Fractal Geometry-Based Quantification of Shock-Induced Rock Fragmentation in and around an Impact Crater

MD Sakawat Hossain, Jörn H. Kruhl

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Shock-induced fragmentation structures of basement rocks and their limestone cover in and around the Ries impact crater (Germany) were recorded on outcrop, hand sample, and thin-section scale, and quantified mainly by fractal geometry methods. Quantification was performed by automated procedures and in areas of square-centimetres to square-decametres with a maximum resolution of micrometre scale. In 2D and on all scales, the fragmentation structures form complex, statistically self-similar patterns (fractals) with specific characteristics: (i) The pattern fractality is scale-dependent. (ii) Three different power-law relationships exist, which reflect the effect of three fragmentation processes. (iii) The fracture patterns are anisotropic and inhomogeneous over larger areas. (iv) Complexity and anisotropy of the fracture patterns vary systematically. Such systematic variation appears typical for impact-related fragmentation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2009-2023
Number of pages15
JournalPure and Applied Geophysics
Volume172
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 17 Jul 2015

Keywords

  • Anisotropy
  • Fractal geometry
  • Fracture pattern
  • Fragmentation
  • Impact
  • Inhomogeneity

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