Understanding Fissures: Causes, Types, and Differences with Faults

A fissure is a long, narrow opening or crack in the earth's surface. It can be caused by geological processes such as tectonic plate movement, volcanic activity, or weathering. Fissures can be found in various types of rocks and soil, and they can vary in size from small cracks to large crevices. Some fissures are stable and do not pose a hazard, while others can be unstable and prone to collapse or erosion.

Question 2. What is the difference between a fault and a fissure ?
Ans. A fault is a linear fracture in the earth's crust along which rocks on one side of the fracture have moved relative to those on the other side. A fissure, on the other hand, is a long, narrow opening or crack in the earth's surface that is not necessarily associated with movement along a fault line. While faults can cause earthquakes and other geological hazards, fissures are typically stable and do not pose a hazard.

Question 3. What are some examples of fissures found in different types of rocks ?
Ans. Fissures can be found in various types of rocks, including:

1. Granite : Fissures in granite are often long, narrow, and straight, and can be caused by the cooling and contraction of the rock as it solidifies.
2. Basalt : Fissures in basalt are typically wider and more irregular than those found in other types of rocks, and can be caused by the rapid cooling of lava flows.
3. Sandstone : Fissures in sandstone are often filled with sand or other sediment, and can be caused by the erosion of the rock over time.
4. Limestone : Fissures in limestone are often narrow and winding, and can be caused by the dissolution of the rock by acidic water.
5. Shale : Fissures in shale are often thin and parallel to one another, and can be caused by the compression and shearing of the rock over time.