Characterization of Tomar-Badajoz-Córdoba shear zone in Abrantes region; the presence of a kilometric sheath fold?

Abstract

The Tomar-Badajoz-Cordoba shear zone (TBCSZ) and the Porto-Tomar-Ferreira do Alentejo shear zones (PTFASZ) are two of the major variscan structures in the Iberian Massif. Their characterization is thus crucial to understand the geodynamic evolution of the Iberian Variscan Chain. These two major shear zones intersect in the Abrantes region (Ribeiro et al, 2007), which is regarded as a structural key sector. The sinistral of TBCSZ and the dextral of PTFASZ Variscan kinematics induced space problems and controls the structure of Abrantes region in the western segment of the TBCSZ.