Three-Dimensional Modeling of Polygonal Ridges in Salt Playas.

In this work, we investigate the formation of the curious polygonal salt ridges that tessellate salt playas worldwide using suitable three-dimensional modeling and simulation of the dynamical processes that are responsible for their formation. We employ the principles of fracture mechanics under cyclic wetting and drying, fluid and mass transport in fracture channels, and processes of crystallization and self-organization to finally replicate the almost Voronoidal pattern of salt ridge mosaics observed in playas. The model is generic and applicable to playas having different salt compositions, as the effect of the salt diffusion coefficient and critical salinity for crystallization are factored in.

Evolution of Tiling-like Crack Patterns in Maturing Columnar Joints.

Fracture or cracking essentially involves the formation of new interfaces. These patterns are usually studied as two-dimensional mosaics. The new surface that opens up is in the third dimension, along the thickness of the sample.