Transition from contractional to transpressive tectonics: evidence from the Feira Nova Region, Rio Capibaribe Domain, Borborema Province, NE Brazil

Abstract

Differences in tectonic style and kinematics in orogenic belts can result from either multiphase or progressive deformation. In eastern Borborema Province, a regional shallow dipping foliation is multiply folded and crosscut by transcurrent shear zones. Here, we investigate if these fabrics resulted from diachronous deformational events or from a single-phase progressive deformation. The study area, the Feira Nova region, mostly comprises metasedimentary rocks from the Surubim Complex, and is bounded by the NE-trending sinistral Gloria do Goitá (GGSZ) and the sinistral contractional Paudalho (PSZ) shear zones, which separate it from Paleoproterozoic basement rocks. Structures can be grouped into a contractional and a transpressional stage, both related to the Brasiliano Orogeny. The contraction-related structures are represented by a gently dipping foliation (S2) related to a top-to-the-NW tectonic transport. The contact between the metasedimentary and basement rocks is parallel to S2, indicating the fabrics in both lithotypes are of Brasiliano age, with strain localization having produced the PSZ. NW-verging macroscopic folds are consistent with this regime. The following transpression generated steep mylonitic foliation (S3) mainly along the GGSZ, and caused refolding. The data here presented are consistent with a progressive deformation history comprising a gradual transition from contraction to transpression.