A normal fault is a type of geological fault where the Earth's crust is extended and one block of rock moves downward relative to another. This movement occurs due to tectonic forces that pull the crust apart, often found in regions experiencing tensional stress. Normal faults are commonly associated with divergent plate boundaries, where tectonic plates move away from each other. As the crust stretches, it can create features like rift valleys and basins. These faults play a significant role in shaping the landscape and can lead to earthquakes when the accumulated stress is released.