Folded joints at first glance

The tectonic evolution of orogenic domains may involve the superposition of ductile and brittle deformation. In some cases, banded or foliated rocks that transiently behaved mechanically brittle, developing sets of variably oriented joints, can be subjected to later ductile deformation. The result can be a complex structural pattern of folded and sheared fractures and rock fabrics. With this work we aim to draw attention to the occurrence of what appears to be folded joints. Some examples of folded joints located in the Variscan basement of the Pyrenees are briefly described by first time, and insight is given into the identification and significance of these structures that have been so far little studied.