Changes in Forearc Strain Partitioning with Increasing Obliquity of Convergence, Hikurangi Margin, North Island, New Zealand

由于板块之间的持续会聚，弧前矿床通常在形成后不久就会变形，但变形的方式可能会根据会聚角度和速率而有所不同。此外，大多数现代前弧主要是海底的，很难研究。该项目将侧重于新西兰北岛东海岸上新世和更新世前弧形变，该地区由于太平洋和澳大利亚板块之间的倾斜会聚而经历了活跃的形变和地震活动。该项目将涉及详细的地质填图，断层组的应变分析，以及在具有汇聚角等级的地区调查全新世断层和褶皱变形。这些结果将增加对该地区结构和构造演化的了解，并将证明倾斜收敛边缘的应变分配。它还将提供有关收敛倾角增大可能引起的应变变化的信息。这些信息将适用于弧前变形的其他现代例子，并可用于解释古代的弧前情况。

Forearc deposits are commonly deformed soon after they are formed due to continuing convergence between plates, however, the style of deformation may vary depending on convergence angles and rates. Also most modern forearcs are largely submarine and are difficult to study. This project will focus on deformation of a Pliocene and Pleistocene forearc exposed on the east coast of North Island, New Zealand, an area experiencing active deformation and seismicity resulting from oblique convergence between the Pacific and Australian plates. The project will involve detailed geologic mapping, strain analysis of fault sets and investigation of Holocene fault and fold deformation in a region having a gradation of convergence angles. Results will increase understanding of both the structure and tectonic evolution of the area and will document strain partitioning in obliquely convergent margins. It will also provide information on possible changes in strain caused by increasing obliquity of convergence. Such information will be applicable in other modern examples of forearc deformation and in interpreting ancient forearc situations.