The Hanging Wall Moves Downward Relative To The Footwall

Normal faults usually form where tectonic plate motions cause tension.

The hanging wall moves downward relative to the footwall.

The hanging wall slides down relative to the footwall. Normal dip slip faults are produced by vertical compression as earth s crust lengthens. In a normal fault the hanging wall moves downward relative to the footwall. A downthrown block between two normal faults dipping towards each other is a graben.

Normal fault s are common. They bound many of the mountain ranges of the world and many of the rift valleys found along spreading margins. These usually occur when tectonic forces cause tension that pulls rocks apart. An upthrown block between two normal faults dipping away from each other is a horst.

A normal fault occurs when the crust is extended. Low angle normal faults with regional tectonic significance may be designated detachment faults. When the hanging wall moves down in relative to the footwall it is called a fault. When the hanging wall moves up in relative to the footwall it is called a fault.

Tension is stress that pulls rocks apart. Alternatively such a fault can be called an extensional fault.