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What Are Fissures?

Fissures are large, deep cracks in the Earth. They can be found in areas where groundwater tables have been overtaxed as well as near active volcanoes and earthquake-prone areas.

  1. Groundwater Table Fissures

    • Geological basins have deep, sediment-filled pockets that hold large amounts of groundwater. If the water is used faster than it is replaced, the sediments compact and the ground sinks, causing fissures to occur around the edges of the basin.

    Volcanic Fissures

    • Volcanic fissures occur when tensional forces caused by volcanic activity pull the Earth's crust apart. An example of this is Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano, where lava gets forced through new fissures.

    Loma Prieta

    • The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake that affected much of northern California caused fissures to open up on Summit Road in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

    Desiccation Cracks

    • Similar to fissures, giant desiccation cracks occur when the sediment close to the surface dries out. They can increase in size by erosion caused by heavy rain.

    Concerns

    • Geologists have been concerned about earth fissures and their potential hazards for over 40 years. With people expanding into remote areas and building density increasing in cities, governments are mapping out likely fissure zones in the interest of public safety.

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