COMPLEX STRUCTURES IN THE LOOKOUT VALLEY ANTICLINE, GEORGIA, NEAR THE TENNESSEE BOUNDARY

Folds, one at higher stratigraphic level than the other, are viewable at the exit 169, of I-24 westbound lane, Georgia. These intermediate-scale deformation structures developed in Upper Ordovician strata on the western limb of the Lookout Valley Anticline (LVA). The western limb of the LVA dips at 15° to 30°NW. The lower fault-bend-fault is viewable both on the exit and entry ramps of I-24. The upper fault-bend-fault is viewable in three dimensions along the exit ramp. Movement of strata had formed a northwest vergent fault-bend-fold. Smaller scale, tightly folded, synclines and anticline have developed in footwall strata beneath the fault breccia where the fault has ramped up limestone layers. About 50 feet to the southeast of the fault breccia, folded strata verge southeast. This southeast verging fold has a fold hinge of N 25°E, and might have an associated northwest dipping fault at depth (not exposed). All the structures exposed here are architectures of the Alleghanian thin skin deformation.