chiasmán

Chiasmán is a term that can refer to a specific geological formation or, more broadly, to a geological feature exhibiting a chiasmatic pattern. In geology, a chiasmatic pattern is often characterized by a crisscrossing or intersecting arrangement of geological structures. This can manifest in various ways, such as intersecting fault lines, veins of mineral deposits, or lava flows.

The term chiasmán itself is not a universally recognized or standardized geological term like "anticline" or "syncline." Its usage is more likely to be found in specific regional geological literature or in discussions of complex structural geology where such intersecting patterns are a significant characteristic of the landscape or subsurface. When encountered, understanding the specific context in which "chiasmán" is used is crucial to deciphering its precise geological meaning. It implies an intricate geological history involving multiple phases of deformation or deposition that resulted in the observed intersecting structures. The formation of such features can be attributed to a variety of tectonic processes, including compressional forces, extensional forces, or strike-slip faulting, which can lead to the repeated fracturing and infilling of the crust.