The Hanging Wall Moves Downward Relative To The Footwall

Another type of fault is the thrust fault where ground on one side of the fault moves up and over adjacent ground.

The hanging wall moves downward relative to the footwall.

Along a normal fault the hanging wall moves down relative to the footwall. An upthrown block between two normal faults dipping away from each other is a horst. Normal faults usually form where tectonic plate motions cause tension. In a normal fault the hanging wall moves downward relative to the footwall.

When the hanging wall moves down in relative to the footwall it is called a fault. Normal fault s are common. A normal fault occurs when the crust is extended. A downthrown block between two normal faults dipping towards each other is a graben.

When the hanging wall moves up in relative to the footwall it is called a fault. Low angle normal faults with regional tectonic significance may be designated detachment faults. These usually occur when tectonic forces cause tension that pulls rocks apart. Normal dip slip faults are produced by vertical compression as earth s crust lengthens.

The hanging wall slides down relative to the footwall. Alternatively such a fault can be called an extensional fault.