Folding and Faulting Flashcards
Describe the process of folding
Folding occurs when compressional force is applied to rocks that are ductile or flexible.
Describe the process of faulting
Faults occur when forces operating in opposite directions leads to tension and as a result rocks develop cracks on the fissure.
Define Syncline
a fold shaped like an right-side-up U
Define Anticline
a fold shaped like an upside-down U
Define Normal Fault
When the block above the fault has moved downward relative to the block below
Define Reverse Fault
a fault in which the rock above the fault plane is displaced upward relative to the rock below the fault plane
Define Strike Slip Fault
a fault in which rock strata are displaced mainly in a horizontal direction, parallel to the line of the fault.
What is the relationship between folding the movement of tectonic plates and the formation of mountain ranges
Mountains form where two continental plates collide. Since both plates have a similar thickness and weight, neither one will sink under the other. Instead, they crumple and fold until the rocks are forced up to form a mountain range.
Explain the formation of faults in terms of the forces acting within the Earth’s crust and the movement of plates relative to each other
As tectonic plates move, they generate stress along existing weaknesses in rocks. When stress exceeds rock strength, faults develop.
What type of force causes folding
compressional forces
Which type of force is responsible for normal fault formation?
tensional force
Which type of force is responsible for reverse fault formation?
compressional force
Which type of force is responsible for normal strike-slip formation?
shear force
