Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Practice Test

What type of fault occurs when the hanging wall slides upwards?

1. Normal Fault

2. Reverse Fault

3. Strike-Slip Fault

4. Oblique Fault

The correct answer is: Reverse Fault

A reverse fault occurs when the hanging wall moves upward relative to the footwall, which is the defining characteristic of this type of fault. This upward movement typically results from compressional forces that squeeze the Earth's crust, causing it to fracture. In reverse faults, the angle of the fault plane is steep, usually greater than 30 degrees, allowing the hanging wall to be pushed up over the footwall effectively. This type of fault is commonly found in regions experiencing tectonic uplift, such as mountain ranges formed through the collision of tectonic plates. The mechanism of a reverse fault is significant for understanding tectonic activities, as it plays a crucial role in geological processes and the formation of various landforms. In contrast, other fault types like normal faults involve downward movement of the hanging wall, strike-slip faults are characterized by lateral movement, and oblique faults have both vertical and horizontal movement components, making them distinct from the mechanics of a reverse fault.