Deformations

Brittle – rocks break and does not bend, resulting to fractures. The resulting fractures can
sometimes develop displacements when the rocks on two opposite sides move relative to each
other, creating a fault. To create fractures or have a brittle deformation, an enormous amount
of stress must be applied, otherwise, there will be no fracturing or breaking of rocks.

Figure 1: Faulting - manifestations of brittle deformation

Ductile – rocks undergo changes (especially in shape) but does not break. Mineral grains move
relative to each other or even rotate, but not separated from each other, therefore creating a
fold. Sometimes, ductile deformation does not manifest as a fold, as a material can simply be
stretched or compressed.
 Figure 2: Ductile deformation

Folds
Anticline – convex upward, oldest rocks are found in the center, youngest at the side. Shaped
like an arch.

Syncline – concave-upward, older rocks are found at the side, youngest at the center. Shaped
like “U”
 Figure 3: Anticline and Syncline

Faults
Normal – hanging wall moves downward relative to the footwall. Created by tensional forces
and occurs at divergent plate boundaries

Figure 4: Normal Fault

Reverse – Hanging wall moves up relative to the footwall. Created by compressional forces.
Remember, thrust fault is a reverse fault that has an angle of less than 45 degrees (depending
on the source). When a thrust fault moves, older rocks would be deposited on top of the
younger rocks.

Figure 5: Reverse Fault

Strike-slip – Rocks move side to side relative to each other. Strike-slip faults are associated with
transform plate boundaries. Remember, dextral is right-lateral, sinistral is left-lateral.
Figure 6: Strike-slip fault