Types of Faults Flashcard

Front

What is a normal fault?

Back

A normal fault is a type of fault that occurs when the crust is extended, causing the hanging wall to move down relative to the footwall.

Front

What type of stress is associated with a normal fault?

Back

Tension.

Front

What is a reverse fault?

Back

A reverse fault is a type of fault that occurs when the crust is compressed, causing the hanging wall to move up relative to the footwall.

Front

What type of stress is associated with a reverse fault?

Back

Compression.

Front

What is a strike-slip fault?

Back

A strike-slip fault is a type of fault where two blocks of crust slide past each other horizontally.

Front

What type of stress is associated with a strike-slip fault?

Back

Shearing.

Front

Define tension in the context of geological stress.

Back

Tension is a type of stress that pulls rocks apart, similar to stretching a rubber band.

Front

Define compression in the context of geological stress.

Back

Compression is a type of stress that squeezes rocks together, causing them to bend or break.

Front

Define shearing in the context of geological stress.

Back

Shearing is a type of stress that causes rocks to slide past each other in opposite directions.

Front

What is the relationship between stress and faulting?

Back

Stress in the Earth's crust can lead to faulting when it exceeds the strength of the rocks, resulting in a fracture.