What type of fault is characterized by horizontal movement of rock masses?

A strike-slip fault is characterized by the horizontal movement of rock masses along the fault line. This type of fault occurs when tectonic plates slide past each other, primarily in a lateral motion. As a result, the rocks on either side of the fault move horizontally in opposite directions, which can often be observed through the displacement of geological features across the fault line.

In the context of tectonic activity, strike-slip faults are typically associated with transform plate boundaries, where two plates slide past one another. The interaction at these boundaries can lead to significant seismic activity, as the tension and stress build up due to the friction between the moving plates may be released suddenly in earthquakes.

Understanding how strike-slip faults operate helps to analyze geological formations and map out potential areas for seismic activity, which is crucial for assessing risks in regions prone to earthquakes. In contrast, the other fault types—normal, reverse, and thrust—are characterized by vertical movements of rock masses rather than horizontal displacement.