Question

Identify the type of fault in the given figure. 

• A. Normal fault
• B. Strike-slip fault
• C. Reverse fault
• D. Thrust fault

Hint:

In a strike-slip fault, the displacement is horizontal. If the blocks slide past each other without vertical movement, it's a strike-slip fault.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Fault type identification:

Normal fault characteristics:

• Hanging wall moves down relative to footwall
• Creates extensional features
• Often shows a gap or separation
• Associated with tensional stress regimes

Strike-slip fault characteristics:

• Horizontal displacement
• No vertical gap
• Lateral offset of features

Reverse fault characteristics:

• Hanging wall moves up relative to footwall
• Compressional features
• No gap (blocks pushed together)

Thrust fault characteristics:

• Low-angle reverse fault
• Hanging wall moves up and over footwall
• Compressional, no gap

Step 2: Analysis of the figure:

The diagram clearly shows:

• Vertical displacement with the hanging wall moved down
• A gap between the blocks indicating extension
• This is characteristic of extensional tectonics
• The blocks have separated, not compressed

Answer: (A) Normal fault