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Glite Dictionary
cataclinal

cataclinal

9.9
A valley or river that runs the same way as the downward slope of rock layers
  • adjective
  • Specialized
: cataclinal
  • The map shows several cataclinal valleys that have formed due to the tilted sedimentary layers.

Examples

  • The geologist pointed out that the river flowed in a cataclinal direction, following the downward slope of the strata.

  • Unlike the previous valley, this one is distinctly cataclinal, matching the underlying rock dip.

  • The cataclinal valley was a stunning sight during the hike.

  • Is this river cataclinal in its flow?

  • The geologist pointed out that the river flowed in a cataclinal direction, following the downward slope of the strata.

  • The map shows several cataclinal valleys that have formed due to the tilted sedimentary layers.

  • Unlike the previous valley, this one is distinctly cataclinal, matching the underlying rock dip.

Synonyms

synclinal
vscataclinal
  • Specialized
9.9

A fold in rock layers that slopes down from both sides to form a low trough

runs along the dip direction of surrounding rock layers

Antonyms

anaclinal
  • Specialized
9.9

A valley or river that flows in the opposite direction to the slope of nearby rock layers

Surface Forms

cataclinal positive

Morphology

cataclinal = clinal (semi-transparent) = cata + clin + al

The meaning is built regularly from the scientific prefix cata- 'down' plus the base adjective clinal, but the geologic sense is specialized and not obvious to most learners.

Etymology

Cataclinal comes from Greek parts cata- 'down' and -cline, the same root you see in incline and decline meaning 'to lean'. So, a cataclinal valley or river 'runs down' in the same direction as the tilt of the rock layers.