These early-formed, near-vertical fractures strike parallel or normal to the strike of the Devonian depositional margin. Fracture density correlates with the textural character of the host rock, with highest values in boundstone-rich rock, lowest values in grain-rich rocks, and intermediate values in rocks of mixed assemblage, including breccia. Fracture density is also controlled in part by the mechanical character of bedding at the time the fracture system developed, syndepositionally or soon after. The environment of deposition shows a weaker correlation with fracture density. At Windjana Gorge fracture height correlates with environment of deposition, with the largest values in the reef core, progressing serially to shorter average height in the upper slope, middle slope, reef flat, and platform top/reef flat (a transitional environment of deposition).

To better understand the fracture size distribution within a reservoir that can influence fluid drainage, we introduce a new parameter, the intersected-fracture height density (IFHD). This describes the aggregate fracture height connected directly to a traverse line or borehole. Because IFHD requires measurement of fracture heights, it is measurable only at outcrop analog exposures.