- 2066 Jestha (old course) · 4 marks
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.
| Point | Anticline | Syncline |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Upward arch (convex up) | Downward trough (concave up) |
| Limbs dip | Away from the axis | Towards the axis |
| Age of beds in the core | Oldest beds in the centre | Youngest beds in the centre |
| Outcrop pattern | Older beds at the centre, younger outward | Younger beds at the centre, older outward |
| Stress in the crest/trough | Tension at the top (crest), joints open | Compression at the top; tension at the base |
| Engineering | Roof loosening in tunnels; leakage in reservoirs; trap for oil/gas | Collects 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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