The importance of subduction-related margin-parallel shear zones along transpressional convergent plate margins

Structural and tectonic models of ancient convergent margins commonly assume simple orthogonal convergence and collision. These simplified models often do not consider a margin-parallel component of relative motion. A growing body of evidence suggests that during oblique convergence, subduction-related margin-parallel strike-slip shear zones (MPSZs) play an important role in the evolution of many convergent margins. Documentation of MPSZs and incorporation of relevant motion and age data into multi-dimensional models, those which consider more than a classical cross-orogen section, may greatly advance models of Mesozoic (and older) convergent plate-margin evolution. -from Author