In a lot of geologic thinking, we too often expect compressional deformation to be accordion-style where all movement is in the direction of compression. But we need to consider lateral and oblique movement as well. In the Cordillera, we find large number of Mesozoic lateral structures capable of facilitating large magnitude displacements. These structures are dominantly right lateral and trend toward the northwest, commensurate with the interaction between the subducting oceanic crust and North America. The magnitude of the displacements on these structures is hotly debated to this day.
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