tilakäyrä

Tilakäyrä is a Finnish term that translates to "tilting curve" or "inclination curve." It is a concept used in the study of geological structures, particularly in relation to the deformation of rock layers. Specifically, a tilakäyrä refers to the graphical representation of the angle of dip of a rock stratum as it changes across a particular area or along a geological profile.

This curve helps geologists visualize how sedimentary or volcanic rock layers have been tilted or folded due to tectonic forces. The horizontal axis of the tilakäyrä typically represents horizontal distance, while the vertical axis represents the dip angle, which is the angle between the rock layer and the horizontal plane. A steep dip angle indicates significant tilting, while a shallow dip suggests less deformation.

The shape of the tilakäyrä can provide clues about the type and intensity of geological deformation. For instance, a consistent, gradual change in dip angle along the curve might suggest a broad, gentle fold. Conversely, rapid changes or abrupt shifts in the dip angle could indicate the presence of faults or more complex folding structures. Studying tilakäyrät is a fundamental part of structural geology, aiding in the interpretation of subsurface geology, resource exploration, and understanding the Earth's tectonic history.