A downfold in rock layers is specifically referred to as what?

A downfold in rock layers is specifically referred to as a syncline. This term describes a geological structure where rock layers curve downward, forming a trough-like shape. In a syncline, the youngest layers of rock typically lie in the center, while older layers are found on the outside. This is a key characteristic that differentiates it from other geological formations.

In contrast, an anticline is the opposite structure, where rock layers arch upward. This distinction is important in understanding how geological forces affect the rock strata and the geological history of a region. Faults involve fractures in the Earth's crust where blocks of land have moved, rather than a folding of rock layers. Stratum refers more broadly to a layer of sedimentary rock or soil with internally consistent characteristics that distinguish it from other layers. Understanding these terms is crucial for interpreting geological formations and the processes that shape the Earth’s crust.