We examined numerous coeval mid-Cretaceous intrusions emplaced at different depths into Triassic slate and phyllite to evaluate wall-rock features and contact relations associated with emplacement mechanisms. The pre-emplacement regional deformation of the wall rocks is well characterized, which facilitated clear and unambiguous identification of emplacement-related structures. The depth of intrusion in the different study areas ranged from ~5 to 12 km, which allowed us to examine emplacement mechanisms from the ductile to the brittle regime. Intrusions range in size from dikes and small pods to stocks and plutons up to 90 km² in area. Our analyses indicate several important...