1. adj. []
Having directionally dependent properties. For a crystal of a mineral, variation in physical properties observed in different directions is anisotropy. In rocks, variation in seismic velocity measured parallel or perpendicular to bedding surfaces is a form of anisotropy.
Often found where platy minerals such as micas and clays align parallel to depositional bedding as sediments are compacted, anisotropy is common in shales.
Antonyms: isotropic
See: aeolotropy, anisotropic formation, anisotropy, birefringence, extensive dilatancy anisotropy, heterogeneous formation, raypath, seismic velocity, velocity
