Fissures Independent of Lithification
(Geological Factors, Site Setting)
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Basics In this category, the scorer focuses on those fractures that are a part of the rock. If
the fractures are in sedimentary rock, they will cut against the bedding planes. If
the fractures are in metamorphic rock, they cut against foliations.
Processes This type of fissure forms after the rock formed. Stresses on the already-formed
rock mass created these cracks. The stress could be from compression, extension,
shearing, or a combination.
Scoring When fissures are found around and through the petroglyphs themselves, score a
3. When there are multiple fissures around but NOT on the petroglyphs, score a 2.
If only a few/several fissures are on the panel, but NOT affecting the glyphs, score
a 1. If you see no fissures, score a 0.
Extras Fissures play a big role in the destruction of panels. You will examine fissures and
how they open up in other RASI groups. This scoring is just concerned with the
fracturing that formed after the rock lithified.
Additional Textbook section on joints (fissures) formed after lithification (scroll down).
Resources Nerdy paper on joints (fissures).
Google Scholars search on rock joints.