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Recumbent versus overturned fold

Short answer

In a recumbent fold the axial plane is nearly horizontal and both limbs are horizontal, one inverted. In an overturned fold the axial plane is inclined, both limbs dip the same way, one limb is overturned. Recumbent folds indicate intense compression, overturned folds result from moderate one-sided push.

Differentiate between recumbent and overturned fold.

PointRecumbent foldOverturned fold
Axial planeHorizontal or nearly horizontalInclined (neither vertical nor horizontal)
LimbsBoth limbs nearly horizontal, one above the otherBoth limbs dip in the same direction; one is inverted
InversionThe lower limb is invertedOne limb (the overturned limb) is inverted
OriginIntense compression that pushes the fold over until it lies flatModerate compression with a one-sided push
ExampleNappes in the HimalayaFolds near thrust zones
 Overturned         Recumbent
    /\                _______
   /  \_             /_______\_
  /   /               \_______/

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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