transgression
n.n. a serious mistake or a crime that breaks a rule or law. In geology, it refers to a rock layer that is out of place because of an earthquake or other natural event.
n. a violation of a law, rule, or moral code; in a geological context, a rock unit that is displaced from its original position by tectonic activity.
The geologist identified a transgression in the rock layers.
The fault line caused a significant transgression, shifting the sedimentary layers several kilometers to the north.
Geological transgressions provide critical evidence for the history of sea level changes, as they indicate periods when marine sediments were deposited over previously terrestrial environments.
From Middle English transgressioun, from Old French transgression, from Late Latin trānsgressiō, from Latin trānsgressus (perfect active participle of trānsgredior (“I step across”)) + -iō.