overthrust

American  

[oh-ver-thruhst] / ˈoʊ vərˌθrʌst /

noun

Geology.

1. a thrust fault with a low dip and a large slip.

2. a thrust fault in which the hanging wall was the one that moved (opposed to underthrust).

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overthrust British  

/ ˈəʊvəˌθrʌst /

noun

1. geology a reverse fault in which the rocks on the upper surface of a fault plane have moved over the rocks on the lower surface Compare underthrust

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Etymology

Origin of overthrust

First recorded in 1880–85; over- + thrust

Example Sentences

But in the past two years, new geological studies have indicated that the overthrust formations may actually extend at least 100 miles farther east than previously believed.

From Time Magazine Archive

Ten minutes into the maneuver, Young realized that he had overthrust and was headed into an orbit aiming him several miles behind and above the Agena.

From Time Magazine Archive

The overthrust came from the south-east, and the Palaeozoic beds were crushed and crumpled against the ancient massif of the central plateau.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 7 "Cerargyrite" to "Charing Cross" by Various

It has now been shown, however, that the upper series of limestones has been brought upon the top of the lower by a great overthrust.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 4 "Grasshopper" to "Greek Language" by Various

His elucidation of the geological structure demonstrated that 215 certain anomalous occurrences of fossils were due to repeated interfoldings of the strata and to complicated overthrust faults.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 2 "Fairbanks, Erastus" to "Fens" by Various