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monoklien

Monocline, or monocline structure, is a geologic term for a fold in which rock layers show a single, step-like bend. It consists of two relatively flat or gently dipping limbs connected by a hinge or flexure, producing a marked change in dip over a short distance. The hinge line runs roughly parallel to the orientation of the step and marks the zone where the tilt changes most abruptly.

Formation and causes

Monoclines typically form because of movement on underlying faults or tectonic forces that tilt large blocks

Characteristics and recognition

In field or map view, a monocline presents as a relatively uniform bed dip on one side

Geologic significance and applications

Monoclines reveal past tectonic activity and faulting and can influence groundwater flow and the localization of

See also: anticline, syncline, fault-propagation fold, structural geology.

of
rock.
As
one
side
of
a
fault
moves
vertically,
the
overlying
strata
may
bend
to
accommodate
the
displacement,
creating
a
step
in
the
layering.
Monoclines
can
also
develop
above
deeper,
inclined
faults,
along
regions
of
differential
compaction,
or
where
rigid
rock
units
flex
over
softer
or
differently
behaving
layers.
In
many
cases,
monoclines
are
part
of
a
larger
complex
of
folds
and
faults,
rather
than
isolated
structures.
of
the
hinge,
followed
by
a
different
dip
on
the
other
side.
The
hinge
line
is
the
zone
of
maximum
curvature
and
often
trends
in
a
distinct
direction
across
the
landscape.
Monoclines
differ
from
anticlines
and
synclines
by
having
only
a
single
bend
rather
than
a
series
of
alternating
arches.
natural
resources,
including
hydrocarbons,
by
creating
structural
traps.
They
are
found
in
continents
and
orogenic
belts
worldwide
and
vary
in
size
from
meters
to
kilometers.