What is an anticline in geological terms?

An anticline is defined as a fold in geological terms that resembles an arch. It is characterized by a symmetrical arrangement of rock layers, where the oldest strata are found at the core of the fold, and the layers dip outward from the center. This particular folding occurs due to tectonic forces that compress the earth's crust, resulting in upward bulging.

This understanding connects to the concept of rock deformation and the dynamics of plate tectonics, as anticlines often form in regions experiencing compressional stress, such as at convergent plate boundaries.

In contrast, the other options describe different geological concepts. The first choice refers to a fold with rock strata that bend downward, which more accurately describes a syncline. The third choice identifies a strike-slip fault, which involves lateral movement of rock layers, rather than folding. The last choice mentions a sequence of sedimentary rocks, which is a description of rock stratigraphy but does not pertain to the structural form that defines an anticline.