HANGING WALL Meaning and
Definition
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A hanging wall is a geological term used to describe a specific type of rock formation in relation to a fault line or tectonic plate boundary. It refers to the section of rock that is positioned above the fault plane, typically found in areas of vertical displacement or horizontal movement. The hanging wall is characterized by being the uppermost side of the fault, with the footwall being the lower side.
The term "hanging wall" originates from the mining industry, where it was used to identify the overlying section of rock that miners would hang their lanterns on during excavation. In geological terms, the hanging wall is essential in determining the direction and magnitude of tectonic movement along a fault, as it is the side that moves downwards or to the side during an earthquake or other geological events.
The hanging wall can exhibit various characteristics depending on the type of fault. In a normal fault, the hanging wall moves downward relative to the footwall, whereas in a reverse fault, it moves upward. A transform fault, on the other hand, involves horizontal displacement along the fault line, resulting in lateral movement of the hanging wall.
Understanding the concept of a hanging wall is crucial for geologists and seismologists as it provides valuable insights into the behavior and dynamics of fault systems. By analyzing the geometrical relationships between hanging walls, footwalls, and fault surfaces, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the seismic activity and geologic evolution of a particular region.
Common Misspellings for HANGING WALL
- ganging wall
- banging wall
- nanging wall
- janging wall
- uanging wall
- yanging wall
- hznging wall
- hsnging wall
- hwnging wall
- hqnging wall
- habging wall
- hamging wall
- hajging wall
- hahging wall
- hanfing wall
- hanving wall
- hanbing wall
- hanhing wall
- hanying wall
Etymology of HANGING WALL
The term "hanging wall" in geology has its origin in mining terminology. It is a descriptive term used to refer to a specific rock formation or layer above an inclined mineral vein or fault plane. The word "hanging" in this context comes from the Old English word "hangian", which means "to be suspended" or "to be inclined". The word "wall" refers to a vertical or near-vertical rock layer or formation. So, when combined, the term "hanging wall" describes the rock structure that is suspended or inclined above a vein or fault.
Similar spelling words for HANGING WALL
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