Fracture Flow

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Definition

Water movement that occurs predominantly in fractures and fissures.

Description

Flow of groundwater through breaks in a rock including fissures, fractures, cracks, joints and faults.  Fractures serve as higher conductivity conduits for flow if the apertures are large enough; and not cemented.

Why is fracture flow important?

The flow rate of groundwater in fractures can be greater than the flow in the surrounding rock.