Field Guide to Joint Patterns and Geomorphological Features of Northern Ohio

Abstract

Bedrock in northern and northwestern Ohio consists of Middle Paleozoic carbonates and shales and is pervasively jointed. The regional joint pattern and chronology, established by the characteristics of joint traces, mineralization, and surfaces, reveal a complex history of fracture development. Joint studies along the north-south trending Bowling Green fault zone indicate that northwest-trending joints formed first in response to extensional stresses associated with differential dip-slip movement in this fault zone, or by left lateral movement along this zone.