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Geology QUESTION #10675
Question 1
The apparent dip of a bed measured in any vertical section other than the true dip direction is always:
  • Greater than the true dip
  • Equal to the true dip
  • Less than the true dip✔️
  • Depends on the exact dip angle
Correct Answer Explanation
The apparent dip is always less than or equal to the true dip. The relationship is: $\tan(\alpha) = \tan(\delta) \cdot \cos(\beta)$, where $\alpha$ = apparent dip, $\delta$ = true dip, and $\beta$ = angle between the measured section and the true dip direction. When $\beta = 0°$ (section perpendicular to strike), $\cos\beta = 1$ and apparent dip equals true dip. For any other section orientation, $\cos\beta < 1$, so apparent dip $< $ true dip.