Strike

Strike, a line at right-angles to the dip of beds of rock - the general direction, that is, of their outcrop - along which they appear horizontal, whatever their inclination. In folded rocks the strike will generally be the axis of the fold. On a level surface strike and outcrop coincide. In mining the strike is sometimes termed the level course or level bearing. The dip being ascertained, the strike will be known; but, though the strike may be known, the dip may be to one side of it or to the other. Thus, with an easterly or a westerly dip, the strike must be north and south; but with a north and sonth strike the dip may be westerly or easterly. Master-joints and faults often fo11ow the line of strike, and escarpments are worn back at right-angles to this line. [DIP, ESCARPMENT.]