Earth Science Name_____________________________

Chapter 5 Period_____________________________
Lab Date______________________________
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Modeling Faults
In this exercise, you will construct a three-dimensional model of the Earth’s surface and observe fault
movements on the model.

Procedure
1. Color the fault model on the next page according to the color key printed on the page.
2. Cut out the fault model. Fold the rock layer extensions down to form a box with the features (trees,
train, track, river) on the top. Tape the touching corners together. The box you make is a three-
dimensional model of the top layers of the Earth’s crust.
3. The dotted lines on your model represent a fault. Carefully cut along the dotted lines. You should end
up with two pieces.
4. Complete Parts 1, 2 & 3, using your model.

Part 1 - Normal Fault

Locate points A and B on your model. Move the two pieces so that point A is next to point B. This
represents a NORMAL FAULT.

1. Draw in the space below how rock layers X, Y, & Z now appear. Label the drawing! (1 point)

2. Describe how the Earth’s surface has changed after movement along the normal fault. (1 point)

3. Predict what might happen to the river now that the rock layers have moved. (1 point)

Part 2 - Reverse Fault

Locate points C and D on you model. Move the model so that point C is next to point D. Doing this
represents a REVERSE FAULT.

4. Draw in the space below how rock layers X, Y, & Z now appear. Label the drawing! (1 point)

5. Describe how the Earth’s surface has changed after movement along the reverse fault. (1 point)

6. Predict how the landscape will change after the movement along the reverse fault. (1 point)
Part 3 - Strike-Slip Fault
Locate points E and F on your model. Move the model so that point E is next to point F. This represents
movement along a STRIKE - SLIP FAULT.

7. Describe how the Earth’s surface has changed. (1 point)

8 Describe how rock layers X, Y, & Z have changed. (1 point)

Analysis Questions
9. Locate points H & I. Move the model so that point H is next to point I. What kind of fault is
represented by this movement? (1 point)

10. Locate points J & K. Move the model so that point J is next to point K. What kind of fault is
represented by this movement? (1 point)

11. Locate points F & G. Move the model so that F is next to point G. What kind of fault is represented
by this movement? (1 point)

12. The scale used to make your model is 1 mm = 2m. Measure your model & determined how many
meters the Earth moved when the STRIKE - SLIP FAULT caused point F to move to point G. Give
your answer in meters! (1 point)

13. How far would the Earth move if point F shifted to point E? Give your answer in meters! (1 point)

14. Flatten out your model and staple it below before you turn in the lab. (2 points)