Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Practice Test

Which type of fault is characterized by both dip-slip and strike-slip components?

1. Normal fault

2. Reverse fault

3. Oblique slip fault

4. Thrust fault

The correct answer is: Oblique slip fault

The type of fault characterized by both dip-slip and strike-slip components is the oblique slip fault. This type of fault combines the movement of a dip-slip fault, where movement occurs vertically, with that of a strike-slip fault, where movement occurs horizontally along the fault line. Oblique slip faults typically show a combination of features that reflect both vertical and horizontal movements, meaning that the rocks on either side of the fault can slide past one another while also moving up or down relative to each other. This is indicative of the complex stress conditions in the Earth's crust, where not just one type of displacement is occurring, but rather a mix of movements in two different directions. In contrast, normal faults and reverse faults are primarily characterized by vertical motion and do not include the significant horizontal component of movement found in strike-slip faults. Thrust faults, while also having a vertical component, are a specific type of reverse fault with a particular angle of inclination, and likewise do not exhibit the lateral movement necessary to be classified as oblique slip faults. Thus, the definition of oblique slip faults specifically captures these dual movements, making it the correct choice in this context.