There are three or four primary fault types: 1)Normal Fault - Occurs when the "hanging wall" moves down relative to the "foot wall"

There are three or four primary fault types:

1)Normal Fault - Occurs when the "hanging wall" moves down relative to the "foot wall" . These faults typically occur due to extensional stress.

2)Reverse or Thrust Fault - Occurs where the hanging wall moves up or is thrust over the foot wall. These faults are formed due to compressional forces. The difference between a reverse and thrust fault is the dip of the fault plane. Thrust faults are more shallowly dipping.

3)Strike Slip Fault - Near vertical fault where one side moves laterally relative to the other side. These faults occur due to shear stresses,