reverse fault

noun Geology.

a fault in which the rock above the fault plane is displaced upward relative to the rock below the fault plane (opposed to gravity fault).
Compare thrust fault.

Origin of reverse fault

First recorded in 1885–90

Words nearby reverse fault

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Scientific definitions for reverse fault

reverse fault
[ rĭ-vûrs′ ]

A geologic fault in which the hanging wall has moved upward relative to the footwall. Reverse faults occur where two blocks of rock are forced together by compression. Compare normal fault. See Note and illustration at fault.