noun
overthrust fault
A geological fault where older rock is pushed over younger rock due to compressional forces. Technical term used in geology.
この地域には押し被せ断層が多く見られる。
Many overthrust faults can be seen in this region.
Standard kanji spelling for this geological term.
Alternate spelling with かぶせ in kana; less common but still used.
Compound of 押し被せ (oshikabuse, 'pushing over') + 断層 (dansō, 'fault'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the spelling is conventionally associated with the geological meaning.