The problem of gravitational redistribution mechanisms

The theory of gravitational redistribution suggests that ascending rocks must have structural features that indicate upward movement, while adjacent wall rocks must have structural features of downward movement. In metamorphic rocks, these features are represented by lineations, drag folds, orientation of fold hinges, etc. Gravitational redistribution is the main mechanism that forms granulite facies terrains, which has been proven by data on general geology, tectonics, petrology, geochemistry, isotopic geology, geophysics, and numerical modeling. Apart from “straight gneisses,” no direct evidence for the internal dynamics of the formation of high-grade terrains has ever been considered. In this paper, we formulate a rule allowing discrimination between cylindrical metamorphogenic and magmatogenic structures and demonstrate a model of their formation. Two examples of ring structures are considered as indicators of ascending granulites toward the surface, i.e., cylindrical folds and stocks. Despite the fact that these structures are located more than 100 km apart, they are characterized by similar orientation of foliation and lineations, which is evidence for their simultaneous formation. This conclusion is well supported by isotopic geochronological data.