In a number of compressional orogens clognate tabular or sheet-like plutons are common, yet their tectonic significance or mechanism of emplacement is not well understood. The crystalline core of the North Cascades (part of the Cretaceous Coast Plutonic Complex) are dominated by sheet-like plutons and their deformed wall rocks. This project will evaluate the relationship between emplacement of these bodies and the regional tectonics in order to understand the links between magmatism and emplacement mechanisms. Results should be applicable to several orogens in which sheet-like plutons also are an important part.
