Geological Structures Flashcards
What do geological structures describe?
Geological structures do not describe the type of rock but rather the arrangement and relationships of rock layers.
What is the Great Glen fault?
A large line of weakness in the Earth’s crust.
What are strata?
Layers of rock.
What are bedding planes?
The surfaces that separate different layers of strata.
Fill in the blank: _______ are cracks in rock that occur due to stress.
Joints
What are faults?
Fractures in the Earth’s crust where rock masses have moved past each other.
What causes folds in geological structures?
They are formed by pressure during tectonic activities.
What is the angle at which rock strata can dip?
They can dip horizontally or at varying angles.
What are horizontal strata?
Layers of rock that are positioned flat and parallel to the Earth’s surface.
What are seaward dipping strata?
Rock layers that dip towards the sea.
What are landward dipping strata?
Rock layers that dip towards the land.
True or False: Geological structures only refer to the types of rocks present in an area.
False
What happens when pressure exceeds a certain limit in geological structures?
Rocks may rupture or move along fault planes.
Fill in the blank: _______ can lead to the formation of debris and landslides.
Overhanging rock layers
