Tectonic Process and Volcanism

What is Deformation?

Refers to the change in the original shape and size of a rock. The deformation is caused by tectonic forces.

Three types of Tectonic Forces

Compressional Forces
Tensional Forces
Shearing Forces

Compressional Foces

Generate folding and faulting as a consequence of shortening. These along convergent plate boundaries resulting in mountain ranges.

Tensional forces

Cause stretching and thinning of rocks resulting in faulting.

Shearing Forces

Causes rock to slide horizontally past one another.

TECTONIC PROCESSES

Folding

Occurs when rocks are pushed toward each other from opposite sides. The rock layers bend into folds.

Anticline

The upward arching fold also an arch-like shape and has its oldest beds at its core.

Syncline

The downward arching fold with younger layers closer to the center of the structure.

Faulting

The fracturing and displacement of brittle rock strata along a fault plain.

Types of Faulting

Dip-slip Faulting

Occurs when the movement of the two blocks is vertical.

Strike-slip Faulting

Occurs when the dominant displacement is horizontal and parallel.

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