Opens in a new tab

Letter SGeology glossary

Syncline

A syncline is a fold in which the youngest rock layers are found in the core, with the layers dipping inward from both sides. Synclines are significant in structural geology for understanding the forces and processes that create folds in the Earth’s crust.

Geological diagram showing anticline and syncline rock layers.
Fig. 1 Geological diagram showing anticline and syncline rock layers.

Source Ramsay, J. G. (1967). “Folding and Fracturing of Rocks.” McGraw-Hill.

join.me

Geology made clear, in your inbox.

Get clear, visual explainers on rocks, minerals, deep time, and the most fascinating parts of Earth science from Geoscopy.