page_title: Fracture (geology)
section_title: Causes
hierarchical_section_title: Fracture (geology) / Causes
caption_attribution_description: English: Plumose fracture patterns in North Canyon, Arizona
context_page_description: A fracture is any separation in a geologic formation, such as a joint or a fault that divides the rock into two or more pieces. A fracture will sometimes form a deep fissure or crevice in the rock. Fractures are commonly caused by stress exceeding the rock strength, causing the rock to lose cohesion along its weakest plane. Fractures can provide permeability for fluid movement, such as water or hydrocarbons. Highly fractured rocks can make good aquifers or hydrocarbon reservoirs, since they may possess both significant permeability and fracture porosity.
context_section_description: Fractures in rocks can be formed either due to compression or tension. Fractures due to compression include thrust faults. Fractures may also be a result from shear or tensile stress. Some of the primary mechanisms are discussed below.
caption: The concentric circles in this sandstone are "plumose" (plume-like) structures that can form during the formation and propagation of a fracture
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