Chapter 11: Problem 5

How is a fault different from a joint?

Short Answer

Expert verified

A fault is a large fracture in the Earth's crust along which rock masses have moved relative to each other, often causing earthquakes. In contrast, a joint is a fracture where rock masses break apart without significant displacement. The main difference lies in the movement of rock masses: faults involve displacement, while joints do not. Faults are associated with larger scale deformations and are more hazardous than joints, which are more localized features.

Step by step solution

Defining a Fault

A fault is a large fracture or break in the Earth's crust, along which rock masses have moved relative to each other. Faults are caused by stress and strain from tectonic forces acting on the Earth's lithosphere, which results in earthquakes when these rock masses slip past one another. A fault has a fault plane, and there can be different types of faults depending on the direction of their movement, like normal faults, reverse faults, strike-slip faults, etc.

Defining a Joint

A joint, on the other hand, is a fracture in rocks where there has been no significant displacement of the rock masses. Joints are also caused by stress and strain on the Earth's crust due to various factors like tectonic activity, cooling and contraction, or unloading. Joints can be classified into different types based on their shape, orientation, and distribution, such as columnar joints, sheet joints, or tension joints.

Comparing Faults and Joints

The primary difference between faults and joints lies in the movement of rock masses. In faults, there is a significant displacement of rocks, while in joints, rocks simply break apart without any notable movement. This displacement in faults often leads to earthquakes, making them more hazardous than joints. Faults can also be associated with larger scale deformations, whereas joints tend to be more localized features. In summary, faults are characterized by the relative movement of rocks, whereas joints are characterized just by fractures without any significant movement.

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How is a fault different from a joint?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Defining a Fault

Defining a Joint

Comparing Faults and Joints

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