DENALI FAULT Meaning and
Definition
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The Denali Fault refers to a geological fault located in Alaska, primarily associated with the tectonic plate boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. This 200-mile-long fault stretches through the central part of the state, running from the eastern part of the Alaska Range to the southwestern part of the Yukon River.
The Denali Fault is classified as a right-lateral strike-slip fault, indicating that the two plates are moving horizontally in opposite directions. This fault marks the boundary where the Pacific Plate is moving northwestwards relative to the North American Plate, with an average slip rate of approximately 1.5 inches per year.
Significant geological activity is observed along the Denali Fault, with frequent seismic events occurring due to the stresses and strain accumulation caused by the plates' movement. Major earthquakes have occurred along this fault, including the famous Denali Fault earthquake of 2002, which measured a magnitude of 7.9 on the Moment Magnitude Scale and briefly disrupted several parts of Alaska.
The Denali Fault plays a crucial role in the deformation and uplift of the Alaska Range, and its activity has contributed to the formation of stunning topographical features, such as mountain ranges, valleys, and sharp cliffs. Furthermore, it has shaped the landscape and influenced the evolution of ecosystems in the region. Detailed study and monitoring of the Denali Fault are important for understanding the tectonic processes, seismic hazards, and overall geological dynamics of Alaska.
Common Misspellings for DENALI FAULT
- senali fault
- xenali fault
- cenali fault
- fenali fault
- renali fault
- eenali fault
- dwnali fault
- dsnali fault
- ddnali fault
- drnali fault
- d4nali fault
- d3nali fault
- debali fault
- demali fault
- dejali fault
- dehali fault
- denzli fault
- densli fault
- denwli fault
Etymology of DENALI FAULT
The word "Denali" originates from the Koyukon Athabaskan language, which is spoken by the indigenous Athabaskan people in Alaska. In this language, the term "Denali" means "the high one" or "the great one", referring to the towering mountain known today as Denali (formerly Mount McKinley).
The term "Fault" is derived from Old French and Latin, with the Old French word "faute" meaning "lack" or "deficiency". In geology, a fault refers to a fracture or break in the Earth's crust along which movement occurs.
Therefore, the phrase "Denali Fault" combines the indigenous term for the highest peak in North America with the geological term for a fracture or break, indicating a fault line located near or associated with Denali.
Similar spelling words for DENALI FAULT
- tunnel vault,
- three-fold denial.
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