allochthon
Sign in to saveAlso known as allochthonous block
thumb|right|upright=1.6|Schematic overview of a thrust system. The hanging wall block is (when it has reasonable proportions) called a nappe. If an [[erosional hole is created in the nappe that is called a window. A klippe is a solitary outcrop of the nappe in the middle of autochthonous material.]]
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thumb|right|upright=1.6|Schematic overview of a thrust system. The hanging wall block is (when it has reasonable proportions) called a nappe. If an [[erosional hole is created in the nappe that is called a window. A klippe is a solitary outcrop of the nappe in the middle of autochthonous material.]]
An allochthon, or an allochthonous block, is a large block of rock which has been moved from its original site of formation, usually by low angle thrust faulting. The term is derived from Greek: allo, meaning other, and chthon, meaning earth. For other possible mechanisms see obduction.