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Major shear zones and autochthonous Dalradian in the north-east Scottish Caledonides

Abstract

The Buchan area within the Grampian Caledonides of north-east Scotland is a classic locality for the study of low-pressure regional metamorphism. Using detailed geophysical surveys, pits and boreholes to augment sparse outcrop data, we have revealed a system of steep shear belts of Grampian age. When combined with a reassessment of the stratigraphy, the new information leads us to the view that the Banff nappe does not exist. We also argue that the Tay nappe is of limited extent in Buchan, and that the tract of uninverted Southern Highland Group (upper Dalradian) is autochthonous.

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Ashcroft, W., Kneller, B., Leslie, A. et al. Major shear zones and autochthonous Dalradian in the north-east Scottish Caledonides. Nature 310, 760–762 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1038/310760a0

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