Direct observation of dislocation nucleation in pyrite using combined electron channelling contrast imaging and electron backscatter diffraction

Author(s)
Anna Rogowitz, Renelle Dubosq, Stefan Zaefferer
Abstract

Crystal-plastic deformation is one of the main mechanisms that can accommodate large amounts of strain within the lithosphere. Despite the requirement of understanding dislocation nucleation and arrangement, the only accepted method for direct observation of dislocations in geological materials so far is transmission electron microscopy. Herein, we present a study using a combination of electron channelling contrast imaging (ECCI) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) to visualize and analyse crystal defects in pyrite deforming close to the crystal plastic to brittle transition zone. Structures in focus include (a) dislocation nucleation at crack-tips and (b) the reactivation of mode I cracks accompanied by the nucleation of dislocations and crystal-plastic behaviour resulting in the development of complex dislocation structures and low-angle grain boundaries. EBSD maps reveal an increase in misorientation towards micro-cracks, consistent with a greater dislocation density along cracks observed by ECCI.

Organisation(s)
Department of Geology
External organisation(s)
University of Ottawa, Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Max-Planck-Institut für Metallforschung
Journal
Terra Nova
Volume
30
Pages
423-430
No. of pages
8
ISSN
0954-4879
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/ter.12358
Publication date
12-2018
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
105125 Petrophysics, 105116 Mineralogy, 105106 Geodynamics
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Geology
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/ce836a7b-1f6c-448d-a46e-45563dc5cb90