11.

1 Geometric description
It is hscinating to watch folds 6rm and develop in the
laboratory,and we can learn much about folds and
folding by performing controlled physical experiments
and numerical simulations. However, modeling must
alwaysbe rooted in observations of naturally folded
rocks, so geometric analysisof folds formed in different
settings and rock types is fundamental.Geometricanaly-
sis is importantnot only in order to understandhow
various types of fi)lds f»rm, but also when considering
such things as hydrocarbon traps and folded ores in the
subsurface. There is a wealth of descriptive expressions in
use, because folds come in all shapes and sizes. Hence we
will start this chapter by going through the basic jargon
related to folds and fold geometry.
Shape and orientation
Folds are best studied in sections perpendicular to the
folded layering,or perpendicular to what is defined as
the axial surface, as shown in Figure 11.1.Unless indi-
cated, we will assume that this is the section ofobservation
in this chapter. In general,folds are made up of a hinge
that connects two usuallydifferentlyoriented limbs. The
hinge may be sharp and abrupt, but more commonly the
curvature of the hinge is gradual, and a hinge zone is
defined. A spectrum of hinge shapes exists, from the
pointed hinges of kink bands and chevron folds (sharp
and angular folds) to the well-roundedhinges of
concentric folds (Figure 11.2). Classificationof folds
relativeto hinge curvature is referred to as bluntness.
The shape of folds can also be compared to mathemat-
ical functions, in which case we can apply terms such as
amplitude and wavelength. Folds do not necessarily
show the regularityof mathematical functions as we know
(a) Kit*

Trace of
bisectingsurface

(b) Chevron tows

(c) BWs

(d) Box
Axial race
Axhl race

Figure 11.2 (a) Kink band, where the bisecting surface, i.e. the
surface dividing the interlimb angle in two, is different from
the axial surface. (b) Chevron folds (harmonic). (c) Concentric
f)lds, where the arcs are circular. (d) Box folds, showing two
sets of axial surfaces.