In geology and mining exploration, core angles refer to internal geometrical measurements taken from a cylindrical rock sample (a drill core) to determine the true spatial orientation of underground structures, such as faults, veins, fractures, and bedding planes. Because a drill hole can pierce the earth at an angle, any flat geological layer it cuts through will form an asymmetrical, oval-shaped intersection (an ellipse) on the core cylinder.
To turn these isolated rock pieces into a 3D map of the subsurface, geologists rely on a process called core orientation to measure specific internal core angles, predominantly known as Alpha ( ) and Beta ( ). The Primary Core Angles
When a planar structure cuts through a core, geologists use specialized tools like a Kenometer or a “rocket launcher” frame to measure two defining metrics:
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