An interpretation of the Variscan structures in SW England

Abstract

The Variscan structures in SW England, apart from the high-level structures in the Culm synclinorium of N Devon, are recumbent with an overall gentle southward dip of cleavages, thrusts and recumbent folds. Translation was towards the NNW. The structures are interpreted on a thin-skinned model, with a basal décollement dipping gently S, related to a S-dipping subduction zone S of the Lizard. The granites are thought to have been generated to the S of their present position and injected northwards above the décollement zone.