Deformation Processes
• As layered strata of rocks are compressed, they undergo folding.
• Syncline – – the “trough” of a fold
• Anticline– the “ridge” of a fold
From Schmidt, Martin F. 1993Maryland’s Geology. TidewaterPublishers, Centreville, MD.
Frostburg and Cumberland
Landsat Imagery courtesy of USGS
Specialized folding structure:
• Synclinal Ridge – a syncline that is resistant to weathering and erosion may form a ridge– Example:
Sideling Hill
Folding
• Synclines and anticlines can be plunging
• Plunging means that the axis of the fold is not level (horizontal)
• Unique landforms:
From Schmidt, Martin F. 1993Maryland’s Geology. TidewaterPublishers, Centreville, MD.
Plunging folds in Central Pennsylvania