ASBOG Practice Exam

An oblique-slip fault moves in which direction?

1. Exclusively along the fault's strike

2. Purely in a vertical direction

3. A diagonal direction

4. Only downwards

The correct answer is: A diagonal direction

An oblique-slip fault is characterized by movements that occur diagonally along the fault plane, which reflects both horizontal and vertical displacement. This type of fault combines elements of both strike-slip and dip-slip faults. The term "oblique" indicates that the movement does not conform strictly to either horizontal or vertical motion but instead exhibits a component of both. When rocks on either side of the fault move in such a way that they slide past each other while also shifting up or down, it produces an oblique-slip motion. This is particularly relevant in regions where tectonic forces are complex, leading to varying types of stress and deformation. Understanding the movement direction of an oblique-slip fault is crucial in geology and seismic studies, as it influences the resulting structural features and potential earthquake hazards in an area. This diagonal movement distinguishes it from the other types of faults, where movement is either purely horizontal or purely vertical.