The preservation of discrete screens of metamorphic rocks separating individual intrusions in composite batholithes is a long standing and inherently interesting problem that relates to how space is mad available to intruding magma. Considerable effort has been directed at roof pendants however wall rock screens may offer considerable insights into intrusive processes as well, but have been little studied. This collaborative project between investigators from the University of Utah, University of North Carolina and Boston University will study examples of pluton screens in the Sierra Nevada of California, where these features are well-developed and displayed. Results should help understand how metamorphic screens form and what insights they might offer in understanding how plutons intrude the earth's crust.
