Geologic Structures
Non-Tectonic Structures Tectonic Structures Global Scale Structures
(Primary Structures) (Secondary Structures) (Geotectonics)
Tectonic Structures
(Secondary Structures)
Ductile Structures Brittle Structures
Folds Faults
Foliations Joints
Lineations Shear Zones
Folds
Fold is an undulation in rocks. In other word, it is a structure
produced when an originally planar surface becomes bent or
curved as a result of deformation.
In Earth Sciences,
“Deformation” refers to :
A change in the volume and/or shape of the
Earth's crust or rock mass.
Be careful in the field
Why we study folds ?
- Folds can trap oil and natural gas.
Geometry of a Fold (Parts of a Fold)
Axial plane: is the plane that divides the fold
into two parts symmetrically as much as
possible.
Fold axis (Hinge line): is the line produced by
the intersection of the axial plane with any
bed.
Fold hinge: is the zone of maximum curvature.
Fold limb: is the zone of minimum curvature.
Types of folds
Anticlines and Synclines
Youngest
Oldest
• Older rocks will be in the core of an anticline. (An easy way to remember
this is "antique" = old = anti cline = old rock will be in center.)
• Younger rocks will be in the core of a syncline. (An easy way to
remember this is "sin" = young = syn cline = younger rock will be in the
center.)
Domes and Basins
Classifications of Folds
1- Based on the symmetry
a- Symmetric fold
b- Asymmetric fold
2- Based on interlimb angle
3- Based on curvature of hinge zone
a- Rounded fold b- Angular fold
4- Based on the relation of axial plane to fold axis
Inclined fold
Recumbent fold
Classifications of Folds
1- Based on the symmetry
a- Symmetric fold
b- A symmetric fold
2- Based on interlimb angle
a- Gentle fold (180 – 120°)
b- Open fold (120 – 70°)
c- Tight fold (70 – 30°)
d- Isoclinal fold (30 – 0°)
3- Based on curvature of hinge zone
a- Rounded fold
b- Angular fold
4- Based on the relation of axial plane to fold axis
a- Upright fold
b- Inclined fold
c- Recumbent fold
Some questions in Lecture 10
1. Define the following: - (Fold- Axial plane- Fold axis- Fold hinge- Fold limb)
2. Complete
a. In Earth Sciences, “Deformation” refers to: A change in the …………. and/or ………….. of the Earth's crust.
b. Older rocks will be in the …………….. of an ……………….
c. ……………… rocks will be in the ………………. of a syncline.
3. Write on the classification of folds.
