Photograph of fractures and subsidence that occurred in a flour mix...

Simulated fractures and subsidence above a widening dike (dark area at bottom) were generated in a small-scale model using a box filled with flour, sugar, and corn meal. The simulated dike (tip is dark area bottom center of photograph) consisted of two linoleum sheets taped together. The dike was forcibly widened as sheets of cardboard were inserted between the linoleum sheets. Fractures and a graben structure (down-dropped block) developed at the surface and in cross-section (lower part of photograph below scale) of the model. Note 2 cm (0.8 in) scale. Specific features in the simulated model include a pressure ridge immediately above the dike (location D) and inward facing fault scarps (locations E and F).