| Abstract: | Fractal measurements using the Cantor‘s dust method in a linear one-dimensional analysis mode were made on the fracture patterns revealed on two-dimensional, planar surfaces in four granites. This method allows one to conclude that: 1. (1)|The fracture systems seen on two-dimensional surfaces in granites are consistent with the part of fractal theory that predicts a repetition of patterns on different scales of observation, self similarity. Fractal analysis gives essentially the same values of D on the scale of kilometres, metres and centimetres (five orders of magnitude) using mapped, surface fracture patterns in a Sierra Nevada granite batholith (Mt. Abbot quadrangle, Calif.). 2. (2)|Fractures show the same fractal values at different depths in a given batholith. Mapped fractures (main stage ore veins) at three mining levels (over a 700 m depth interval) of the Boulder batholith, Butte, Mont. show the same fractal values although the fracture disposition appears to be different at different levels. 3. (3)|Different sets of fracture planes in a granite batholith, Central France, and in experimental deformation can have different fractal values. In these examples shear and tension modes have the same fractal values while compressional fractures follow a different fractal mode of failure. The composite fracture patterns are also fractal but with a different, median, fractal value compared to the individual values for the fracture plane sets. These observations indicate that the fractal method can possibly be used to distinguish fractures of different origins in a complex system. It is concluded that granites fracture in a fractal manner which can be followed at many scales. It appears that fracture planes of different origins can be characterized using linear fractal analysis. ?? 1991. |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 70016702 |
| Citation Author: | Velde, B.; Dubois, J.; Moore, D.; Touchard, G. |
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| Citation End Page: | 35 |
| Citation Issue: | 1 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Earth and Planetary Science Letters |
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| Citation Number Of Pages: | 11 |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Fractal patterns of fractures in granites; 1991; Article; Journal; Earth and Planetary Science Letters; Velde, B.; Dubois, J.; Moore, D.; Touchard, G. |
| Citation Start Page: | 25 |
| Citation Volume: | 104 |
| Citation Year: | 1991 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Fractal patterns of fractures in granites; 1991; Article; Journal; Earth and Planetary Science Letters; Velde, B.; Dubois, J.; Moore, D.; Touchard, G. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| Date Other: | Tue, 1 Jan 1991 00:00 -0600 |
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