Microtectonics / Микротектоника

Basic concepts of microtectonics are introduced and discussed in this chapter. The study of thin sections of rocks, which was originally mainly petrographic, has evolved during the last century to include a number of structural characteristics, that constitute the microstructure or fabric of a rock. The study of this fabric can be used to reconstruct the structural and metamorphic history, but also to improve the understanding of deformation and metamorphic processes. Successive stages in the deformational and metamorphic evolution of a rock are commonly preserved as part of a fabric and the recognition and correct interpretation of these fabrics is essential for the understanding of this evolution. Two concepts are important: deformation phases and metamorphic events. The first relates to specific periods during which a rock is deformed under the influence of a deviatoric stress field, leaving visible records such as folds, cleavages or lineations. Successive deformation phases may be superposed on each other leaving overprinting structures such as folded foliations, refolded folds or folded lineations. <...>