Question

a geologist discovers a fault in a massive rock while out in the field. he notices that the fault occurs at an angle and that the hanging wall has moved downward from the footwall. what type of fault has the geologist found? normal fault reverse fault divergent fault strike - slip fault

Explanation:

• A normal fault occurs when the hanging wall moves downward relative to the footwall. This is due to tensional forces in the Earth's crust.
• In a reverse fault, the hanging wall moves upward relative to the footwall (compressive forces).
• A divergent fault is not a standard term for this type of fault classification (divergent is more related to plate boundaries).
• A strike - slip fault has horizontal movement (side - to - side) along the fault plane.

Answer:

normal fault