Rf- method (2D strain)

( Ramsay, 1967)
Elliptical markers in deformed
& undeformed state
Significant variation in
initial orientation

F= scatter in orientation
Higher Rf over-represented

Rf- method (2D( Ramsay,

strain)
1967)

Rs>
Ri
How do you estimate the orientation of X?

Rf- method (2D( Ramsay,

strain)
1967)
Ri not uniform

Initial markers have restricted range of orientations

How do you estimate the orientation of X?

3D strain
Homogeneous strain at the
scale of observation

Marker and surrounding must

have had same competence/viscosity
Otherwise: strain partitioning
Strain markers with same mechanical
properties as surrounding are passive
strain markers.

Strain markers with different

mechanical properties as surrounding
are active strain markers.

3D strain
Homogeneous strain at the
scale of observation

Marker and surrounding must

have had same competence/viscosity
Otherwise: strain partitioning
Strain markers with same mechanical
properties as surrounding are passive
strain markers.

Y
Z

Strain markers with different

mechanical properties as surrounding
are active strain markers.
Reasonable good knowledge about
original shape of strain marker

True lineation should contain a axis ( longest axis of strain ellipsoid)

Tectonic Foliation is a principal plane with shortening direction perpendicular to

cleavage (XY plane/ab plane)

3D strain
Some complications!
Homogeneous strain at the
scale of observation

Marker and surrounding must

have had same competence/viscosity
Otherwise: strain partitioning
Strain markers with same mechanical
properties as surrounding are passive
strain markers.

Strain markers with different

mechanical properties as surrounding
are active strain markers.