Types of Faults

            Have you ever wandered what those odd shaped structures on the side of mountains are? What you are seeing are probably faults. Faults have been forming for millions of years. There are three different kinds of faults, and they all do something different. They are called normal faults, reverse faults, and strike-slip faults.

            The first odd shaped fault is the normal fault. Normal faults usually occur in places with a lot of extension. Normal faults are formed when tensional forces cause the rocks to be pulled apart. When this happens rocks move downward in relation to the rocks above. Some places where normal faults are commonly found are the Basin and Range Province.

            The next odd shaped fault is the reverse fault. Reverse faults occur in places undergoing compression. Reverse faults are formed when compressional forces squeeze rock together. When this happens rock is forced up and over rock below the fault unlike a normal fault. Reverse faults are commonly found in collision zones. Such as the Himalayas and the Rocky Mountains.

            Last, but surely not least is the strike-slip fault. Strike-Slip faults form when shear forces push rocks in horizontal opposite way. When this happens force spilt rocks and create strike-  slip faults. A well-known strike-slip fault is the San Andreas Fault.

            Now when you see a fault you will know what they are and how they were formed. There are normal faults, reverse faults, and strike-slip faults.