What is the definition of a foot wall in geology?

In geology, the term "foot wall" refers specifically to the block of rock that is located below the fault plane. When viewing a fault, the foot wall is the part of the geological structure that is lowest in relation to the fault surface. This terminology is often used in the context of dip-slip faults, where the movement is vertical. The foot wall contrasts with the hanging wall, which is the block of rock that is situated above the fault plane. Understanding this distinction is essential for analyzing geological formations and their movements, particularly in relation to mining, earthquakes, and tectonic activities. This definition highlights the relative positions of the two sides of a fault and provides context for various geological processes and structures associated with fault lines.