Using field and laboratory data to characterize deformation in the outside corner of a ridge-transform intersection in the Troodos ophiolite, Cyprus

The Troodos ophiolite provides an exceptional opportunity to study deformation of mid-crust units near a fossil ridge-transform intersection. Previous research on the ophiolite has focused on the inside corner, however, this study aims to use field and laboratory data to better characterize deformation in the proposed outside corner of the ophiolite. Paleomagnetic data suggests that features in the ophiolite have rotated since formation. Thus, using paleomagnetic rotations, I determine two possible solutions for original orientations of dikes and Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) data collected from dikes and gabbros in the outside corner. An alternate method of rotation assumes a N-S, horizontal rotation axis and gives a third solution for possible original orientations of the data. Both solutions 1 and 2 indicate dike orientations oblique to the ridge, assuming an orthogonal ridge-transform system. Solution 1 has variable AMS, but K1 orientations trend roughly E-W at many sites. Solution 2 shows variable AMS, but K1 orientations trend N-S throughout much of the outside corner. Solution 3 dike orientations agree with dynamic models for orthogonal ridge-transform intersections, yet AMS K1 orientations are variable. None of these solutions appear to match based on dynamic models of orthogonal ridge-transform systems and comparison with other AMS studies in the ophiolite. Two conclusions are drawn from the results. First, if the assumptions of the rotation methods are valid, then magma flow and deformation in the outside corner is complex and unlike other regions of the ophiolite. Second, several factors could decrease the validity of the original orientations presented in this paper, including: a non-orthogonal ridge-transform intersection, invalid common assumptions (vertical dike intrusion or a N-S, horizontal rotation axis) used in rotation models, and anomalous AMS data due to hydrothermal alteration or modes of deformation. The findings in this study contribute to the literature on the Troodos ophiolite and demonstrate the importance in using field and laboratory data to increase understanding of oceanic transform faults and spreading ridge processes