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EnglandGeologyQuick questions
Rock deformation and geological structures
Quick questions on Folds, faults and joints: anticlines, synclines, normal and reverse faults, throw and heave - Eduqas A-Level Geology
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What are fold elements?Show answer
A fold is a buckle in originally flat layering. The elements you must be able to label on a diagram are:
What are joints?Show answer
A joint is a fracture in rock with no displacement across it (the two sides have not moved relative to each other), unlike a fault. Joints form in sets (parallel families) from cooling contraction (columnar joints in basalt), unloading as overlying rock is eroded, or tectonic stress. They are important because they control permeability (fluid flow), weathering and the strength of a rock mass.
What is q1?Show answer
State which rocks (oldest or youngest) lie in the core of a syncline, and which way the beds dip. [2 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
A reverse fault records which type of stress, and how does its hanging wall move? [2 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Distinguish a joint from a fault. [2 marks]
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