ASBOG Practice Exam

Where are growth faults typically found?

1. Mountain ranges

2. River deltas

3. Subduction zones

4. Volcanic regions

The correct answer is: River deltas

Growth faults are typically associated with sedimentary basins, particularly in areas where sediment accumulation occurs at a higher rate than the rate of subsidence. River deltas are prime examples of these environments due to their rapid sediment deposition resulting from river systems. As the sediment loads build up, the weight can cause the underlying sedimentary layers to fracture and slip along the faults, which grow in response to continued sediment accumulation. In contrast, mountain ranges are often formed through tectonic forces that create thrust faults rather than growth faults, while subduction zones are characterized by plates descending into the mantle, leading to other types of faulting. Volcanic regions can also feature faults due to volcanic activity but do not typically exhibit the characteristics of growth faults like those found in delta systems. Thus, river deltas represent the ideal setting for the formation of growth faults due to their dynamic sedimentary processes.