Understanding where fault lines pass in the world involves a combination of geological studies, historical earthquake data, and modern technology. Here are the key steps and methods used to identify and map fault lines:

1. Geological Field Studies

- Rock Deformation Analysis: Geologists examine rock formations for signs of deformation, such as folds, fractures, and fault lines, which indicate past tectonic activity.

-Fault Scarp Identification: Fault scarps (cliffs or slopes formed by fault movement) are visible evidence of fault lines on the Earth's surface.

-Stratigraphic Analysis: Studying layers of rock (stratigraphy) can reveal offsets or displacements caused by faulting.

2. Seismic Data Analysis

-Earthquake Records: Fault lines are often identified by analyzing the locations of past earthquakes. Earthquakes typically occur along tectonic plate boundaries or fault zones.

-Seismographs: These instruments record seismic waves generated by earthquakes, helping scientists pinpoint the epicenters and map fault lines.

-Focal Mechanism Solutions: This technique uses seismic wave data to determine the orientation and movement of faults.

3. Satellite and Remote Sensing Technology

- GPS and InSAR: Satellite-based technologies like GPS (Global Positioning System) and InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) measure ground deformation over time, revealing active fault lines.

-Topographic Mapping: High-resolution satellite imagery and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) can detect subtle surface features associated with fault lines.

4. Geophysical Surveys

- Seismic Reflection and Refraction: These methods use sound waves to create images of subsurface structures, helping identify fault lines beneath the Earth's surface.

- Gravity and Magnetic Surveys: Variations in gravity and magnetic fields can indicate the presence of faults, especially in areas where they are not visible on the surface.

5. Historical and Paleoseismology Studies

- Historical Records: Historical accounts of earthquakes and their impacts can provide clues about the location of fault lines.

- Paleoseismology: This field studies ancient earthquakes by examining geological evidence, such as sediment layers and displaced landforms, to identify fault lines that may not be currently active.

6. Global Tectonic Plate Maps

- Fault lines are often associated with the boundaries of tectonic plates. By studying global tectonic plate maps, scientists can predict where major fault lines are likely to exist.

7. Public Databases and Resources

- Organizations like the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the Global Seismic Hazard Assessment Program (GSHAP), and the International Seismological Centre (ISC) provide publicly accessible fault line maps and earthquake data.

8. Computer Modeling

- Advanced computer models simulate tectonic plate movements and stress accumulation, helping predict the locations of fault lines and potential earthquake risks.

I think by combining these methods, scientists can accurately map fault lines and understand their behavior, which is crucial for earthquake hazard assessment and mitigation.

Our planet is split by rifts. There are three of them. The Southern Hemisphere rises from the mantle (Antarctica rises). The Northern Hemisphere sinks into the mantle in the Arctic Ocean.

This main process is superimposed by plate tectonics (a secondary process). The boundaries of tectonic plates are spreading, subduction, and obduction zones. The plates are isostatically compensated. Tectonic plates do not sink or rise. They are "recycled". The exception is the African Plate. The plates "don't know" that there are rifts on the planet. This is a different scale of fractals.

Tectonic plates are divided into tectonic blocks. Tectonic blocks have clear dimensions. This is 140x140 km, 70x70 km, 35x35 km... or it is 280x280 km, 560x560 km, 1120x1120 km. There are several systems of block orientation. These are new blocks (along meridians and parallels), these are old blocks, these are very old blocks, these are very very old blocks... Tectonic blocks "don't know" that there are plates and rifts on the planet. This is a different scale of fractals.

This was discovered by the academician from Ukraine Tyapkin K.F.

One of the useful tools for delineating fault lines is geophysical potential field maps (especially aeromagnetic maps)