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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2009-2023 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Pure and Applied Geophysics |
Volume | 172 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 17 Jul 2015 |
Keywords
- Anisotropy
- Fractal geometry
- Fracture pattern
- Fragmentation
- Impact
- Inhomogeneity