Quantitative characterisation of cataclasites using a statistical approach (analysis of variance)

Autor(en)
Norbert Kohlmayer, Bernhard Grasemann
Abstrakt

Cataclastic rocks can be described by both a range of shape parameters and the particle size distribution. In this work, we apply statistical methods to investigate these variables in samples with different degrees of maturity from high- and low-angle normal faults within marbles in the W-Cyclades (Greece). Four shape parameters (circularity, elliptical PARIS factor, solidity and the aspect ratio) were used to describe the particles. Using a statistical analysis, the variance of the cataclastic particles of a particular shape is partitioned into fractions attributable to different sources of variation. In addition to the shape parameters, the particle size distribution was included, to test whether there is a relationship between particle size and shape. The investigations demonstrate that the analysis of variance is a statistical method ideally suited for quantitatively studying the grain-size and shape parameters in cataclasites. Our results indicate that although the particle size distributions of the test samples are very similar, three shape parameters (solidity, circularity and the elliptical PARIS factor) can discriminate between the samples. Ideally, numbers of the shape parameter discretized in individual classes of equivalent diameter of the particle components should be used to quantitatively describe the different samples in order to derive information about the deformation mechanisms in the fault rock. Some of the investigated shape parameters record a clear dependence on the grain-size. In the investigated samples, smaller particles record a higher circularity and a lower elliptical PARIS Factor than larger particles. However, no relationship between the solidity or aspect ratio and the grain size has been observed. This suggests that abrasion and comminution are the dominant deformation mechanism in the finer grained particles but fracturing and cracking are prevalent in the more angular, coarser grained particles.

Organisation(en)
Institut für Geologie
Journal
Austrian Journal of Earth Sciences
Band
105
Seiten
48-60
Anzahl der Seiten
13
ISSN
0251-7493
Publikationsdatum
2012
Peer-reviewed
Ja
ÖFOS 2012
105124 Tektonik
Schlagwörter
ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete
Geology, Stratigraphy, Palaeontology
Link zum Portal
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/de/publications/fa5a1f91-070f-449d-90aa-6d93fe1cc793