Deformation when rocks are warm or when it happens slowly commonly results in near-continuous strain, without breaking. This type of deformation is termed ductile. It characterises deformation that happened deep in the crust, when rocks were under metamorphic conditions. Consequently rocks that have undergone ductile deformation very commonly are also metamorphosed.

Deformation under metamorphic conditions is commonly cyclic and polyphase. This is sometimes manifest by refolded folds. Where strain is localised, shear zones develop.

To find out about the ways of describing rocks that have undergone ductile deformation or to go and see some deformation - choose from the adjacent icons.

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