Aside from deformation bands and pressure solution seams forming at different times and entirely independent of each other, which falls into the trivial situation referred to earlier under the 'Fracture Assemblages' discussion, there is an interesting relationship between deformation banding and pressure solution processes. It is perhaps straightforward to see such a relationship in Figure 1 where a couple of macroscopically identifiable pressure solution seams (two linear features with negative relief) overprinted a deformation band in carbonate grainstone cropping out in the Island of Favignana, west of Sicily.

Figure 1. Photograph of a vertical quarry wall showing a single deformation band (rib-like feature in a vertical orientation) which is overprinted by pressure solution seams (two lineaments with negative relief) in carbonate grainstone, Calla Rossa area, Favignana Island, Sicily, Italy.

Figures 2 and 3 show a map and two thin section images, respectively, of compactive shear bands overprinted by a system of sheared pressure solution seams in a petrographically similar grainstone cropping out in a quarry in the central Apennines, mainland Italy. Here, two sets of deformation bands were overprinted by two sets of pressure solution seams which were later sheared. Notice that outside of the band, there exist pervasive pores, while inside the band there is very little pore space (Figure 3), which has likely played a crucial role in enhancing grain to grain contact to form continuous pressure solution seams within the bands.

Figure 2. Map showing single and zone of deformation bands (mostly shear bands) overprinted by pressure solution seams and sheared pressure solution seams in carbonate grainstone cropping out in a quarry floor, Maddona della Mazza, Majella Mountain in central Apennines, Italy. From Tondi et al. (2006).

Figure 3. Thin section photomicrograph (a) and map (b) of assemblage of shear band and overprinting pressure solution seams (stylolites) in carbonate grainstone, Madonna della Mazza quarry, Majella Mountain, central Apenninea, Italy. From Tondi et al. (2006).