How do geologists recognize faults in the field?

Answer 1

in addition to the concise answers given above, fault could also be recognize in sedimentary terrain from; OMISSION OF STRATA, REPETITION OF STRATA AND ABRUPT CHANGE IN MORPHOLOGY OF ON EARTH SURFACE .

Answer 2

Fault scarp: A steep slope resulting from the movement of rock strata

Slickensides and slickenlines: Slickensides refer to the smoothly polished surface caused by frictional movement between rocks on the two sides of a fault, while slickenlines are groove marks on fault surfaces, slickensides, produced by the rubbing forces of the two sides of the fault.

Fault breccia: angular fragments of rock resulting from the frictional movement on fault zones.

Straight rivers and a long line of green vegetated area: since faulting is accompanied by friction between the two sides of the fault, the rocks at the fault zone are commonly pulverized, fragmented and weakened. As a result, running water from streams and rivers would tend to flow along the fault zone because that is the place where rocks are weaker to erode. Moreover, groundwater usually finds its way to the surface along the openings created by faults. Hence in areas where there are fault lines we also see plants flourishing, because they are close to groundwater source. Thus, exceptionally straight flowing rivers and streams or long lines of vegetated areas are evidence of the presence of a fault.

Answer 3

Geologists recognize faults in the field by looking for signs such as displaced rock layers, fractures, and changes in rock types or structures along the fault line. They may also use tools like compasses and geological maps to trace the movement of rocks across the fault.