Model of layering formation in a mantle peridotite (Horoman, Hokkaido, Japan)

The Horoman peridotite complex exhibits a conspicuous layered structure. It is found, from the geological and petrological survey, that the pattern of layering has three characteristics: symmetry, asymmetry (subtly collapsed symmetry) and scale invariance. Especially, symmetric and asymmetric patterns clearly recognized in the sequence of mafic layers at the Northern ridge of Apoi-dake peak, and at the Western ridge of Bozu-yama peak are noticeable. We present a simple mathematical model describing stretching (thinning) and folding during deformation that accounts for the three characteristics. The model quantitatively reproduces the slope in cumulative frequency distribution of the width of mafic layers and indicates that the frequency distribution is strongly influenced by the spatial strain contrast. Applying the model result to the observational data for mafic layers, it is found that the strain contrast approximately ranges several to 10 times between regions with the highest and the lowest strain rates.