The document discusses the classification of folds based on various parameters such as fold closure, symmetry, plunge, orientation of the axial plane, and nature of the hinge line. Folds are classified into different types including antiform, synform, symmetrical, asymmetrical, horizontal, plunging, upright, recumbent, and overturned folds based on these parameters. The classification schemes proposed by Fluety (1964) and Ramsay (1967) are also summarized.

1. A presentation on
Fold & its Classification
Submitted to-
Prof. A. K. Shandilya
Dept. of Applied Geology
Dr. Harisingh Gour
Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar
Submitted by-
Praphulla Sonowal
M. Tech 1st Semester
Reg. No. Y17251016

2. Introduction
Elements of fold
Classification of fold
Conclusion
Bibliography

3.  The word fold was used by Hall (1815) for the first
time to explain the rock structures.
 Van Hise (1894) contributed on the geometry of
folds, whileWillis (1891) worked out their mechanics.
 Fold is a wave like structure which is formed by
bending or flexuring of any type of planes or layers in
igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks due to
compressional force.
 Folds are best displayed by stratified formations.

5. Basis of classification:
1. Fold Closure
2. Symmetry
3. Plunge of fold axis
4. Orientation of axial plane
5. Direction of younging relative to fold closure
6. Nature of hinge line
7. Interlimb angle
8. Shape of hinge
9. No of hinges
10. Geometrical elements (Dip isogons, axial plane
thickness & Orthogonal thickness)
11. Superposition of fold

6.  Antiform
 Synform
 Neutral fold
 Vertical fold

7.  Symmetrical fold
 Asymmetrical fold

8. Photo: Asymmetrical fold from Mawkajem village, Meghalaya

9.  Horizontal fold
 Plunging fold
 Vertical fold

10.  Upright fold
 Recumbent fold
 Inclined fold
 Reclined fold
 Overturned fold

11. Amount of plunge of fold:
 Sub-horizontal
 Gently plunging
 Moderately plunging
 Steeply plunging
 Sub-vertical
Amount of dip of axial plane:
 Upright
 Steeply inclined fold
 Moderately inclined
 Gently inclined
 Recumbent
Given by – Fluety (1964)

13.  Anticline
 Syncline
 Anticlinorium
 Synclinorium
 Synformal anticline
 Antiformal syncline

14.  Cylindrical – generated by moving a line parallel to itself
 Non-cylindrical – cannot generated by moving a line
parallel to itself
 Conical – a non cylindrical fold whose shape is
approximately a part of a cone.

15. Given by Fluety (1964)
 Gentle fold - interlimb angle between 180-120o
 Open fold - interlimb angle between 120-70o
 Close fold - interlimb angle between 70-30o
 Tight fold - interlimb angle < 30o but > 0o
 Isoclinal fold – with subparallel limb.
 Fan Fold – with negative interlimb angle.

16.  Round-hinged or broad hinge fold – broad hinge
zone compared to limb.
 Chevron fold – straight limbs and sharp hinge.
 Arrow-head fold – sharp hinge and curved limbs.
 Cuspate fold – 1 set of closure with sharp hinge other
with round.

17.  Single hinged fold – single hinge
 Conjugate fold – double hinged fold with sharp hinge
 Box fold – double hinged with rounded hinges.

18. Given by John G. Ramsay in 1967 based on dip
isogons, axial plane thickness and orthogonal
thickness.
 Class 1
Class 1A
Class 1B
Class 1C
 Class 2
 Class 3

19. Parameter Type of folds
Class 1 A Class 1 B Class 1C Class 2 Class 3
Dip isogons
Strongly
Convergent Convergent
Weakly
Converget Parallel Divergent
tα
’ > 1 = 1 Cos α < tα
’ < 1 Cos α Cos α < tα
’ < 0
Tα
’ > Sec α Sec α Sec α > Tα
’ > 1 1 < 1
Comparison of
curvature of
inner and outer
arcs
i > o i > o i > o i = o i < o

20. Ramsay (1967) and Hubber (1987) classified interference
pattern of superposed folds on the basis of
attitude of two folds axes and
attitude of axial planes and
flow direction of the second deformation
Classification:
Type 1 superimposed folds
Type 2 superimposed folds
Type 3 superimposed folds

21. Upright F1 folds with fold
axes and axial planes
oriented at large angle to
the F2 fold.
Angle between dip of axial
plane of F1 and flow
direction of F2 is low.
Dome & Basin produced.

22. Hinges of F2 fold oriented
at high angle to axial
planes of F1 fold.
Fold hinges of both fold
oriented at high angles.
After superposition it
takes crescent and
mushroom geometry.

23. Flow direction of F2 fold
lies at higher angle to axial
planes of F1.
Hinge line of F2 fold lies
very close to hinge lines of
F1 fold.
After superposition hinges
of both the fold become
parallel & show Hook
shape

24.  Folding bring minerals like copper & lead closer to the
surface making their extraction easy.
 Fold mountain receives heavy rainfall giving rise to
rivers which are use for hydroelectric power
generation.
 During folding faults develops leading to
earthquakes.
 Lee ward sides of fold mountains receives low rainfall
which discourage agriculture and settlement.

25.  Ramsay J. G. and Huber, M.I. :The techniques of modern
structural geology –Volume 2 : Folds and Fractures.
 Ghosh, S. K. : Structural Geology - Fundamentals and Modern
Developments.
 Jain, A. K. : An Introduction to Structural Geology, Geological
society of India.
 Billings, M. P. : Structural Geology, 3/E.
 Fossen, H. : Structural Geology.