Folded Structures

Folded structures refer to formations created when layers of material, such as rock, bend and twist under pressure from tectonic forces. Imagine folding a piece of paper; this process results in various shapes like peaks (anticlines) and valleys (synclines). These structures are significant in geology as they help geologists understand Earth's history, the movement of tectonic plates, and the formation of natural resources like oil and gas. Understanding folded structures also aids in predicting natural events, such as earthquakes, by providing insights into the stresses in the Earth's crust.