Fault characteristics from outcrop and reflection seismic studies

Faults can be studied at different scales and through different methods. Hence, every method provides some insight into our understanding of fault geometry and properties despite the limitations inherent to these methods. Among fault characteristics, fault geometric attributes such as fault plane roughness, displacement, length, and width can be studied using both outcrops and 3D reflection seismic data. Fault geometric attributes from different scales of study are then used within fault scaling laws to increase our knowledge of fault growth mechanism and mechanics.  In addition, fault rock properties from fault core and damage zone allow us to study the effect of faults on the fluid flow behavior of rocks as well as their mechanical integrity. In order to have a better knowledge of fault characteristics and mechanical behavior, it is important to integrate fault geometric studies with fault rock properties.  This needs an interdisciplinary approach, combining geomechanics, earthquake and exploration seismology with structural geology, hence, allowing us to study both active and non-active faults from different perspectives.