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Jointing pattern identification and geology

The systematic arrangement of joints fractures without displacement in a rock body, typically forming two or more intersecting sets with regular orientations and spacing controlled by the stress field and rock properties. Common patterns include orthogonal perpendicular joint sets in sedimentary rocks, columnar joints in basalt, and sheeting joints parallel to topographic surfaces in massive rocks. Field: structural geology. Example: The orthogonal jointing pattern in the Navajo Sandstone of the Colorado Plateau has controlled the development of slot canyons such as Antelope Canyon, where water erosion preferentially exploits the joint-controlled fractures.. Related terms: Joint, Fracture, Stress field, Columnar jointing.

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Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T15:19:42.127987+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
  • USGS Thesaurus — U.S. Geological Survey. Controlled earth-science terminology used to describe USGS information resources.
  • Glossary of Geologic Terms — U.S. National Park Service. Geologic definitions prepared by the NPS Geologic Resources Inventory.

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Common questions

What does Jointing pattern mean in geology?
The systematic arrangement of joints fractures without displacement in a rock body, typically forming two or more intersecting sets with regular orientations and spacing controlled by the stress field and rock properties. Common patterns include orthogonal perpendicular joint sets in sedimentary rocks, columnar joints in basalt, and sheeting joints parallel to topographic surfaces in massive rocks.
What is an example of Jointing pattern?
The orthogonal jointing pattern in the Navajo Sandstone of the Colorado Plateau has controlled the development of slot canyons such as Antelope Canyon, where water erosion preferentially exploits the joint-controlled fractures.
Which earth-science field uses the term Jointing pattern?
Jointing pattern is used in structural geology.
Which terms are related to Jointing pattern?
Related terms in this reference are Joint, Fracture, Stress field, Columnar jointing.

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