monoclinal

/,mɔnə'klainəl/

Thân thiện

The road cuts through a monoclinal ridge, revealing tilted rock layers.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to a geological structure where rock strata dip uniformly in a single direction: Describes a fold or flexure in rock layers resulting in a one-sided slope, distinct from symmetrical folds like anticlines or synclines.

Usage

• Used primarily as a technical term in geology to describe the structure and orientation of rock layers.
• Typically modifies nouns such as "structure," "fold," "slope," or "limb."

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The region is characterized by a monoclinal fold, with sedimentary layers dipping consistently to the east.
  • A monoclinal structure often forms a noticeable escarpment or cuesta on the landscape.

Advanced Usage

• "Monoclinal flexure": A specific term for a step-like fold in rock strata.
  • The Colorado Plateau is bounded in places by major monoclinal flexures.

Variants and Related Words

• Monocline (noun): The geological structure itself—a bend in rock layers where the strata are horizontal except on one side, where they dip.
  • The Waterpocket Fold in Utah is a well-known monocline.

Synonyms

• Homoclinal (adj.): A less common synonym with the same meaning.
• Unidirectional dip (noun phrase): A descriptive phrase for the same orientation.

Notes

• This is a specialized scientific term. In general English, simpler terms like "tilted layers" or "one-sided slope" might be used descriptively.
• Do not confuse with "monoclinic," which is a term in crystallography describing a crystal system.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. of a geological structure in which all strata are inclined in the same direction