EXPLORING EVIDENCE FOR EARLY MESOZOIC FAULTING IN THE WESTERN ORANGE-MILFORD BELT OF CONNECTICUT

This investigation explores field evidence for early Mesozoic faulting in the western Orange-Milford belt. Previous geologic maps suggest the existence of a NE-trending normal fault that cuts across the western Orange-Milford belt. However, the position of the fault is uncertain due to lack of exposure and the presence of surficial material. Should this fault be located within the region described it is likely be an early Mesozoic structure.

Methods used in this investigation include collection of structural bedrock data, evaluation of the topography of the region using Lidar images of the overall study area, and petrographic analysis of metamorphic fabric elements and mineralogy. Structural data collection included orientation of bedrock foliation, fractures, and outcrop-scale faults. The foliation of the mica schist trends NE-SW and garnet porphyroblasts are common. Deformed quartz veins are also common. The dominant fracture pattern trends NW-SE. Some mesoscale faults with minor quartz mineralization and slickensides surfaces were observed. While mesoscale faults with trends similar to the suspected fault were not recognized in the field, the faults that were observed display trends consistent with small-scale topographic features of the area. Ongoing research will continue to expand field observations across the suspected fault.