Structure of Franciscan complex in the Stanley Mountain window, Southern Coast ranges, California
Three sets of deformational events are recognized in the Franciscan Complex of the Stanley Mt. area, S. Coast ranges, California. First, in pre-melange time, shortening of the relatively cohesive sequence of interbedded graywacke and mudstone formed isoclinal folds and an axial-plane slaty cleavage. Second, fragmentation of the once cohesive sequence, probably over a considerable period of time, produced the configuration now considered a melange. Third, after the melange developed, the Franciscan Complex was deformed along with the surrounding upper Mesozoic Great Valley sequence into the Stanley Mt. antiform. In the cohesive Upper Cretaceous Carrie Creek Formation, macroscopic and mesoscopic folds have 2 predominant orientations. The less cohesive Franciscan Complex attempted to fold, as shown by the distribution of shear foliations on stereographic projections, but lack of lithologic continuity and slip along previously formed shear fractures prevents the recognition of macroscopic folds. Hence, in the Franciscan Complex of the Stanley Mt. window, several lines of evidence show that the melange structure is tectonic in origin, not just a tectonic imprint superimposed upon already chaotic rocks of sedimentary origin (olistostromes). 43 references.
- OSTI ID:
- 5955846
- Journal Information:
- Am. J. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Sci.; (United States) Vol. 282:9; ISSN AJSCA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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