What is the difference between a joint and a fault?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A joint is a fracture in a rock where there is no displacement of the rocks on either side of the fracture. On the other hand, a fault is a fracture where there is a displacement of the rocks on one side relative to the other. Therefore, the difference between a joint and a fault is the presence or absence of displacement. Option A is incorrect as joints are generally formed by tension and not by confining pressure. Option B is incorrect as both joints and faults can be formed by differential stress. Option C is incorrect as joints are generally formed by tension and not compression.

What Is the Difference Between a Joint and a Fault