Method to identify zones of intense jointing with application to the Parsons Lineament, West Virginia
Studies of water well yields, of three roadcuts, and of field observations indicate that the Parsons lineament in eastern West Virginia is a broad, cross-strike zone of unusually intense jointing. To test this hypothesis, strike, dip, exposed length, exposed depth, and spacing of 1594 joints were measured in interbedded siltstones, mudstones, and shales in the Upper Devonian Chemung facies. Joint sets were determined to strike N 35 to 55/sup 0/ W, N 25 to 45/sup 0/ E, and N 80/sup 0/ E - N 80/sup 0/ W. SYMAPS show more intense jointing within the Parsons lineament with the northeast-trending set contributing most to the increase. Identification of zones of intense jointing could be useful in hydrocarbon exploration, mine design, construction, and water-well siting. 8 figures, 1 table.
- Research Organization:
- West Virginia Univ., Morgantown (USA). Dept. of Geology and Geography
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC21-76ET12138
- OSTI ID:
- 6272001
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/ET/12138-1343; ON: DE83007805
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
030200* -- Natural Gas-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
58 GEOSCIENCES
580100 -- Geology & Hydrology-- (-1989)
BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
BLACK SHALES
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CHATTANOOGA FORMATION
DEVONIAN PERIOD
ENERGY SOURCES
EXPLORATION
FAILURES
FEDERAL REGION III
FOSSIL FUELS
FRACTURES
FUELS
GEOLOGIC AGES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
JOINTS
MAPS
MATERIALS
MEASURING METHODS
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
NORTH AMERICA
OIL SHALES
PALEOZOIC ERA
RESOURCES
USA
WEST VIRGINIA