Pfannenförmige

Pfannenförmige refers to a shape resembling a frying pan. This term is often used in geology to describe specific geological formations or structures. For instance, a pfannenförmige fault, also known as a pan-shaped fault, is a type of fault where the fault plane curves from a steep angle near the surface to a shallower angle at depth, resembling the cross-section of a pan. This characteristic curvature can influence seismic wave propagation and the mechanics of fault rupture.

In volcanology, the term might describe a specific type of caldera or crater that has a broad, shallow, and somewhat flattened depression, reminiscent of the interior of a frying pan. Such a shape can result from particular types of volcanic collapse or eruption processes. The term is less common in everyday language and is primarily encountered within specialized scientific or technical contexts. It is a descriptive adjective used to convey a visual analogy for a particular form or structure.