hanging wall
Geological term for the block of rock above a fault plane. Often contrasted with 下盤 (footwall).
See also: 下盤
The hanging wall of the fault slipped.
Investigate the relationship between the hanging wall and the footwall.
Compound of 上 (うわ, upper) and 盤 (ばん, plate/board), referring to the upper rock mass in a fault.