Definition

Noun: A type of geological fault where the two sides of the fracture in the Earth's crust are not vertically aligned; one side (the hanging wall) is positioned higher relative to the other side (the footwall). The fault plane is at an angle to the horizontal.

Usage

This term is used specifically in geology and earth sciences to describe and classify faults based on their geometry and the relative movement of rock blocks. - The mountain range was formed by a major inclined fault. - Geologists identified an inclined fault as the cause of the earthquake.

Advanced Usage

• Recognition in the field: Inclined faults are identified by the offset of rock layers and slickensides (polished fault surfaces) on the angled fault plane.
• Component of larger systems: A single inclined fault is often part of a complex fault system, such as a rift zone or thrust belt.

Variants and Related Words

• Fault (n): A general term for a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock.
• Dip-slip fault (n): A category of faults where movement is parallel to the dip (inclination) of the fault plane; inclined faults are a type of dip-slip fault.
• Normal fault (n): A specific type of inclined fault where the hanging wall has moved down relative to the footwall.
• Reverse fault (n): A specific type of inclined fault where the hanging wall has moved up relative to the footwall.
• Thrust fault (n): A specific type of reverse fault with a very low-angle fault plane.

Synonyms

• Dipping fault
• Non-vertical fault

Related Phrases

• Fault plane: The specific surface along which the rupture and movement occur.
• Hanging wall: The block of rock that lies above an inclined fault plane.
• Footwall: The block of rock that lies below an inclined fault plane.

Noun

1. a geological fault in which one side is above the other