Introduction: Faults and fractures in rocks: mechanics, occurrence, dating, stress history and fluid flow.

For this reason, the characterization of the fluid system (origin and nature of the fluid; I T i , I P i , timing of mineral precipitation, degree of fluid-rock interaction, hydraulic structure of the fractured reservoirs) and its evolution through time remains a challenging task (Aubert I et al. i [6], [7]; Petit I et al. i [75]). The relations among fluid migration, fluid storage and rock deformation still remain to be further documented, quantified and integrated in comprehensive models of short-term and long-term fault and fracture behaviours and crustal mechanics, with implications for mineralization pattern and geothermal resources in ancient and active structurally complex, tectonic settings (e.g. Clemenzi I et al. i [24]). However, fault rocks and veins may show a variety of calcite cements, and may also be affected by fluid-rock interactions subsequent to syn-tectonic cement precipitation, for instance during rock exhumation from depth (e.g. Aubert I et al. i [8]). Fractures and faults are common structural elements of shallowly deformed rocks. [Extracted from the article]