What type of fault is primarily associated with compression?

The type of fault primarily associated with compression is a thrust fault. Thrust faults occur when two tectonic plates collide, causing one plate to be pushed upward over the other. This is typical in regions experiencing compressional forces, such as convergent plate boundaries. In these areas, the Earth's crust is subjected to high pressure, leading to a shortening of the crust and the formation of mountains.

Thrust faults differ from normal faults, which occur due to extensional forces and result in the hanging wall moving down relative to the footwall. Similarly, transform faults involve lateral motion where plates slide past one another, and strike-slip faults involve horizontal movement without vertical displacement. These types of faults do not primarily result from compressional forces, marking a clear distinction from thrust faults in the context of tectonic activity.