ASBOG Practice Exam

What is a characteristic of symmetrical folds?

1. They exhibit equal dips on either side of the fold axis

2. They have one steep side and one gentle side

3. They are always vertical

4. They do not have a recognizable axis

The correct answer is: They exhibit equal dips on either side of the fold axis

A characteristic of symmetrical folds is that they exhibit equal dips on either side of the fold axis. In geological terms, symmetrical folds are characterized by their balanced structure, where the angles of the limbs (the sides of the fold) are evenly angled away from the axial plane, leading to an equal or nearly equal dip on both sides. This symmetry suggests a uniform stress in the earth's crust during folding, which helps geologists understand the tectonic forces that acted on the rock layers. The other characteristics associated with folds highlight different folding behaviors. While folds can have various angles and orientations, symmetrical folds specifically maintain an even distribution of dip, distinguishing them from asymmetrical or other types of folds that may exhibit a more varied structure. Understanding this key characteristic helps in the field of geology when analyzing rock formations and predicting geological processes.