bookshop  |   Help

Keywords:
Author:
Advanced search>>
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow References
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow Request Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Ramsay, J. G.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
GeoRef
Right arrow GeoRef Citation
Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 1969; v. 3; p. 43-79;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.1969.003.01.04
© 1969 Geological Society of London

Structural Analysis of Orogenic Belts

The measurement of strain and displacement in orogenic belts

Professor J. G. Ramsay

Department of Geology, Imperial College, Prince Consort Road, London s w 7

Many of the premises that have been used in evaluating the crustal shortening across orogenic belts are open to question. Past estimates of displacement have often depended upon the validity of some preconceived tectonic hypothesis and its mechanical feasibility.

Displacements describe the changes in position of particles in space, and can be defined in three dimensions by a set of three equations. Displacement leads to three main effects: (1) body translation, (2) body rotation, (3) strain. The inter-relationships and properties of these features are discussed to determine which features the geologist can measure in naturally deformed rocks.

Absolute values for the amount of displacement are impossible to determine. Displacement differences between different localities are related to crustal shortening and under special circumstances may be computed with precision. Techniques for determining displacement difference employ two methods, (1) removal of the effects of strain through the deformed zone, and (2) resection of once continuous linear features in the foreland and hinterland. These have been applied successfully in parts of deformed zones but their application to a complete orogenic belt is for the future.





This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 Geological Society, London, MemoirsHome page
References
Geological Society, London, Memoirs, 2002; 24: 119 - 125.
[PDF]