Articles | Volume 10, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-10-487-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-10-487-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
11 Apr 2019
Research article |
| 11 Apr 2019
| 11 Apr 2019
How do we see fractures? Quantifying subjective bias in fracture data collection
Billy J. Andrews
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of
Strathclyde, Glasgow, G11XJ, Scotland
Jennifer J. Roberts
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of
Strathclyde, Glasgow, G11XJ, Scotland
Zoe K. Shipton
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of
Strathclyde, Glasgow, G11XJ, Scotland
Sabina Bigi
Department of Earth Science, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo
Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
M. Chiara Tartarello
Department of Earth Science, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo
Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
Gareth Johnson
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of
Strathclyde, Glasgow, G11XJ, Scotland
School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH93FE,
Scotland
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- Are open-source aerial images useful for fracture network characterisation? Insights from a multi-scale approach in the Zagros Mts. M. Mercuri et al. 10.1016/j.jsg.2023.104866
- Multiscale lineament analysis and permeability heterogeneity of fractured crystalline basement blocks A. Ceccato et al. 10.5194/se-13-1431-2022
- Application of the tilt derivative transform to bathymetric data for structural lineament mapping C. Yeomans et al. 10.1016/j.jsg.2021.104301
- Scanline intersection similarity: A similarity metric for joint trace maps J. Kim et al. 10.1016/j.cageo.2023.105358
- How can geologic decision-making under uncertainty be improved? C. Wilson et al. 10.5194/se-10-1469-2019
- The Decollement Depth of Active Thrust Faults in Italy: Implications on Potential Earthquake Magnitude P. Petricca et al. 10.1029/2019TC005641
- Fault fictions: systematic biases in the conceptualization of fault-zone architecture Z. Shipton et al. 10.1144/SP496-2018-161
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- Large-scale natural fracture network patterns: Insights from automated mapping in the Lilstock (Bristol Channel) limestone outcrops R. Prabhakaran et al. 10.1016/j.jsg.2021.104405
- Evaluation of fracture network efficiency to CO2 storage with a DFN approach V. Romano et al. 10.1016/j.ijggc.2025.104317
- Fracture length data for geothermal applications S. Forstner et al. 10.1144/egc1-2024-17
- A single multi-scale and multi-sourced semi-automated lineament detection technique for detailed structural mapping with applications to geothermal energy exploration C. Yeomans et al. 10.1144/qjegh2022-051
- Investigating the evolution of fractures in clay–based ceramics during repeated freeze-thawing cycles using X-ray micro-computed tomography and image analysis C. Porfido et al. 10.1016/j.matchar.2021.111185
- Scale-dependent fracture networks S. Forstner & S. Laubach 10.1016/j.jsg.2022.104748
- Characterization of Complex Rock Mass Discontinuities from LiDAR Point Clouds Y. Liu et al. 10.3390/rs16173291
- Multiscale fracture networks and their impact on hydroshearing response in the Canadian Shield (Kuujjuaq, Canada) M. Miranda et al. 10.1007/s40948-023-00618-z
- The growth of faults and fracture networks in a mechanically evolving, mechanically stratified rock mass: a case study from Spireslack Surface Coal Mine, Scotland B. Andrews et al. 10.5194/se-11-2119-2020
- Introduction: Handling uncertainty in the geosciences: identification, mitigation and communication L. Pérez-Díaz et al. 10.5194/se-11-889-2020
- Multiscale discrete fracture network modelling of shallow-water carbonates: East Agri Valley Basin, Southern Italy I. Abdallah et al. 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2024.107048
- Fracture distribution in a folded fluvial succession: The Puig-reig anticline (south-eastern Pyrenees) X. Sun et al. 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2021.105169
- Introducing standardized field methods for fracture-focused surface process research M. Eppes et al. 10.5194/esurf-12-35-2024
- Compiling regional structures in geological databases: The giant quartz veins of the Pyrenees as a case study E. González-Esvertit et al. 10.1016/j.jsg.2022.104705
- Subsurface fracturing of sedimentary stones caused by bullet impacts O. Campbell et al. 10.1371/journal.pone.0292351
- A cluster-based multiparametric similarity test for the compartmentalization of crystalline rocks into structural domains A. Abi et al. 10.1144/qjegh2021-136
- Modelling geological CO2 leakage: Integrating fracture permeability and fault zone outcrop analysis R. Rizzo et al. 10.1016/j.ijggc.2024.104105
- Fracture sets and sequencing D. Sanderson et al. 10.1016/j.earscirev.2024.104888
- Effect of Density, Trace Length, Aperture, and Direction Angle on Permeability Performance of Fracture Networks B. Gao et al. 10.1061/(ASCE)GM.1943-5622.0001718
- Fluid-Rock Interactions in a Paleo-Geothermal Reservoir (Noble Hills Granite, California, USA). Part 2: The Influence of Fracturing on Granite Alteration Processes and Fluid Circulation at Low to Moderate Regional Strain J. Klee et al. 10.3390/geosciences11110433
- A new subsampling methodology to optimize the characterization of two-dimensional bedrock fracture networks N. Ovaskainen et al. 10.1016/j.jsg.2022.104528
- Fractures in the Niagara Escarpment in Ontario, Canada: distribution, connectivity, and geohazard implications S. Formenti et al. 10.1017/S0016756822000462
- Long-lived seismic instability of a large intraplate brittle shear zone revealed by distributed slip zones and paleoseismic frictional melt, eastern Botswana D. Mfa et al. 10.1016/j.jsg.2024.105324
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- Fracture attribute scaling and connectivity in the Devonian Orcadian Basin with implications for geologically equivalent sub-surface fractured reservoirs A. Dichiarante et al. 10.5194/se-11-2221-2020
- Review of discrete fracture network characterization for geothermal energy extraction G. Medici et al. 10.3389/feart.2023.1328397
Discussed (final revised paper)
Discussed (final revised paper)
Latest update: 23 Apr 2025
Short summary
Rocks often contain fracture networks, which can strongly affect subsurface fluid flow and the strength of a rock mass. Through fieldwork and workshops we show that people report a different number of fractures from the same sample area of a fracture network. This variability results in significant differences in derived fracture statistics, which are often used as inputs for geological models. We suggest protocols to recognise, understand, and limit this effect on fracture data collection.
Rocks often contain fracture networks, which can strongly affect subsurface fluid flow and the...
