Cracking Up: Gaining New Insight into Mechanical Weathering Through the Lens of Fracture Mechanics
The mechanics and physical properties of rock in near-surface (~100 m) environments play a pivotal role in regulating surface processes (e.g. weathering and subsequent erosion). To date, however, the vast majority of studies directed toward assessing the role of rock mechanics in regulating surface processes have focused on external loading processes and/or critical material strength (i.e. compressive strength, tensile strength). Little attention has been given to subcritical processes – governed by different geomechanical ‘rules’ than those of critical fracture and also more relevant to environmental forcing.
In this talk, I will outline a new framework for our understanding of mechanical weathering based on fracture mechanics principals. Then I will present field observations and measurements, instrumentation and numerical modeling results that test the viability of this framework. In sum, I hope to convince you to travel down this new path of understanding how rocks at the surface of Earth break down.