Major tectonic deformation of mountain systems can occur as the result of chemical dissolution that occurs under directed stress. This process creates zones of rock that become depleted in chemical elements that are most susceptible to removal and replacement. Quantification of the amount of strain in rocks changed by this process is elusive because it is difficult to determine how much material has been removed. This project will measure this effect by comparing the bulk chemical content of deformed zones with adjoining undeformed zones. Development of this technique will provide others with the methodology to allow routine analysis of such rocks.
