ASBOG Practice Exam

Which of the following describes the uppermost surface in a fault with a dip less than 90 degrees?

1. Footwall

2. Hanging wall

3. Lowermost surface

4. Fault plane

The correct answer is: Hanging wall

The uppermost surface in a fault with a dip of less than 90 degrees is referred to as the hanging wall. In geological terms, the hanging wall is the block of rock that lies above the fault plane. Understanding the relationship between the hanging wall and footwall is crucial when analyzing faults. In a dip-slip fault, as the hanging wall moves downward relative to the footwall, it is often associated with geological processes such as normal faulting in extensional environments. A fault plane is the actual fracture surface along which there has been movement, but it does not specifically designate the uppermost surface. The footwall is positioned below the fault plane, thus not serving as the uppermost surface in this context. The term "lowermost surface" is not a recognized term in fault terminology and does not apply to this scenario. Therefore, identifying the hanging wall helps clarify the mechanism of movement along these fault systems.