A mechanical theory of normal fault orientation

Abstract Some regional fracturing can be difficult to explain in terms of Anderson's shear-based theory of faulting. An alternative strain-based theory leads to definite predictions for orientations of extensional faulting, including regional normal faulting, rift faulting, sub-vertical jointing and cleating, and some forms of shrinkage cracking. The examples we present are quite typical, and qualitatively bear out the theory predictions.