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Syncline versus anticline

Short answer

An anticline is an upfold with limbs dipping away from the axis and older rocks in the core; a syncline is a downfold with limbs dipping towards the axis and younger rocks in the core. Anticlines have tensional crests, synclines collect water and have higher rock pressure.

Differentiate between syncline and anticline fold.

PointAnticlineSyncline
ShapeUpward arch (convex up)Downward trough (concave up)
Limbs dipAway from the axisTowards the axis
Age of beds in the coreOldest beds in the centreYoungest beds in the centre
Outcrop patternOlder beds at the centre, younger outwardYounger beds at the centre, older outward
Stress in the crest/troughTension at the top (crest), joints openCompression at the top; tension at the base
EngineeringRoof loosening in tunnels; leakage in reservoirs; trap for oil/gasCollects water (artesian basin); holds reservoir water; high rock pressure
   Anticline        Syncline
     ___              
   /     \       \         /
  /       \       \_____/
 limbs dip away    limbs dip towards

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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