Fold structures

Folds are one of the most common tectonic

structures developed in deformed rocks.

They form in rocks containing planar features such

as sedimentary bedding, lithologic layering in
metamorphic schists and gneisses produced during
an earlier deformational event.

They occur at all scales from the thin section to

mountain ranges.

At larger scales, complex folds may be difficult to

understand
 Types of Fold Structures

The three broad classes of folds are-

(1) anticlines,
(2) synclines and
(3) monoclines.

The term anticline is used for any fold structure consisting

of two limbs spread apart in a downward fashion (concave
downward; Figure 2a).

Synclines are bi-limbed folds where the limbs open upward

(concave upward; Figure 2b)

Monoclines, as the name implies, have only one limb

(Figure 2c).
The symmetry and orientation of these fold
structures can be highly variable. They can be –

(1) symmetrical (Figure 2a,b),

(2) asymmetrical or overturned (Figure 3).

In some instances, anticlines and synclines may lie

on their sides. These folds are said to be
recumbent (Figure 3c).

They may also be inclined rather than

horizontally
Figure 3: Schematic diagrams of symmetrical, asymmetrical, overturned and
recumbent anticlines and synclines.
Anticline: a fold with older rocks in its core.

Syncline: a fold with younger rocks in its core.

Structure of Fold
Structure of Fold
Structure of Fold
Structure of Fold
Structure of Fold
Structure of Fold
Structure of Fold
Structure of Fold
Structure of Fold
Structure of Fold
Structure of Fold