To determine the actual slip direction along a fault surface, one needs more than just an offset planar marker. Dip slip motion along a fault which is oblique to dipping beds, for example, produces strike-slip, as well as dip-slip separation. Ideally, a linear feature, such as a stream channel or fold axis could be mapped on either side. Or, two planar features, which at different orientations (eg. bedding and a dike, dipping beds and an angular unconformity) intersect to form a line, will also give the true slip.

Features within the fault zone itself can give slip information. The photos listed below are some of the more common "kinematic indicators" in brittle fault zones.

Striations

Riedel Shears

Structures in fault jogs

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