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Letter HGeology glossary

Horst

A horst is an uplifted block of the Earth’s crust bounded by normal faults on either side, typically forming elevated regions such as mountain ranges or plateaus. Horsts are significant in understanding extensional tectonics, crustal deformation, and the formation of rift valleys.

Diagram showing horst and graben fault blocks
Fig. 1 Diagram showing horst and graben fault blocks

Source Twiss, R. J., & Moores, E. M. (2007). Structural Geology. W. H. Freeman.

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