<p>Geological maps are the interpretation by a number of geologists and are generally the synthesis of extensive field work. The only place with the real evidence is the field (including geophysical work and drillholes, if available obviously). In many countries geological maps are accompanied with a guide discussing certain interpretations, especially regarding faults, which are quite often up for discussion. Maybe you can find the author of the map and ask them if such a guide is available, or even directly ask on what base the fault was drawn? I think you'd find many geologists willing to discuss their interpretation.</p>
<p>Other indications (&quot;evidence&quot; is a bit strong) for thrust faults can include an unexpected contact between two layers, a sudden change in orientation and/or thickness of the layer(s).</p>
<p>If you're really sceptical, try to sketch a small geological profile and see if you can make a different interpretation.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-12-16T16:05:18.147Z
2020-12-16T16:05:18.147Z
SVL
<p>I am not able to upload the map as the file is too large, but I have a map which states there is an over thrust fault. It has two ticks on it indicating downthrow to the NE. The downthrow is pointing towards younger beds. The strike of the fault is parallel to the strike of the surrounding rock units (a fold).</p>
<p>What evidence on this map indicates that this is a thrust fault other than the label itself? Should I be thinking/looking at other evidence?</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-11-30T08:57:10.990Z
Well, you either could crop your map, or you could downsize it by converting to a different data type or reducing the resolution.
Erik
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-12-03T03:10:10.230Z
You didn't say specific where or what country ?
PROBERT
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-12-09T20:08:22.003Z
[Here's a link to an answer on how to link to images that are too large](https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/262264/uploading-images-that-are-too-large/357678#357678)
JeopardyTempest
<geology><mapping>
Identifying thrust faults on a geologic map
Vilo 
# Identifying thrust faults on a geologic map

(Asked by: username_0 on 2020-11-29)

I am not able to upload the map as the file is too large, but I have a map which states there is an over thrust fault. It has two ticks on it indicating downthrow to the NE. The downthrow is pointing towards younger beds. The strike of the fault is parallel to the strike of the surrounding rock units (a fold).

What evidence on this map indicates that this is a thrust fault other than the label itself? Should I be thinking/looking at other evidence?

**Tags:** geology, mapping

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Well, you either could crop your map, or you could downsize it by converting to a different data type or reducing the resolution.  
> **username_2**: You didn't say specific where or what country ?  
> **username_3**: [Here's a link to an answer on how to link to images that are too large](https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/262264/uploading-images-that-are-too-large/357678#357678)  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_4 on 2020-12-16. Score: 0 | Accepted answer

Geological maps are the interpretation by a number of geologists and are generally the synthesis of extensive field work. The only place with the real evidence is the field (including geophysical work and drillholes, if available obviously). In many countries geological maps are accompanied with a guide discussing certain interpretations, especially regarding faults, which are quite often up for discussion. Maybe you can find the author of the map and ask them if such a guide is available, or even directly ask on what base the fault was drawn? I think you'd find many geologists willing to discuss their interpretation.

Other indications ("evidence" is a bit strong) for thrust faults can include an unexpected contact between two layers, a sudden change in orientation and/or thickness of the layer(s).

If you're really sceptical, try to sketch a small geological profile and see if you can make a different interpretation.


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