Which type of fault is characterized by the hanging wall sliding upward due to compression?

The correct answer is the reverse fault, which is defined by the movement of the hanging wall sliding upward relative to the footwall. This upward movement occurs due to compressional forces that push the two sections of the earth's crust together. As the stress builds up in the crust, it eventually overcomes the friction holding the rocks in place, resulting in a sudden slip that causes the hanging wall to rise above the footwall.

Reverse faults typically occur in regions where tectonic plates are colliding, such as at convergent boundaries. These geological formations can lead to the creation of mountain ranges as the crust is folded and uplifted. Understanding reverse faults is crucial for comprehending the processes that shape the earth’s surface and contribute to seismic activity.

In contrast, a normal fault involves the hanging wall moving downward due to extensional forces, while a strike-slip fault primarily involves horizontal movement of the crust. Transform faults are a type of strike-slip fault associated with lateral motion along plate boundaries.