1. n. [Geology]

A type of strike-slip fault in which the fault surface is vertical, and the fault blocks move sideways past each other. Given the geological complexity of some deformed rocks, including rocks that have experienced more than one episode of deformation, it can be difficult to distinguish a wrench fault from a strike-slip fault. Also, areas can be deformed more than once or experience ongoing structuring such that fault surfaces can be rotated from their original orientations.

See related terms: fault