Joints Orientation Distributions in Sedimentary Rocks

The results of several years (1980–1994) field observations of rock joints at the former USSR territory are integrated. New methods of data processing and interpretation are proposed and developed. With the local data set for an exposure we connect the symmetric positively defined second order tensor J characterizing the density and relative position of joint systems as well as their orientation in space. The complete set of tensors J for any region depicted in appropriate manner gives the integral “portrait” of tectonic fracturing of the region. The regular changes of such integral characteristics for Great Caucasus as an example are determined.