Michele Cooke's Research Current and Prospective Projects Current or Recent Projects Joint Localization Along Faults Joints are observed to localize along faults. I've examined the influence of friction variations along faults on the localization of fractures. Gradual friction variations can produce joint clusters often observed in the field while Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics cannot. This research has been published in the Journal of Geophysical Research. Also within this area I am examining footwall deformation with mechanical numerical models.
Many kinematic models predict no footwall deformation.
Since footwall deformation may not be discernable on seismic mechanical models can aid in understanding the extent and nature of this deformation. I compared the fractures in East Kaibab Monocline with patterns predicted in numerical models. Fractures associated with both fold curvature and slip along bedding planes were considered. Another project examined the influence of sedimentary fabric on faulting and fracturing. Within the aeolian Navajo sandstone of East Kaibab monocline faults preferentially develop along cross-bedding.