Flashcards on Geological Fold Types and Orientations

Geological Fold Types & Orientations: A Student Guide

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What is the 'orthogonal thickness' of a fold referring to?

The thickness of the fold measured perpendicular (orthogonal) to the fold, i.e., constant when measured parallel to the axial surface.

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Geological folds

10 cards

Card 1

Question: What is the 'orthogonal thickness' of a fold referring to?

Answer: The thickness of the fold measured perpendicular (orthogonal) to the fold, i.e., constant when measured parallel to the axial surface.

Card 2

Question: What happens to layers in a fold according to the content?

Answer: Layer changes occur in folds; there is a systematic way such that the fold may change layers.

Card 3

Question: How is fold thickness described in the content?

Answer: Fold thickness is constant when measured parallel to the axial surface.

Card 4

Question: What are folds with planar limbs and sharp hinges called?

Answer: Chevron or accordion folds.

Card 5

Question: How is the orientation of a fold defined?

Answer: By the attitude of its axial surface (trace) and the plunge of its axis.

Card 6

Question: What does the 'plunge of the axis' refer to in fold orientation?

Answer: The angle at which the fold axis inclines from horizontal; it helps classify folds as horizontal, gently plunging, steeply plunging, or vertical.

Card 7

Question: What is a horizontal fold?

Answer: A fold whose axis is nearly horizontal.

Card 8

Question: What is a gently plunging fold?

Answer: A fold whose axis plunge lies between 10° and 45°.

Card 9

Question: What is a steeply plunging fold?

Answer: A fold whose axis plunge lies between 45° and 80°.

Card 10

Question: What is a vertical fold?

Answer: A fold whose axis is nearly vertical.