and the tools of linear elastic fracture mechanics
are usefully employed to understand the initiation, propagation, and pattern development of
opening fractures. The Coulomb criterion for
shear fracture initiation has found many insightful applications to faulting and earthquake phenomena. On the other hand, exposure studies of
faults reveal that stress and material heterogeneity not incorporated into the Coulomb criterion
play important roles in the development of faults.
These and other contributions represent a considerable achievement in understanding the
phenomena of faulting (Sibson, 1986, 1987, 1989),
and a comparable body of literature has advanced
our understanding of the mechanics of faulting
(Rudnicki, 1977, 1979, 1980; Rice, 1980, 1992), but
the research to integrate these different views of
faulting stands before us.
9.6 CONCLUDING REMARKS
383
are usefully employed to understand the initiation, propagation, and pattern development of
opening fractures. The Coulomb criterion for
shear fracture initiation has found many insightful applications to faulting and earthquake phenomena. On the other hand, exposure studies of
faults reveal that stress and material heterogeneity not incorporated into the Coulomb criterion
play important roles in the development of faults.
These and other contributions represent a considerable achievement in understanding the
phenomena of faulting (Sibson, 1986, 1987, 1989),
and a comparable body of literature has advanced
our understanding of the mechanics of faulting
(Rudnicki, 1977, 1979, 1980; Rice, 1980, 1992), but
the research to integrate these different views of
faulting stands before us.
9.6 CONCLUDING REMARKS
383