Insights into fold growth using fold-related joint patterns and mechanical stratigraphy

►Lateral fold growth can be recorded in joint orientations at fold terminations. ►Analysis of the mechanical stratigraphy of the folded layers elucidates the relative timing at which beds fractured. ►Prediction of joint orientation from curvature analysis at fold terminations should include the stresses on both the top and bottom of the folded layer. ►Joint patterns at Sheep Mountain Anticline, WY, USA, indicate that this structure grew laterally.