What is the difference between a Normal Fault, a Reverse Fault, and a Strike-Slip Fault?

Normal Faults and Reverse Faults are "Dip-Slip" Faults - they experience vertical movement, in line with the dip of the fault. They are identified by the relative movement of the Hanging Wall and Foot Wall.

In a Normal Fault, the hanging wall moves downwards relative to the foot wall. They are caused by extensional tectonics. This kind of faulting will cause the faulted section of rock to lengthen.

In a Reverse Fault, the hanging wall moves upwards relative to the foot wall. They are caused by compressional tectonics. This kind of faulting will cause the faulted section of rock to shorten.

A Strike-Slip fault experiences lateral motion - movement is horizontal, along the line of the strike of the fault. They can be defined as Sinistral (the walls move to the left relative to one another) or Dextral (the walls move to the right relative to one another).

Answered by Joseph T. Geology tutor

76782 Views

See similar Geology A Level tutors

Related Geology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do anticline and syncline folds differ?


Explain how Paleomagnetism can be used as evidence for Continental Drift?


Explain why the Composition of the Plagioclase Feldspar may vary within an Intrusion.


State the 3 different types of plate boundaries, and describe their movement.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy