1. n. [Geology]

Folded structures associated with strike-slip faults. In areas where strike-slip faults occur in converging crust, or transpression, rocks are faulted upward in a positive flower structure. In areas of strike-slip faulting in diverging crust, or transtension, rocks drop down to form a negative flower structure. Flower structures can form hydrocarbon traps. The term "flower structure" reflects the resemblance of the structure to the petals of a flower in cross section.

See related terms: convergence,  cross section,  divergence,  fault,  fold,  strike-slip fault,  trap