Folds: Nomenclature,

Classification & Recognition

 Parts of a Fold
Hinge: Line of maximum curvature within a single folded surface. Hinge may be
horizontal, inclined or vertical.

Fold Axis: A straight line when moved parallel to itself generates a folded
surface. It is parallel to the hinge line.

Axial Plane or Surface: The plane or surface defined by connecting fold hinge
lines in multiple folded surfaces. It may be a simple plane or a curved surface.

Fold Limb: The area of a folded surface between hinge points.

Inflection point: A point on a folded surface with zero curvature. It can be also
seen as a point on a folded surface where the curvature changes direction. This
is half the distance between hinge points.

Crest: Highest elevation point on a folded surface.

Trough: Lowest elevation point on a folded surface.

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Fold Nomenclature

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Fold Nomenclature
Fold Nomenclature
Fold Nomenclature
 Fold
Classification
Fold Classification
Based on Interlimb Angle
Fold Classification
Based on Dip of Axial Plane
 Ramsay’s Dip Isogon Classification
• Dip Isogon: a line connecting points of equal dip from one folded layer to
another

• Classes of Folds:
– Class 1: curvature of inner arc is greater than outer arc
Class 1A: Thinning in the hinge; thickening in the limb
Class 1B: Parallel folds that maintain a constant thickness of beds;
dip isogons are perpendicular to layers
Class 1C: Modest thickening in hinge zone; modest thinning in
limbs

– Class 2: Ideal similar folds that maintain a constant layer thickness

measured parallel to axial plane; curvature of outer arc is equal to
inner arc

– Class 3: curvature of outer arc is greater than inner arc; dip isogons fan
away from axial plane; extreme thickening in hinge zone of fold
Ramsay’s Dip Isogon Classification
Ramsay’s Dip Isogon Classification
 Fold Mechanisms
• Flexural Slip: fold forms by slip parallel to bedding
planes;

Brittle deformation; Class 1B (parallel) folds

• Passive Slip: fold forms by slip parallel to AP;

Ductile deformation; Class 2 (similar) folds

Kink Folds
These are folds with straight limbs and angular hinges
with the limbs markedly asymmetrical.

Chevron Folds
These are folds with straight limbs and angular hinges
with the limbs markedly symmetrical.
 Kink Folds

Chevron Folds
Drag Folds are those folds that develop in an
incompetent bed lying between two
competent beds that shear past one another

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Ptygmatic Folds are parallel folds that develop
in a competent layer surrounded by
incompetent material.

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