shear zone

noun

1. Geology. a zone of closely spaced, approximately parallel faults or dispersed displacements.

Word History and Origins

Origin of shear zone¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

As the fire ran across it, the shear zone tilted that vorticity up into the vertical to create a long-lasting, very strong fire whirl, which spread for several minutes through town, causing immense destruction.

From Nautilus