Articles | Volume 17, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-225-2026
© Author(s) 2026. 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-17-225-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
06 Feb 2026
Research article |
| 06 Feb 2026
| 06 Feb 2026
Mineralogic controls on fault displacement-height relationships
Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Rd, San Antonio, Texas, USA
David A. Ferrill
Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Rd, San Antonio, Texas, USA
Kevin J. Smart
Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Rd, San Antonio, Texas, USA
Michael J. Hartnett
Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Rd, San Antonio, Texas, USA
now at: bonsAI LLC, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Here we test conceptual models of fracture development by investigating fractures across multiple scales. We find that most fractures increase in abundance towards the fold hinge, and we interpret these as being fold related. Other fractures at the site show inconsistent orientations and are unrelated to fold formation. Our results show that predicting fracture patterns requires the consideration of multiple geologic variables.
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Here we test conceptual models of fracture development by investigating fractures across multiple scales. We find that most fractures increase in abundance towards the fold hinge, and we interpret these as being fold related. Other fractures at the site show inconsistent orientations and are unrelated to fold formation. Our results show that predicting fracture patterns requires the consideration of multiple geologic variables.
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Virtual outcrop models are increasingly used in geoscience teaching, but their efficacy as a training tool for 3D thinking has been little tested. We find that using a virtual outcrop increases the participants' ability to choose the correct geological block model. That virtual outcrops are viewed positively, but only in a blended learning environment and not as a replacement for fieldwork, and virtual outcrop use could improve equality, diversity and inclusivity in geoscience.
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Short summary
We studied faults in Utah to understand how rock type controls fault dimensions. Using photogrammetry, field mapping, and mineral data, we found faults grow differently in weak and strong rocks because of variable mineralogy. For equivalent displacements, faults tend to be shorter in clay-rich layers and taller in rocks containing strong minerals. We built a model to predict hidden fault height from mineralogy and applied it to seismic data, showing fault dimensions are often underestimated.
We studied faults in Utah to understand how rock type controls fault dimensions. Using...
