• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.207-225
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• 2003

According to the data analysis of the regional fracture systems in southern Korea, the fracture orientations show three dominant sets : NNE, NW and WNW. A NNE set is the most abundant and includes most of the largest fractures. The highest fracture density is shown in the Taebaegsan mineralized area corresponding to Ogchon nonmetamorphic belt and the lowest one in the southwestern area of southern Korea. In addition, the density is higher in nonmetamorphic sedimentary rocks such as Choseon Supergroup. Pyeongan Supergroup, Daedong Supergroup and Kyeongsang Supergroup than in Precambrian basements and Jurassic granites. The regional fractures in southern Korea can be classified into four orders designated $F_1,{\;}F_2,{\;}F_3{\;}and{\;}F_4${\;}and{\;}F_4$ on the basis of their trace length. It is quite significant that fractures of each order are self-similar with respect to orientation and the combined fracture length distribution indicates a power-law distribution with an exponent of -2.04. As fractures were analyzed based on the tectonic provinces, Gyeonggj Massif and Kyeongsang Basin have all orders of fractures from $F_1$ to $F_4$. Most of the large scale faults may be ascribed to the products of slip accumulation through multiple deformation. Others besides $F_1$ fractures are thought to be evenly distributed through the whole area of southern Korea.