slickenside

views updated May 08 2018

slickenside
1. A lineation on a fault or bedding plane caused by the frictional movement of one rock body against another. The plane may be coated by a mineral, often quartz or calcite, which itself shows striations in the direction of movement.

2. The polished surface left by the passage of a mud slide.

3. In soils, the natural crack surfaces produced by swelling and shrinkage in clayey soils that are high in swelling clays.

slickenside

views updated May 21 2018

slickenside
1. A set of linear marks on a fault or bedding plane caused by the frictional movement of one rock body against another. The plane may be coated by a mineral (often quartz or calcite) which is also striated in the direction of movement.

2. The polished surface left by the passage of a mud slide.

3. In clay soils, the natural crack surfaces produced by swelling and shrinkage.