Characterization of vein-sets and estimation of stress orientations and stress ratios from the Buxa dolomite, Main Boundary thrust (MBT) sheet, Siang Valley, Arunanchal Lesser Himalaya

We estimate paleostress orientations (σ₁, σ₂ and σ₃), stress ratios (φ) and driving pressure ratios (R′) from the extension veins exposed within the Buxa dolomite of the frontal Main Boundary thrust (MBT) sheet in the Siang valley, Arunanchal Lesser Himalaya. Based on the angular relationship with the bedding, the fractures and veins were divided into low-angle (<30°), moderate-angle (~30°-60°) and high-angle (>60°) sets. Observations in the field as well as at a microscopic level indicate that the high- and moderate-angle veins overprint the low-angle veins implying that the latter are the oldest. The high-angle veins are the most dominant set (~49%; mean orientation: ~23°, ~141°) followed by the moderate- (~31%; mean orientation: ~70°, ~176°) and the low-angle (~20%; mean orientation: ~58°, ~224°) set. The poles to the low- and high-angle veins define a clustered distribution in the stereoplot indicating that the pore fluid pressure (P_f) was less than the intermediate principal stress (σ₂) during the formation of these vein sets. In contrast, the poles to the moderate-angle veins mark a girdled pattern in the stereoplot indicating that the pore fluid pressure (P_f) exceeded the intermediate principal stress (σ₂) during their formation. On applying the stress inversion method (Yamaji et al., 2010) to the veins, 5 different generations of veins are revealed. Preliminary microstructural study indicates that the low-angle veins are dominantly quartz-rich, whereas the high-angle veins are dominantly calcite-rich indicating the presence of multiple generations of veins. The study also indicates the presence of blocky texture in the veins with the growth direction of the mineral grains at a high angle to the vein wall. Based on the stress ratio (φ), driving pressure ratio (R′) and the orientation of stress axes associated with each generation, the different generations of veins most likely formed under different stress conditions.