What occurs in a normal fault?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the characteristics of a normal fault, specifically what happens to the hanging wall and footwall during this geological process.
Answer
The hanging wall slides down relative to the footwall.
In a normal fault, the hanging wall moves downward relative to the footwall. This occurs due to the extension or stretching of the Earth's crust.
Answer for screen readers
In a normal fault, the hanging wall moves downward relative to the footwall. This occurs due to the extension or stretching of the Earth's crust.
More Information
Normal faults are commonly associated with divergent boundaries where tectonic plates are moving apart. This results in the formation of features like rift valleys and is driven by tensional forces in the Earth's crust.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing normal faults with reverse faults, where the hanging wall moves upward relative to the footwall.
Sources
- Normal fault - Britannica - britannica.com
- What is a fault and what are the different types? - USGS.gov - usgs.gov
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