A thrust fault is a type of geological fault where one block of the Earth's crust is pushed up over another. This occurs due to compressional forces, often associated with tectonic plate movements. Thrust faults can create significant geological features, such as mountain ranges, as the crust is folded and uplifted. These faults are typically characterized by a low-angle fault plane, usually less than 30 degrees. Thrust faults are common in regions of subduction zones and continental collision, where the Earth's plates interact. They can lead to earthquakes, making them important for understanding seismic activity and geological hazards.