Lõhede

Lõhede is the Estonian term for fissures or cracks and is used in geological, geomorphological, and engineering contexts to describe openings in solid material. Lõhed occur naturally in rocks as fissures or joints and can form networks that control the movement of water and minerals. They arise from mechanical stress such as tension, compression, or shear, from thermal expansion and contraction, or from weathering and dehydration. Over time, stresses and weathering can widen these openings and create paths for fluids, which can influence erosion, mineral deposition, and slope stability. On a larger scale, continuous or offset fracture planes may culminate in faulting, where rock blocks move relative to one another; such features are related to but not identical to smaller fissures.

In soils, lõhed may appear as cracks caused by desiccation, particularly in clay-rich soils, affecting drainage and nutrient cycles. In construction and infrastructure, cracks in concrete, masonry, and foundations are commonly referred to as lõhed; their pattern, width, and persistence help engineers assess structural integrity and the need for repairs. In everyday language, lõhed also describe cracks in walls, pavements, and other man-made surfaces.

Terminology varies by discipline; in geology, fissures and joints are distinguished from faults, while in engineering the emphasis is on crack propagation and load-bearing capacity. Overall, lõhed are a widespread and multiscale phenomenon shaping landscapes, resource flow, and built environments.