Question

If plastic strain has taken place and created a fold, the ____.

a.

rock layers will bounce back if the strain is removed



b.

rock layers will remain folded even if the strain is removed



c.

fold will eventually overturn



d.

fold will never fracture



e.

fold will always eventually fracture

Answer 1

When plastic strain causes a fold in rock layers, the rocks will remain folded even after the strain is removed. This is because plastic deformation results in a permanent change to their structure.

Step-by-step explanation:

If plastic strain has taken place and created a fold, the correct answer is b. rock layers will remain folded even if the strain is removed. This is due to the fact that plastic deformation results in a permanent change to the rocks. When rocks undergo plastic strain, they behave like a malleable material, such as clay, changing shape without breaking. Once this happens, they do not return to their original form even after the stress causing the deformation is released. The fold becomes a feature of the geological structure in that area.

Folding in rock layers occurs when there is a compressive force that causes the rock to bend and deform. Once this plastic strain has occurred and the rock layers have folded, they will typically retain their folded shape even if the strain is removed.

This is because the rock layers have undergone permanent deformation, and the structures formed by the folding are retained, similar to how a piece of paper will retain its creases even after the force that caused the folding is removed.