Tectonic implications drawn from differences in the surface morphology on two joint sets in the Appalachian Valley and Ridge, Virginia

Research Article| May 01, 2004 Tectonic implications drawn from differences in the surface morphology on two joint sets in the Appalachian Valley and Ridge, Virginia Terry Engelder Terry Engelder 1Department of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Terry Engelder 1Department of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 22 Sep 2003 Revision Received: 16 Jan 2004 Accepted: 21 Jan 2004 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (2004) 32 (5): 413–416. https://doi.org/10.1130/G20216.1 Article history Received: 22 Sep 2003 Revision Received: 16 Jan 2004 Accepted: 21 Jan 2004 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation Terry Engelder; Tectonic implications drawn from differences in the surface morphology on two joint sets in the Appalachian Valley and Ridge, Virginia. Geology 2004;; 32 (5): 413–416. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G20216.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Surface morphology distinguishes two joint sets in the Virginia–West Virginia Appalachians and points to a difference in rupture velocity between the two sets. The earlier joint set, J1, propagated prior to or during fault-related folding and was subsequently tilted as folds grew to have steeper limb dips. J1 is characterized by a rougher surface displaying a symmetrical plumose pattern created during the propagation of a simple rupture front. In ceramics, such morphology is the product of a faster rupture under relatively high stress intensity (KI > KIc, where KIc indicates critical stress intensity). This relatively fast joint growth is consistent with an effective tensile stress sustained by oblique plate convergence at the onset of the Alleghanian orogeny. The later joint set, J2, propagated normal to the Allegheny front in a subvertical orientation independent of local bed dip. A multilobed rupture leaves a smooth surface on J2 joints. By analogy with ceramics, such a surface is indicative of slower propagation by subcritical crack growth (KI < KIc). This slow joint growth is consistent with the slow generation of effective tensile stress arising from hydrocarbon maturation postdating fold growth during the waning stages of the Alleghanian orogeny. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.