Question

Answer in detail:

Explain different types of faults.

Answer 1

A fault is a fracture in the crustal rock, formed when the crustal rocks are displaced due to tensional movement caused by endogenic forces. The displacement of rock can occur in an upward, downward, or horizontal direction.

The different types of faults determined by the direction of motion are:

1. Normal fault: It results when a portion of landslide down along the fault plane and when the exposed portion of the plane faces the sky.
2. Reverse fault: It results when a portion of the land is thrown upward relative to another side of the land. In such a situation, the fault plane faces the ground.
3. Tear fault: At times, the rock strata on either side of the fault plane do not have vertical displacement. Instead, movement occurs along the plane in a horizontal direction.
4. Thrust fault: When the portion of the land on one side of the fault plane gets detached and moves over the land on the other side. The angle of the fault plane is generally less than 45°.