tectonics
n. uncountable C1 Advanced US //tɛkˈtɑnɪks// UK //tɛktˈɒnɪks// tec·ton·ics
n. the study of how the Earth's surface moves and changes over time. It explains how mountains form and why earthquakes happen.
n. the study of the structure and evolution of the Earth's crust and its large-scale structures. Often used in the context of plate tectonics to describe the movement of the Earth's lithosphere.
The mountain range was formed by tectonic activity.
Geologists study tectonics to understand how the movement of the Earth's plates creates new landforms.
The theory of plate tectonics revolutionized our understanding of the Earth's surface, explaining how continents drift and how seismic activity is distributed globally.
Ancient Greek τέκτων (téktōn, “builder”).