Evolution of orthogonal sets of coeval extension joints

ABSTRACT The formation of two orthogonal sets of extension joints either crossing or abutting each other is a typical product of brittle deformation. Such systems of joints, with the two joint sets being geologically coeval, have been called a fracture grid‐lock. The two sets are of common genesis and thus a unique remote stress field can be inferred. This interpretation causes some perplexity if the two joint sets are purely extension fractures and formed perpendicular to the least principal stress. In the present paper a conceptual model to explain the origin and the evolution of such systems is proposed. In a volume of rock undergoing a tensional and uniform remote stress state, caused for example by a tectonic regime, two horizontal and negative (i.e. tensional) stress rates are assumed to exist. When the tensile strength of the rock is locally reached, failure occurs perpendicular to the least principal stress. Then, that direction locally experiences a positive stress drop due to the stress release. For this reason, the stress field, retaining the same principal directions, is locally distorted by a swap between the σ 3 and the σ 2 components in a volume of rock surrounding the fracture. As a consequence of the persisting remote stress rates, when elastic failure conditions are newly accumulated, a second fracture forms and propagates perpendicular to the previous one. Repeated failure events, stress‐drops and stress swaps eventually generate a fracture grid‐lock. The whole process is also described with a simplified analytical model by applying elasticity theory.