A broader classification of damage zones. (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peacock, D.C.P.; Dimmen, V.; Rotevatn, A.; Sanderson, D.J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of structural geology. Volume 102(2017:Sep.)
• Page Start: 179
• Page End: 192
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: Faults -- Damage zones -- Interaction -- Approaching -- Intersection; Geology, Structural -- Periodicals; Géomorphologie structurale -- Périodiques; Geology, Structural; Periodicals; 551.805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsg.2017.08.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8141

Abstract

Abstract: Damage zones have previously been classified in terms of their positions at fault tips, walls or areas of linkage, with the latter being described in terms of sub-parallel and synchronously active faults. We broaden the idea of linkage to include structures around the intersections of non-parallel and/or non-synchronous faults. These interaction damage zones can be divided into approaching damage zones, where the faults kinematically interact but are not physically connected, and intersection damage zones, where the faults either abut or cross-cut. The damage zone concept is applied to other settings in which strain or displacement variations are taken up by a range of structures, such as at fault bends. It is recommended that a prefix can be added to a wide range of damage zones, to describe the locations in which they formed, e.g., approaching, intersection and fault bend damage zone. Such interpretations are commonly based on limited knowledge of the 3D geometries of the structures, such as from exposure surfaces, and there may be spatial variations. For example, approaching faults and related damage seen in outcrop may be intersecting elsewhere on the fault planes. Dilation in intersection damage zones can represent narrow and localised channels for fluid flow, and such dilation can be influenced by post-faulting stress patterns. Highlights: We define interaction damage zones, which can be sub-divided into approaching and intersecting. Fault bend and distributed damage zones are also described. Three-dimensional geometries, post-faulting stresses, fluid flow and mineralisation are discussed.