Definition
A planar, extensional rupture surface of a larger network of polygonal fractures that delimits a set of columns, the entire system resulting from contraction of the material.
Category
A type of joint system.
Synonyms
Note
The term columnar joint is rarely used in singular as columns are delimited by a network of fractures.
Description
A network of joints, which forms mostly hexagons and pentagons, but polygons with three to nine sides have all been observed. Statistics on 3,033 columns measured at 50 different sites on Earth has found that half of the columns are hexagonal, one third are pentagonal, and the average polygon side is 5.71 (Hetényi et al. 2012).
Morphometry
Columnar-jointed lavas usually exhibit elongated columns (cm to m wide, m to 10 m high), with a height-to-side length ratio in general between 10 and 100 (Hetényi et al. 2012). The width of the columns has since long been linked to the cooling rate of...
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References
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Degraff JM, Aydin A (1993) Effect of thermal regime on growth increment and spacing of contraction joints in basaltic lava. J Geophys Res 98(B4):6411–6430. doi:10.1029/92JB01709
Guy B, Le Coze J (1990) Reflections on columnar jointing of basalts: the instability of the planar solidification front. C R A S Paris 311(II):943–949
Hetényi G, Taisne B, Garel F, Médard E et al (2012) Scales of columnar jointing in igneous rocks: field measurements and controlling factors. B Volcanol 74:457–482. doi:10.1007/s00445-011-0534-4
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Spörli KB, Rowland JV (2006) ‘Column on column’ structures as indicators of lava/ice interaction, Ruapehu andesite volcano, New Zealand. J Volcanol Geotherm Res 157:294–310. doi:10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2006.04.004
Spry AH (1962) The origin of columnar jointing, particularly in basalt flows. J Geol Soc Aust 8:191–216
Tomkeieff SI (1940) The basalt lavas of the Giant’s Causeway district of Northern Ireland. Bull Volcanol 6:89–146
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Hetényi, G., Milazzo, M.P. (2015). Columnar Joints. In: Hargitai, H., Kereszturi, Á. (eds) Encyclopedia of Planetary Landforms. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3134-3_57
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3134-3_57
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