Kiilankappaleet

Kiilankappaleet refers to a type of geological feature. These are typically wedge-shaped blocks of rock that have moved relative to each other along fault lines. The term is of Finnish origin, with "kiila" meaning wedge and "kappale" meaning piece or block. This movement can result in significant displacement of the rock layers.

The formation of kiilankappaleet is often associated with extensional tectonic regimes, where the Earth's crust is being pulled apart. As the crust stretches and thins, normal faults develop, and blocks of rock slide down these faults, creating the characteristic wedge shape. The steeper the fault, the more pronounced the wedge shape can become.

These features can be observed in various geological settings, including rift valleys and passive continental margins. The study of kiilankappaleet is important for understanding the history of tectonic activity in a region, as well as for assessing potential seismic hazards. Their presence can also influence the deposition of sediments and the formation of mineral deposits. Analyzing the geometry and orientation of these blocks helps geologists reconstruct the stress fields that were active during their formation.