Bruchzone

Bruchzone is a term used in geology, particularly in German-language literature, to describe a zone in the Earth's crust where rocks have fractured through brittle deformation, forming a dense network of fractures, faults, and joints. These zones can vary in width and may extend over considerable distances, often aligning with larger fault systems or plate boundaries.

Formation and structure: Bruchzonen arise from tectonic stresses that exceed the strength of rocks, producing joints, faults, and shear zones. The fracture patterns reflect the regional stress history and can include fault gouge, breccias, and slickensides along slip surfaces. They can influence rock strength, deformability, and permeability, and may host secondary processes such as mineralization.

Geological significance: Bruchzonen are important for understanding seismicity, fluid flow, and rock mechanics. They affect the distribution of stresses, control pathways for groundwater or hydrocarbons, and pose considerations for engineering projects and mine planning due to altered stiffness and strength.

Study and methods: Researchers map Bruchzonen in the field, complemented by remote sensing, borehole data, and geophysical surveys (such as seismic or magnetotelluric methods) to delineate fracture networks, orientations, and slip histories. Lab analyses of rock samples can reveal fracture textures and dating.

Context and terminology: In English-language geology, the closest terms are fracture zone or fault zone, used at scales ranging from fracture corridors to major plate-boundary zones. The precise meaning of Bruchzone varies with locality and author.