Find the Intersection of Two Planes Using a Stereonet

Steven Dutch, Professor Emeritus, Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Green Bay


Example

Find the line of intersection of two planes:

They are shown in different colors to distinguish them.

 

1. Plot the two desired planes as great circles.

2. Rotate the intersection of the two great circles until it lies on a vertical great circle (it does not matter which one). Make a tick mark to mark the trend.

3. Count in along the vertical great circle to find the plunge.

4. Return the overlay to its original orientation and count off the trend.


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Created 5 January 1999, Last Update 16 March 1999