Klüfte

Klüfte are fractures, fissures, or openings in rock bodies that arise from mechanical stresses during deformation, cooling, weathering, or chemical changes. They are typically planar or gently curved features and can vary from millimeters to meters in width. In structural geology, Klüfte are distinguished from faults by little or no relative movement between walls; when displacement is significant, the feature is more correctly described as a fault or shear fracture within a fault system. Klüfte may be empty or filled with minerals deposited from circulating fluids, forming veins that record the chemical and pressure conditions at the time of formation.

Klüfte occur in all rock types, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, and often develop as networks that intersect at characteristic angles. The orientation and distribution of Klüfte reflect the regional and local stress history, and their development can be influenced by rock fabric, temperature changes, and pore pressure. The width, openness (aperture), and connectivity of Klüfte determine their role as pathways for fluid flow.

In practical terms, Klüfte are important for hydrogeology, mining, and civil engineering because they control permeability, groundwater movement, rock mass stability, and the behavior of underground openings. Mapping and analyzing Klüfte help researchers understand tectonic history, predict fluid migration, and assess engineering risk in rocky terrains.

Etymology: from the German Kluft, meaning crevice or gap. See also joints, veins, fractures, and fault systems.