monokliinisen

Monocline (Finnish: monokliininen) is a geological structure describing a step-like bend in layered rocks, produced by a single flexure in an otherwise uniform dipping trend. Across a monocline, the strata tilt differently on either side of a nearly horizontal hinge line, creating a distinct bend in the landscape. In cross-section, the beds on one side may be nearly flat or gently dipping, while at the bend the dip increases abruptly before leveling again beyond the monocline. Monoclines differ from anticlines and synclines, which are arch- or trough-shaped folds with two limbs; a monocline has a single bend rather than a symmetric pair of limbs.

Formation: Monoclines form when a regional block was tilted or displaced by fault movement, or when an underlying fault delaminates a sheet of rock, producing a step in the overlying strata. They can result from fault-propagation folds or from drag on faults. Localized faulting or differential compaction can also generate monoclines.

Examples and significance: Notable examples include the Kaibab monocline in the Grand Canyon region and the Sequatchie Valley monocline in Tennessee. Monoclines can influence groundwater flow and can create structural traps for hydrocarbons, making them relevant in exploration geology.

Finnish usage: Monokliininen is the Finnish adjective for monocline; monokliinisen is a grammatical form used in Finnish descriptions.