A method for measuring the orientations of planar structures in cut core

Abstract

Exploration drill core is commonly cut in half for assay purposes soon after acquisition. Structural measurements from half core are generally less accurate or more difficult to make using existing techniques than on whole core. This paper proposes a method to determine the orientations of planar features from half core, by measuring two lengths and one angle. The method is rapid, simple and has errors of less than 2° in suitable core. It is also robust for core that is not cut exactly in half. Detailed structural studies can now be made at later stages in exploration after core has been cut, as illustrated here by kinematic analysis of SC and SC’ fabrics.