Plate Collision

Deformation, deflection, and detachment are observable when land masses collide. Via the immense pressure of colliding tectonic plates, horizontally deposited sedimentary rock, distinguished by distinctively colored, vertically-stratified slabs, can be:

1. Squeezed into wavy layers forming synclines and anticlines (right); or
2. Broken up so that the deeper layers (older) of rock pile on top of shallower (newer) layers. A phenomena called a thrust fault; or
3. Forced to strike or slip along a plane creating a horizontally detached strike-slip fault.

Piqiang Fault, a strike-slip fault

Piqiang Fault is a dramatic example of a strike-slip fault in the Gobi desert. The sedimentary rock layers are offset by about 2 miles. Pressure from colliding tectonic plates, i.e., the northward moving Indian plate and the Eurasian plate, caused Piqiang Fault.

Civilization exists by geological consent, subject to change without notice.
― Will Durant

REFERENCES

• Faults in Xinjiang, NASA Earth Observatory. 16 January 2014.
• Your Fault of the Week, The Earth Story.