SYNCLINAL Meaning and
Definition
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Synclinal is an adjective that refers to a geologic formation characterized by a concave shape with layers of rocks or sediments sloping downward and inward toward a common center. The term is often used in the field of structural geology to describe folds and rock layers that exhibit a trough-like structure.
In a synclinal formation, the youngest layers of rocks or sediments are found along the axis of the fold, while the older ones are located towards the outer edges. The layers exhibit a distinctive inward curvature, which gives the synclinal formation its concave appearance. Synclines are commonly associated with compressional forces, such as those occurring during tectonic plate collisions or mountain-building processes.
The term "synclinal" is derived from the Greek words "syn," meaning together, and "klinein," meaning to lean. This etymology reflects the overall shape of the syncline, as the rock layers appear to lean together towards the center.
Synclinal formations are significant in geology as they provide valuable insights into the history and evolution of the Earth's crust. By studying the orientation and characteristics of synclines, geologists can interpret the forces that acted upon the rocks and gain a better understanding of the past geological events that shaped the landscape.
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Noting two structures inclined one toward the other.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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In geol., applied to strata that dip from opposite directions inwards, like the leaves of a half-opened book, or which incline to a common centre, forming a trough or basin-shaped hollow.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SYNCLINAL
- aynclinal
- zynclinal
- xynclinal
- dynclinal
- eynclinal
- wynclinal
- stnclinal
- sgnclinal
- shnclinal
- sunclinal
- s7nclinal
- s6nclinal
- sybclinal
- symclinal
- syjclinal
- syhclinal
- synxlinal
- synvlinal
- synflinal
Etymology of SYNCLINAL
The word "synclinal" is derived from the Greek roots "syn" meaning "together" and "klinein" meaning "to lean". In geology, a syncline refers to a type of fold in rock layers where the rock layers are bent downward in a U-shape or trough-like structure. The term "synclinal" was coined to describe this geological formation.
