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Processes Leading To The Formation Of Deep Granitic Shear Zones In The Grenville Front Tectonic Zone, Ontario, Canada, Deborah J. Shulman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The rheology of the deep crust influences the transmission of mantle stresses to the surface as well as the topographic relief of orogenic terrains. Since deformation in the deep crust is often localized in shear zones, we investigate the mechanical processes associated with strain localization to understand the rheology of the deep crust. Strain localizes due to a strength heterogeneity, which can be created by the activation of one or more weakening factors. Studying the mechanical processes and weakening factors that sustain strain localization in the deep crust is becoming increasingly important as geodynamic models become more computationally robust, and …