1. n. [Geology]

A type of reverse fault in which the fault plane has a very shallow dip, typically much less than 45°. The hanging wall fault block moves up the fault surface relative to the footwall. In cases of considerable lateral movement, the fault is described as an overthrust fault. Thrust faults can occur in areas of compression of the Earth's crust.

See related terms: crust,  decollement,  dip,  fault,  orogeny,  overthrust,  reverse fault