Here's why:
* Compression: Continental-continental convergence is characterized by compressional forces. The two plates are pushing against each other.
* Upward Movement: This compression causes the rocks to be squeezed and shortened. The hanging wall (the block above the fault plane) moves upwards relative to the footwall (the block below the fault plane).
* Reverse Fault Definition: Reverse faults are characterized by this upward movement of the hanging wall, creating a steep dip angle.
Other related features:
* Folding: Compression can also lead to the formation of folds in the rock layers.
* Mountain Building: Continental-continental collisions are responsible for creating some of the world's highest mountain ranges, like the Himalayas.
* Thrust Faults: Thrust faults are a specific type of reverse fault with a very shallow dip angle. They often occur in association with larger mountain ranges.
Important Note: While reverse faulting is the dominant type in continental-continental collisions, there can be other types of faulting present depending on the specific geological conditions.
