Influence of object concentration on finite strain and effective viscosity contrast: insights from naturally deformed packstones

Deformed conglomerates and ooidal/oncoidal packstones are commonly used to evaluate finite strain in deformed sedimentary successions. In order to obtain a correct estimate of finite strain, it is necessary to consider not only the different behaviour of matrix and objects, but also object concentration. The analysis of two-component rocks characterised by high values of packing commonly results in a substantial underestimate of bulk strain and of viscosity contrast between objects and matrix. In this study, the effects of the volumetric fraction of competent inclusions on both object and bulk measured finite strain, as well as on apparent viscosity contrast, have been investigated in naturally deformed packstones characterised by variable object concentration on the scale of the hand specimen (and hence for homogenous viscosity contrast). Object finite strain has been obtained by Rf/ϕ analysis, whereas the Fry method provides a measure of whole-rock strain that is also a function of inclusion concentration. Therefore, the finite strain measured by the Fry method is better termed effective bulk strain. In order to investigate the role of object concentration, this parameter has been plotted against object and effective bulk strain, and also against viscosity contrast. These diagrams show that: (i) for high values of packing, measured object and effective bulk strain show values that are significantly lower with respect to the calculated maximum value (that would result in the ideal case of no particle interaction and represents therefore the real bulk strain of the samples); (ii) the viscosity contrast shows lower values with respect to the calculated maximum one (that is equal for the three principal sections of the finite strain ellipsoid), and as packing reaches the maximum value, the viscosity contrast approaches a unit value. Empirical equations have also been found that link object concentration with both object and effective bulk finite strain.