Analysis of Champlain Valley Kinematics Group 1

Objectives To explore geological processes common to the Champlain Valley To determine kinematics of faulting and folding in the Champlain Valley To determine which geological processes may have contributed to mountain building in the Champlain Valley

Location of Study Areas used in Regional Analysis of Lake Champlain Valley Directional movement indicated by arrow

Main Concerns We will focus on the following questions: Could structures of different study areas be created by same processes? Could these structures have been created during the same event? In what ways are structures at each site similar and in what ways do they differ?

Observations: Clay Point W E

Analysis: Axial-Planar-Cleavage Model

Analysis: Duplex Model If duplex model works then all motion should occur in a single plane oriented perpendicular to the floor thrust. Cleavage should also be within that perpendicular plane.

Support for the Duplex Model

The Green Mountains Duplex Model and Axial Planar Model Support massive mountain building event on a larger scale. Strong directional force could create a massive hinge or pile thick thrust horses on top of one another. Likely a combination of the two forces added up.

Mountain Building

The Champlain Thrust Grand Isle Red arrow shows direction of movement

Conclusions We concluded that the kinematics of the Champlain Valley involve regional compression which resulted in massive deformation that was represented by the different geological structures observed.

References www.uvm.edu/geology/images/map-champlain_fault.jpg http://ucsc.edu/~casey/eart150/lectures/4thrustFlts/4thrustfaults.htm