Folds in rocks in which a convex upward warp
contains older rocks in the center and younger rocks on the
sides. They typically occur along with synclines in alternating
anticline-syncline pairs forming a fold train. Their geometry
is defined by several artificial geometric surfaces, known as
the fold axial surface, which divides the fold into two equal
limbs, and a fold hinge, parallel to the line of maximum curvature
on the folded layers.
The anticlines may be of any size, ranging from microscopic
folds of thin layers to large mountain-scale uplifts.
Regional parts of mountain ranges that are characterized by
generally uplifted rocks in the center are known as anticlinoria.
Anticlines and broad upwarps of strata make particularly
good oil and gas traps if the geologic setting is appropriate
for the formation of oil. Oil and gas tend to migrate upward
in geologic structures, and if they find a layer with significant
porosity and permeability, the oil and gas may become
trapped in the anticlinal structure. The broader and gentler
the upwarp, the larger the area that the hydrocarbons may be
trapped in, and the larger the oil or gas field. Some famous
oil and gas fields that are located in anticlinal structures
include those of the Newport-Inglewood trend in California
and the Zagros Mountains of Iran.
See also FOLD; STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY.
contains older rocks in the center and younger rocks on the
sides. They typically occur along with synclines in alternating
anticline-syncline pairs forming a fold train. Their geometry
is defined by several artificial geometric surfaces, known as
the fold axial surface, which divides the fold into two equal
limbs, and a fold hinge, parallel to the line of maximum curvature
on the folded layers.
The anticlines may be of any size, ranging from microscopic
folds of thin layers to large mountain-scale uplifts.
Regional parts of mountain ranges that are characterized by
generally uplifted rocks in the center are known as anticlinoria.
Anticlines and broad upwarps of strata make particularly
good oil and gas traps if the geologic setting is appropriate
for the formation of oil. Oil and gas tend to migrate upward
in geologic structures, and if they find a layer with significant
porosity and permeability, the oil and gas may become
trapped in the anticlinal structure. The broader and gentler
the upwarp, the larger the area that the hydrocarbons may be
trapped in, and the larger the oil or gas field. Some famous
oil and gas fields that are located in anticlinal structures
include those of the Newport-Inglewood trend in California
and the Zagros Mountains of Iran.
See also FOLD; STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY.
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