Finite strain analysis of the Zhangbaling metamorphic belt, SE China – Crustal thinning in transpression

Finite strain analysis of pebbles in the metatillite and phyllite shows that the deformation of the metatillite/phyllite zone is flattening to plane-strain dominated. Results of SPO analysis of the rigid plagioclase porphyroclasts in three perpendicular planes indicate monoclinic strain symmetry of the Zhangbaling schist and oblate geometry of the clast. Forward strain modeling of rigid clasts is performed based on the shape fabric of the clast population. Integrated results of finite strain modeling and finite strain analysis indicate that this midcrustal section experienced at least ∼18–36% thinning in the oblique convergence between North and South China blocks.