What Forces Created These Geologic Features?
ES1106  Rio Grande Rift

Mountains on the flanks of the Rio Grande rift in the southwestern United States are examples of fault block mountains. Formation of these mountains started approximately 10 million years ago. This diagram shows a simplified cross section—a side view—of the geology in the vicinity of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

  !   Interpret the faults in this cross section. Use the drawing tools to trace the layer of Pennsylvanian rocks across the full width of the diagram. Examine the faults to determine the direction of stress.

 
Matthew Nyman, TERC

 
   

7. What type of faulting is indicated by the cross section of the Rio Grande rift?

8. What type of stress formed the mountains near Albuquerque, New Mexico?

  
    


	

 	

		
			
	

	
	

		 
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