Abstract
Arrays of parallel extension fractures and veins are sometimes associated with exhumed faults and seem to be the product of repeated hydro-fracturing under a shared stress regime. Here theoretical considerations are used to suggest that this type of hydro-fracture dilatancy is essentially a low differential stress phenomenon. It may develop under hydrostatic fluid pressures around normal faults at shallow depths, but can only occur in association with thrusts when fluid pressures exceed the litho-static load. This contrasts with most existing models for dilatancy, where the effects only become pronounced at high stress levels and are best developed around thrust faults.
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Sibson, R. Controls on low-stress hydro-fracture dilatancy in thrust, wrench and normal fault terrains. Nature 289, 665–667 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1038/289665a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/289665a0
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