Abstract - The base metal deposits of the Lower Carboniferous of Ireland are controlled by faults that are considered to be the expressions of underlying basement structures (e.g. Johnston et al. 1996; Hitzman 1999). The most important basement controls have been defined from structural, magnetic and gravity constraints and are directly attributable to the reactivation of structures formed during the late Silurian-Middle Devonian Caledonian orogeny. Using evidence from both Ireland and Britain, links between Caledonian structures and the deformation associated with later extensional and compressional events are explored. It is shown that Caledonian structures exercised a major control on later deformation, particularly in relation to Carboniferous-hosted base metal deposits.
Abstract of talk given to:
Geology and Mineralization in the pre-Carboniferous Rocks in Ireland and their Influence on Mineral Deposits in the Carboniferous, Irish Association of Economic Geologists Workshop, Westport, May 2002.