Recording and analyzing geospatially accurate structural data through ‘digital mapping’ technique: A case study from the Canisp Shear Zone, NW Scotland

Abstract

Spatial accuracy of structural data is an important factor for construction of a properly scaled model of crustal structures. Digital Geological Mapping methods can add the required spatial accuracy to the data, and also can improve the versatility of the geological/structural map in many ways, which are difficult to achieve through conventional mapping techniques. The present paper describes the methodology of digital mapping and discusses its applicability in structural analyses in the Canisp Shear Zone (CSZ) -a reactivated continental basement structure in the Precambrian Lewisian Gneiss complex of NW Scottish Highland. The CSZ is reinterpreted as a major dextral transpressional shear zone developed during Laxfordian deformation. It overprinted an earlier Inverian shear zone fabric, and was later reactivated and/or overprinted by brittle shearing of different phases and different scales. Spatial analyses within the ArcGIS TM environment has helped bring out the geological relationships between different types of structural data in the shear zone, highlighting the partitioning of deformation into zones of high and low strain. A kinematic interpretation based on the geospatial data analysis, combined with conventional stereographic projection technique, is presented.

High-precision U–Pb dating of complex zircon from the Lewisian Gneiss Complex of Scotland using an incremental CA-ID-TIMS approach

“…The Rhiconich and Assynt blocks are separated by the Laxford Shear Zone (Evans, 1965;Corfu et al, 1994;Goodenough et al, 2010;. The central region may be further subdivided into Assynt and Gruinard blocks, separated by the Canisp Shear Zone (Coward and Park, 1987;Chattopadhyay et al, 2010;Goodenough et al, 2010). The Assynt block features TTG gneisses and metamorphosed mafic and ultramafic lithologies, some of which display granulite mineral assemblages formed during the Badcallian (Park, 1970).…”

Short Note: The application and benefits of digital geological mapping in Antarctica

“…5) All data and observations are automatically stored within a GIS enabling detailed spatial and attribute analyses in ESRI R ArcMap (e.g. Chattopadhyay et al 2010).…”

“…Chattopadhyay et al . 2010). Data security is enhanced due to ease of backup between removable solid-state memory cards within the PDA and/or by synchronising the PDA with a laptop or PC.…”