Folds analysis techniques

Goal: To apply some of the basic geometric

techniques for analyzing folds and refolded folds.

1. Foliation bedding intersections

Three cases for overturned fold:
a) Bedding upright, dipping more shallowly than
foliation
b) Bedding overturned dipping more steeply than
foliation
c) Bedding highly oblique to foliation

Note that for

cylindrical
folds,
beddingfoliation
intersection
lineation lies
close to fold
hinge.

2. -axes and -axes

Define fold axis using measurements of
bedding from around the fold
Plot on stereonet

-girdle: best-fit girdle to poles to bedding

-axis: pole to -girdle

Finding -axes

1. Plot poles to bedding

2. Find best-fit great circle

-axis:
defined by
intersections
of bedding
planes
plotted on
net

Find a fold axis using these bedding

measurements
050, 80-SE
350, 44-NE
088, 72-NW

Use both -axis

and -axis
methods

Interpreting -axis diagrams

Concentric fold

Fold with narrow

hinge

Chevron fold

Asymmetric fold
Use caution!!

3. Refolded folds

Refolded folds recognition

1. Can often be found in outcrop
2. Regional patterns in facing direction
3. Interference patterns

Interference patterns:
Four end-member classes
Type-0: Tightening of pervious folds
Type-1: Dome and basin (Bullseye
shapes) upright folds at a right angle
to each other
Type-2: Boomerang
Type-3: Hook folds

Interpret these
maps: Draw in F1
and F2 axes and
indicate plunge
directions

Steps to interpret maps

1. Draw two lines representing fold axes.
Which one is refolded?
2. Identify pattern of younger and older
rocks. e.g. youngest on outside
3. Is the hook/boomerang shape a syncline
or anticline?
4. What decide what kind of fold refolded
the first fold.

Sketch where these fold axes

would plot on a stereo net

Type-2

Type-3

Type-0

Type-1

Type-2

Type-3