Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) analysis of deformation microstructures - Constraining rheology and deformation conditions of northern Borborema Province (NE Brazil)

Abstract

Shear zones are important to processes of continental deformation during orogenesis and often determine the bulk strength of the lithosphere. The localization of deformation within shear zones produce specific rock deformation microstructures which result from activation of different mechanisms that accomodate plastic strain. The shear zones in the northern Borborema Province, subject of study in the present PhD project (FAPESP 2016/22226-9), provide a unique opportunity to investigate deformation conditions in orogenic cores at varied conditions. We propose to carry out an EBSD-based microstructural investigation of of Senador Pompeu and Tauá shear zones at the high-end microscopy facilities the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Southern California, under supervision and collaboration of professor John Platt. This comprises an application for a one year period of the Research Internship Abroad project (BEPE - Bolsa de Estágio em Pesquisa no Exterior) funded by FAPESP, as conceived in the initial project of the ongoing PhD research. (AU)