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What are folds? (rock structures formed by ductile deformation)

1) Upfolds
2) Downfolds
3) Recumbent Folds
4) Anticline Folds

User Vicky T
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Final answer:

Folds are rock structures formed by ductile deformation. They can be classified into different types, including upfolds, downfolds, recumbent folds, and anticline folds. Folds are important geologic structures for resource accumulation. Visual cues can be used to identify different types of folds.

Step-by-step explanation:

Folds are rock structures formed by ductile deformation. They are formed when the Earth's crust is shortened during compression associated with plate tectonic convergence. Folds can be classified into different types:

  1. Upfolds: These are folds where the rocks are bent upwards, forming a convex shape.
  2. Downfolds: These are folds where the rocks are bent downwards, forming a concave shape.
  3. Recumbent Folds: These are folds where the axial plane is horizontal or nearly horizontal.
  4. Anticline Folds: These are folds where the rocks are bent upwards in a convex shape, with the oldest rocks at the center and the youngest rocks on the outside.

Folds are important geologic structures as they can trap valuable resources such as petroleum or gold. The identification of folds can be made based on visual cues such as the shape of the fold, the placement of rocks, and the orientation of the axial plane and line.

User Damen
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