FOLDING

Folding (Geologic)

• occurs when a body of warm sedimentary

rock is compressed or squeezed by tectonic
forces and shortens horizontal distances in
rocks
• rocks at or near convergent plate boundaries
are placed under tremendous pressure.
• As the plates collide, these rocks may be
compressed, causing them to fold
• effect is similar to a head on collision between
two cars
 Folding (Geologic)

• unlike a car crash, folding happens

incredibly slowly (can take millions
of years)
• In some areas, rocks are folded
upwards forming anticlines
• In other areas, rocks are folded
downwards forming synclines.
 Folding (Geologic)

• In areas which have been subjected

to intense folding, more complex
folds are formed such as overfolds,
where one part of the fold has been
pushed over the other and the fold
looks like it is toppling over.
 Folding (Geologic)

• a more complex fold is the

recumbent fold
• are found in areas where the most
intense folding has taken place
• limbs of a recumbent fold are
horizontal and parallel so it looks
like the fold has fallen over
completely
Folding (Geologic)

• responsible for the formation of most of the very high mountains in the world.
• rocks along a convergent plate boundary may be pushed thousands of feet upward
forming mountain ranges.
• Mountain ranges such as the Andes in South America, The Rockies in North
America and the Himalayas in Asia were formed in this way.
• mountains in the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, are still growing as the process
which formed them continues to this day.
• world’s tallest mountain is still growing.