Kinematic modeling of deformation in the Troodos ophiolite, Cyprus

Abstract

The Troodos ophiolite in Cyprus is an ideal location to study deformation at a ridge- transform intersection. The ophiolite exposes both the fossil Arakapas transform fault and the Solea graben, an extinct spreading ridge. I analyzed paleomagnetic data from gabbros, which show vertical axis rotations that vary with position relative to the Arakapas fault belt and the Solea graben. This study characterizes the deformation between the Arakapas fault and the Solea graben based on my paleomagnetic rotation data and sheeted dike orientations by constructing numerical models. I test seven two-dimensional kinematic models, each of which represents heterogenous simple shear, to better constrain the spatial distribution of deformation due to motion along the Arakapas fault belt. I estimate that least 40 km of displacement has been accommodated along the transform fault and that 90% of this displacement is accommodated within 1.5 km of the fault. These types of quantitative estimates have not been made before for the Troodos ophiolite