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