Riedel shearing

Riedel shearing is a geological process where rocks deform due to horizontal stress, causing the formation of specific fault patterns called Riedel shears. These are small, secondary fractures that develop parallel or at an angle to a main fault, accommodating the overall movement. Imagine tectonic forces gently squeezing and sliding rocks past each other, leading to these characteristic shear zones. Riedel shearing helps geologists understand the nature of stress and movement within Earth's crust, especially in faulted regions, and reveals the history of tectonic activity in an area.