How do normal faults fold sedimentary rock into anticlines and synclines

Uploaded January 2024 | Updated September 2026, 11 hours ago

This video uses sandbox analog models to demonstrate how normal faults fold sedimentary layers into anticlines and synclines. Folding related to normal fault movement is (generally speaking) "forced folding," resulting from hanging wall blocks deforming to match changes in fault dip that define the shape of the footwall. Closed anticlines produced in this way tend to be broad and open, but synclines can become very tight due to space problems in hinges zones. The sandbox models shown are top/plan views, as clear sidewall models just never show this process with adequate clarity due to wall drag.

How do normal faults fold sedimentary rock into anticlines and synclines | Structural Geology

$Shale in fold thrust belts: Triangle zones and passive backthrusts This model uses strong layers and weak microbeads to demonstrate passive roof faulting in a mixed stratigraphy of weak and strong layers. These passive faults involve little displacement, but they would impact cleavage/fracture development in the shale. One model develops the relative backthrust movement through limb rotation; another uses a stratigraphic pinch-out. These models would be improved by weakers detachment layers, but the general style is communicated here.$

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