Striation (geology)

Summary

In geology, a striation is a groove, created by a geological process, on the surface of a rock or a mineral.

Striations (slickenfibres) on a fault surface near Kilve, England

In structural geology, striations are linear furrows, or linear marks, generated from fault movement. The striation's direction reveals the movement direction in the fault plane.[1]

Similar striations, called glacial striations, can occur in areas subjected to glaciation. Striations can also be caused by underwater landslides.

Striations can also be a growth pattern or mineral habit that looks like a set of hairline grooves, seen on crystal faces of certain minerals. Examples of minerals that can show growth striations include pyrite, feldspar, quartz, tourmaline, chalcocite and sphalerite.

See also edit

Bibliography edit

  1. ^ "Glad You Asked: Glacial Striations and Slickensides". Utah Geological Survey. Retrieved 2023-12-24.

External links edit