Beachball Diagram Help: Understanding Focal Mechanisms and Strike Lines

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In summary, The conversation is about studying beach-ball diagrams and getting help with understanding how to determine the direction of the small line, the strike line for oblique faults, and determining up and down in the diagrams. The links provided are for reference and the person is not asking for homework help, but rather for clarification before a test.
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moldovab
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Ive been studying beach-ball diagrams and have the general idea behind it but I think if I get the answers to these samples it will stick. This is not homework but is important because I have a test in the morning.

http://serc.carleton.edu/files/NAGTWorkshops/structure04/Focal_mechanism_primer.pdf
page 3, can someone help me with the answers so I can compare to mine.

http://imgur.com/didhYoP
this is my attempt at the first 3. How does one determine the direction of the small line? is that the dip direction? how does one determine the strike line for oblique faults? how do i tell what is up and down. sorry for the basic questions and thanks in advance.
 
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Yes, the small line is the dip direction. The strike line for an oblique fault is determined by the intersection of the two nodal planes (the red lines). As for up and down, the beachball diagrams represent the three-dimensional orientation of the fault planes, so up and down are relative to the orientation of the diagram.
 

FAQ: Beachball Diagram Help: Understanding Focal Mechanisms and Strike Lines

What is a beachball diagram?

A beachball diagram is a graphical representation of the possible orientations of a fault plane in three-dimensional space. It is commonly used in structural geology to visualize the orientation and movement of faults and fault systems.

How do I read a beachball diagram?

The beachball diagram is divided into quadrants, with each quadrant representing a different direction of motion along the fault plane. The lines in each quadrant indicate the direction of movement, while the colors indicate the type of fault (e.g. thrust, normal, strike-slip).

What information can I gather from a beachball diagram?

A beachball diagram can provide information about the type and direction of fault movement, the orientation of the fault plane, and the stress regime in the area. It is also useful for identifying potential earthquake hazards.

How is a beachball diagram created?

A beachball diagram is created by analyzing data from seismograms, geological maps, or field observations. Special software is used to plot the data and generate the diagram. It requires a thorough understanding of structural geology and fault mechanics.

What are the limitations of a beachball diagram?

A beachball diagram is a simplified representation of complex geological structures and should not be interpreted in isolation. It is based on assumptions and can be affected by data errors. It is important to use other geological evidence and data when interpreting a beachball diagram.

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