On stress and strain in a continuous-discontinuous shear zone undergoing simple shear and volume loss

I summarise observations within a continuous-discontinuous shear zone to discuss the local stress and strain conditions experienced within a mixed rheology shear zone undergoing volume loss and deformation approximating simple shear. The Chrystalls Beach Complex, New Zealand, comprises phacoids formed from dismembered beds by layer-parallel extension, enclosed within a relatively incompetent matrix. Local extension is generally subparallel to the regional direction of shortening, and overall it appears that layer-parallel extension is a geometrical necessity in low angle shear zones where significant flattening occurs in response to simple shear accompanied by volume loss. Preferential stress loading of phacoids is predicted by fibre-loading theory, and the failure of phacoids by brittle fracture is thereby governed by fibre stresses transferred from the matrix. The principal stress orientations in a phacoid are likely rotated relative to the matrix, and either parallel or perpendicular to the phacoid-matrix interface. As preferential loading of phacoids decreases the stress level in the matrix, an increased volume fraction of phacoids increases the strength of the shear zone as a whole. However, only small matrix volume fractions are required for the composite to act nearly as weak as the matrix. ► Consider the local stress and strain within a simple shear zone. ► Local greatest finite extension may be subparallel to regional shortening. ► Stress orientations in a phacoid are parallel or normal to its boundaries. ► Stress loading of competent lenses is predicted by fibre-loading theory. ► Bulk rheology depends on volume fraction and distribution of phacoids.