The Origin and Significance of “Epi-Anticlinal” Faults as Revealed by Experiments
Theodore A. Link · AAPG Bulletin · 1927
ABSTRACT The growth of a plunging anticline causes tension parallel and normal to the axis of the fold. Transverse fissures are manifestations of such tension, and horizontal, vertical, or pivotal movements along such fissures give rise to typical “epi-anticlinal” faults. On short or ovoid domes such faults converge toward the locus of maximum active stress, while on the tops of longer plunging anticlines the faults are roughly parallel, but always normal to the axis of the fold. Perfectly circular domes, caused by an arrested intrusion or salt plug, exhibit a radial tension fissure pattern. Converging “epi-anticlinal” faults are regarded as due to a combination of tangential and vertical forces.