What is a compressional fault zone?

A compressional fault zone is an area where tectonic plates collide or push against each other, resulting in the thickening and shortening of the Earth's crust. This type of faulting typically leads to the formation of features such as mountain ranges and fold structures. The primary mechanism involves the horizontal compression of rocks, causing them to fracture and slip along fault lines. Common examples include reverse faults and thrust faults, which are characteristic of convergent plate boundaries.