Question

A geologist discovers a fault in a massive rock while out in the field. He notices that the fault occurs at an angle and that the hanging wall has moved downward from the footwall.

What type of fault has the geologist found?

A) normal fault
B) reverse fault
C) divergent fault
D) strike-slip fault

Answer 1

A) normal fault

In a normal (dip-slip) fault the hanging wall moves downward relative to the footwall, which results from extensional (tensional) stress. Reverse faults have the hanging wall move up; strike-slip faults are lateral.