Competitive macroscopic deformation processes

Macroscopic deformation mechanisms such as folding, fracturing–faulting and formation of rock fabrics compete with one another in a fashion similar to the competition among crystalline deformation mechanisms such as cataclasis, grain boundary sliding, dislocation creep and diffusive mass transfer. Many authors seek to develop a unique structural chronology for a given field area based on what are considered exclusive overprinting relationships between structures. In contrast the approach taken here suggests that relative changes in external or internal variables within a rock mass can cause significantly different `dominantʹ types of macroscopic deformation to be developed in hand specimen and/or outcrop at the same time. Rather than representing distinct structural `faciesʹ, observed dominant macroscopic features are waypoints in continuum processes.