ASBOG Practice Exam

What tectonic regimes do reverse faults suggest?

1. Extensional

2. Compressional

3. Diversional

4. Transitional

The correct answer is: Compressional

Reverse faults are indicative of compressional tectonic regimes. In this type of fault, the rocks are pushed together, causing one block of rock to be thrust over the other. This movement occurs because of horizontal compressive forces exerted on the Earth's crust. In compressional environments, such as convergent plate boundaries, tectonic plates collide and create significant stresses that result in the formation of reverse faults. This is in contrast to extensional regimes, which produce normal faults where the crust is being pulled apart. The remaining options—diversional and transitional regimes—do not accurately describe the conditions that lead to reverse faulting. Diversional isn't a recognized term in tectonics; the correct terms are usually extensional, compressional, or shear. Transitional refers to zones where different tectonic environments interact, but still does not align with the characteristic mechanics of reverse faults. Thus, the presence of reverse faults clearly points to a compressional regime where the dominant forces are those that compress and thicken the Earth's crust.