University of Zambia

School of Education
LSE 3069:Fundamental Topics of Secondary School Geography
FOLDING
Compiled
K. Mundende
2021
Folding

• Bending, crumpling or wrinkling of the non-brittle rocks within the earth crust

• Geomorphic process that occurs when the non-brittle rocks of the crust are subjected to
intense compressional forces

• Folding may cause rocks’ land to be raised up or sink

• Feature formed is a fold

• Fold is a bend in the rock layers of Earth’s crust

• Folds usually occur in sedimentary rocks

Cont’d

• Parts of the crust that sink are called the down folds (synclines)
• Parts that are raised up are called up folds (anticlines)
Cont’d
Cont’d

Factors influencing nature of the Fold

• The intensity (low or high) of the force (extent at which the

compressional forces act on the rocks)

• The nature of the rocks: the rocks may be brittle, compact or semi
solid
Types of Fold

A. Symmetrical Fold/Simple Fold

• Fold that has both limbs of the anticline inclined at the same angle to
the axis of the fold
• Fold produced with limbs inclined at the same angle of inclination
(Limbs are of the same nature (similar)
• Limbs have equal steepness/
• Compressional forces of equal intensity act on rocks with uniform
resistance
Diagram 1
Diagram 2
B. Asymmetrical Fold

• Fold in which the limbs of the anticline are inclined at different angles
to the axis

• One side of the anticline is steeper than the other

• Difference in the resistance of the rocks or the intensity of the forces

subjected to the rocks
Diagram 1
Diagram 2
C. Over Fold

• One limb of an asymmetrical fold is pushed over the syncline due to the high
intensity of the force from one direction of the two compressional forces

• One limb is in an asymmetrical fold is pushed over the other limb to a

shorter distance

• May result of the difference in the resistance of the rocks on which the
forces act.
Diagram 1
Diagram 2
D. Recumbent Fold

• Severe fold in which the anticline is pushed over the syncline to an

almost horizontal position

• One limb in an over fold is pushed further by compressional forces

over another limb to a greater distance

• Occurs when the rocks with less resistance are subjected to

compressional forces of higher intensity on one side than the other
Diagram 1
Diagram 2
Diagram 3
Pericline Fold

• Type of fold in which the anticline has been raised to an almost

vertical position from the ground

• Formed when compressional forces of equally high intensity act on the

rocks with less resistance; hence the land is raised to great heights
Diagram 1
Diagram 2
Activity

• Using annotated diagrams, explain the developments of:

(a) An over thrust fold,

(b) An anticlinorium and synclinorium complex fold

Reference

Kinunda, E.J. and Msabila, T.D. (2012). The Comprehensive Approach

to Ordinary Level Geography, Questions with Answers for Form 3 &
4. Dar es salaam: Nyambari Nyangwine Publishers.

Yogo, J. M. (2012). Ordinary Level Physical Geography Form 3 & 4

Notes, Questions with Answers & Discussion Questions. Dar es
salaam: Nyambari Nyangwine Publishers