Tectonics

Tectonics are the processes that result in the structure and properties of the <a href="/facts/Earth%27s_crust/VSy2u31r">Earth's crust</a> and its evolution through time. The field of planetary tectonics extends the concept to other planets and moons.
These processes include those of <a href="/facts/Orogeny/XrvRMpsw">mountain-building</a>, the growth and behavior of the strong, old cores of continents known as <a href="/facts/Craton/fSuY37IC">cratons</a>, and the ways in which the relatively rigid <a href="/facts/Tectonic_plate/CvbfSfeC">plates</a> that constitute the Earth's outer shell interact with each other. Principles of tectonics also provide a framework for understanding the <a href="/facts/Earthquake/NGjIzagw">earthquake</a> and <a href="/facts/Volcanic_belt/DlLTsxuN">volcanic belts</a> that directly affect much of the global population.
Tectonic studies are important as guides for <a href="/facts/Economic_geology/cF2pYDjq">economic geologists</a> searching for <a href="/facts/Fossil_fuel/BPgxAqB7">fossil fuels</a> and <a href="/facts/Ore_deposit/kgc9DssX">ore deposits</a> of metallic and nonmetallic resources. An understanding of tectonic principles can help <a href="/facts/Geomorphology/MDf2I2h5">geomorphologists</a> to explain <a href="/facts/Erosion_and_tectonics/ShDxqzuH">erosion patterns</a> and other Earth-surface features.

Tectonics open-in-new

Tectonics