ambient stress field

ambient stress field

[′am·bē·ənt ′stres ‚fēld]

(geophysics)

The distribution and numerical value of the stresses present in a rock environment prior to its disturbance by man. Also known as in-place stress field; primary stress field; residual stress field.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.