Which term describes a type of geological fault that increases in thickness on the downthrown side?

The term that describes a type of geological fault that increases in thickness on the downthrown side is known as a growth fault. Growth faults are typically associated with basins and depositional environments where sediment accumulates. In these settings, the fault develops as sediment is deposited, allowing the hanging wall to move downwards while the footwall is pushed upwards. This process accommodates the new material being deposited, thus leading to a thickening of layers on the downthrown side of the fault.

Understanding growth faults is crucial in fields such as petroleum geology and civil engineering because they influence sediment distribution, reservoir formation, and the structural integrity of geological formations.