Fundamentals of Physical Geography
Fundamentals of Physical Geography
2nd Edition
ISBN: 9781133606536
Author: James Petersen
Publisher: CENGAGE L
Question
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Chapter 11, Problem 3FQ
To determine

Whether a strike to the southwest differ from a strike to the northeast.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Answer to Problem 3FQ

No, both southwest strike and northeast strike are the same.

Explanation of Solution

The bearings or the positions of inclined rock layers on the Earth are defined by means of their strike and dip by the Earth scientists. Strike refers to the compass direction that marks the meeting between a sloping rock and a horizontal plane. In other words, strike describes the direction where the rock layers geographically extend.

Strike direction is expressed by its azimuth. From the accompanying figure, the strike direction of the tilted rock layers is identified as SW-NE. Here, the strike direction can be mentioned as SW or NE, since both indicate the same direction of geographical extent. According to the directions, SW and NE lie opposite to each other of a compass, and hence fall on the same plane. Therefore, there is no difference between a SW strike and a NE strike.

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