reverse fault

American  

noun

Geology.

1. a fault in which the rock above the fault plane is displaced upward relative to the rock below the fault plane (normal fault ).

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reverse fault Scientific  

/ rĭ-vûrs′ /

1. A geologic fault in which the hanging wall has moved upward relative to the footwall. Reverse faults occur where two blocks of rock are forced together by compression.

2. Compare normal fault See Note and illustration at fault

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Etymology

Origin of reverse fault

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

A thrust fault is a reverse fault where the fault plane has a low dip angle of less than 45°.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017

What is the difference between a normal fault and a reverse fault, and under what circumstances would you expect these to form?

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

If the fault develops in a situation of compression, then it will be a reverse fault because the compression causes the hanging wall to be pushed up relative to the footwall.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

A special type of reverse fault, with a very low-angle fault plane, is known as a thrust fault.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015