Chapter 26, Problem 15RQ

What is the difference between reverse faults and normal faults?

To determine

The difference between reverse faults and normal faults.

Answer to Problem 15RQ

The main difference between reverse fault and normal faults is that the normal fault is a type of dip-slip fault where one side of land moves downward while the other side stays still. In contrast, a reverse fault is a type of dip-slip where one side of the land moves upward while the other side stays still.

Explanation of Solution

The difference between reverse faults and normal faults are:

S.No.	Normal faults	Reverse faults
1	The formation of the normal faults takes place when one side of the land moves in the downward direction with respect to the foot land.	The formation of reverse fault takes place when one side of the land moves in the upward direction with respect to the other side of the land.
2	Normal faults formed due to tensional stress.	Reverse faults formed due to the compressive stress.
3	In normal faults, the hanging wall is pulled apart from the footwall.	In reverse faults, the hanging wall is pushed towards the footwall.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the main difference between reverse fault and normal faults is that the normal fault is a type of dip-slip fault where one side of land moves downward while the other side stays still. In contrast, a reverse fault is a type of dip-slip where one side of the land moves upward while the other side stays still.