Folding
Also called: Anticline and syncline · Topic: Geomorphic Processes: Weathering, Mass Movement, Erosion and Soil Formation · NCERT: Class 9, Ch 2 "Shaping of the Earth's Surface"; Class 11, Ch 3 "Interior of the Earth"; Class 11, Ch 5 "Geomorphic Processes"
Meaning
Folding happens when sideways squeezing bends rock layers. The upfolds are called anticlines and the downfolds are called synclines. Severe folding along long, narrow belts builds fold mountains. Anticlines can also trap petroleum, so they matter for oil exploration.
Example
The Himalayas on India's northern border are fold mountains. They formed through severe folding of rock layers.
Don't confuse with
- Faulting: rocks break and shift along cracks, forming block mountains and rift valleys. In folding, rocks bend without breaking.