On the high scientific quality of early research on strain and deformation fabrics (1835–1908)

• Published in: History of geo- and space sciences 2021-10, Vol.12 (2), p.197-216
• Main Author: Torres Carbonell, Pablo J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 19th century; Deformation; Historical account; Metamorphism; Rocks; Shear strain; Stratigraphy; Terminology
• ISSN: 2190-5029; 2190-5010; 2190-5029
• DOI: 10.5194/hgss-12-197-2021

High-quality research developed during the 19th century established the foundations of rock strain investigations. Careful observation and description of rock fabrics and deformed objects in rocks allowed early researchers to obtain mathematical expressions that are still used today to quantify strain. Thus, in a span of a few decades, and applying basic scientific methodology, these researchers developed the concept of the strain ellipsoid, defined mathematically the difference between constant-volume and volume-loss deformation, constructed the basic equations that define pure and simple shear deformation, and discovered the mechanism of pressure–solution deformation. These advances were fundamental to seminal works on strain analysis and deformation fabrics in the mid-20th century. However, they are rarely addressed in modern studies, which suggests a lack of awareness among current researchers. In order to bring attention to these landmarks of strain research, I provide a historical review of the high standards of analysis that led to the definition of the fundamental equations and concepts on strain during the 19th century.