Fractured hard rock refers to rock types, such as granite or basalt, that have developed cracks or fractures due to various natural and human-induced processes, including:
- Tectonic movements: Shifts in the Earth’s crust that create stress and fractures.
- Weathering: Physical and chemical breakdown of rocks over time.
- Drilling and excavation: Human activities that can induce fractures.
These fractures are critical for understanding because they:
- Create pathways for groundwater flow: Allowing water to move through the subsurface.
- Block or redirect water movement: Depending on the orientation and connectivity of the fractures.
- Influence geophysical processes and the distribution of subsurface resources.
Mapping and analyzing fractured hard rock is essential for groundwater studies, resource exploration, and geotechnical applications. Tools like tTEM provide high-resolution imaging of these complex subsurface environments, enabling better decision-making for water management and resource development.
