Predicting the orientation of joints from fold shape: Results of pseudo–three-dimensional modeling and curvature analysis (2000)

Research Article| January 01, 2000 Predicting the orientation of joints from fold shape: Results of pseudo–three-dimensional modeling and curvature analysis Mark P. Fischer; Mark P. Fischer 1Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois 60115-2854, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar M. Scott Wilkerson M. Scott Wilkerson 2Department of Geology and Geography, DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana 46135, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Mark P. Fischer 1Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois 60115-2854, USA M. Scott Wilkerson 2Department of Geology and Geography, DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana 46135, USA Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 19 May 1999 Revision Received: 19 Aug 1999 Accepted: 08 Sep 1999 First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (2000) 28 (1): 15–18. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(2000)28<15:PTOOJF>2.0.CO;2 Article history Received: 19 May 1999 Revision Received: 19 Aug 1999 Accepted: 08 Sep 1999 First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Mark P. Fischer, M. Scott Wilkerson; Predicting the orientation of joints from fold shape: Results of pseudo–three-dimensional modeling and curvature analysis. Geology 2000;; 28 (1): 15–18. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(2000)28<15:PTOOJF>2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract We treat layers of sedimentary rock as elastic plates and predict the orientations of joints by assuming that they open parallel to the maximum instantaneous stretch of a layer. Because the direction of maximum instantaneous stretch is parallel to the maximum curvature of a surface, we hypothesize that joints will trend parallel to the minimum curvature of an elastically deformed layer. After constructing pseudo–three-dimensional trishear models of Laramide-style uplifts that grow self-similarly, we calculated the direction of minimum-curvature axes during the evolution of the fold. Our analysis of minimum-curvature axes in evolving folds suggests several important characteristics for fold-related joint sets: (1) joints that are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the fold axis may be induced by local fold-related strains; (2) at any time during folding, joint orientations may vary according to the structural position on a fold; (3) at any location on a fold, joint orientation may depend on when a joint forms during the evolution of the fold; and (4) joint patterns in trishear folds may vary with stratigraphic position. Natural folds that evolve along simple geometric pathways may develop fold-related joint sets, the orientation, dominance, abutting relationships, spacing, and continuity of which will vary systematically throughout the structure. This variation in joint-system architecture may reflect the history of fold growth. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.