Question

Which type of fault occurs when the hanging wall moves downward relative to the footwall?

• A. Reverse fault
• B. Normal fault
• C. Strike-slip fault
• D. Thrust fault

Hint:

Normal fault = Hanging wall goes \textbf{down}. Reverse/Thrust fault = Hanging wall goes \textbf{up}.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: A fault is a fracture in the Earth's crust along which movement has occurred. Faults are classified based on the relative movement of the hanging wall and footwall:

• Normal fault: Hanging wall moves downward relative to footwall (tensional forces).
• Reverse fault: Hanging wall moves upward (compressional forces).
• Thrust fault: A low-angle reverse fault.
• Strike-slip fault: Horizontal movement along the fault plane.

Step 1:Understand hanging wall and footwall.
The hanging wall is the block above the fault plane, while the footwall lies below it.
Step 2:Analyze the given movement.
The question states that the hanging wall moves downward relative to the footwall.
Step 3:Match with the correct fault type.
This type of movement is characteristic of a normal fault, which forms under tensional stress when the crust is being stretched.