Lithological and structural control on fracture frequency distribution within a carbonate-hosted relay ramp
Understanding the factors controlling fracture frequency distribution can greatly improve the assessment of fluid circulation in fault damage zones, with evident implications for fault mechanics, hydrogeology and hydrocarbon exploration. This is particularly important for relay zones that are usually characterized by strong damage and structural complexity. We investigated the fracture frequency within an outcrop adjacent to the front fault segment of a relay ramp, hosted within peritidal carbonates that forms part of the Tre Monti fault (Central Italy).