摘要: Joints reveal rock strain accommodated by brittle fracture. They influence mineral deposition by guiding ore-forming fluids, provide fracture permeability, and significantly affect rock deformability and fluid transport. Past literature on joints is reviewed and the fundamental concepts are outlined. The geometry of joints, surface morphology of a single joint, shape, spacing, and density of joints, and joint sets are considered. Interpretation of geological features to investigate propagation, interaction, and strain accommodation and the mechanics ofjointing is discussed. 177 refs.