The Initiation, Propagation, and Arrest of Joints and Other Fractures

Abstract

The growth of joints is a fundamental issue in structural geology and related disciplines since joints exert a profound influence on the strength, deformability geophysical properties, and hydrologic characteristics of a rock mass. Joints in large igneous intrusions such as granitic plutons can provide exceptionally fine views of joint surface topography that are of interest to studies of joint propagation, interaction, and arrest.On the other hand, layered sedimentary sequences present opportunities to investigate the influence of heterogeneous layer thicknesses on joints, as well as properties involved with geometry and spacing of joints as they attempt to propagate laterally across and vertically through the sequence. Because the geometries and characteristics of subsequent geologic phenomena, such as faults, folds, and fluid‐bearing fracture networks, are influenced by those of the joints, field‐based studies of joint growth and pattern development are necessary prerequisites to clearly understand the later joint‐dependent phenomena.