The Norumbega Fault Zone in Maine is a major feature long considered to be a dextral strike-slip fault system. Preliminary observations suggest however that the NE-SW striking fault zone represents a partial crustal profile of a major transcurrent boundary, with significantly different crustal levels exposed along strike. This project is aimed at taking advantage of this feature to characterize the styles of metamorphism and deformation processes with increasing depth in the crust. It will employ detailed mapping, petrology and Ar/Ar geochronology to constrain timing of deformation events, along four areas or transects along strike. Results will elucidate the tectonic significance of this fault zone in the development of the Appalachian orogen.
