1. Surface roughness is not well-described by a purely fractal model over the range of observed scales.
2. Amplitude/wavelength of exhumed surfaces is nearly Brown spatial noise, and can be easily extrapolated over large spatial scales.
3. Surface roughness may not be the dominant control on changes in fault properties with scale or slip.
The article “On the Scale‐Dependence of Fault Surface Roughness” by Beeler (2023) provides an analysis of surface roughness and how it changes with scale. The article presents its findings in a clear and concise manner, making it easy to understand for readers from all backgrounds. The author also provides evidence to support their claims, such as empirical data and Fourier transforms, which adds to the trustworthiness of the article.
However, there are some potential biases that should be noted when considering this article. For example, the author does not explore any counterarguments or present both sides equally when discussing their findings. Additionally, there is no mention of possible risks associated with surface roughness or its implications for shear zone evolution. Furthermore, some of the claims made in the article are unsupported and lack evidence to back them up.
In conclusion, while this article provides an interesting analysis of surface roughness and its scale dependence, it should be read with caution due to potential biases and unsupported claims made by the author.