Diastrophism

diastrophism

 or tectonism

Large-scale deformation of the Earth's crust by natural processes, which leads to the formation of continents and ocean basins, mountain systems and rift valleys, and other features by mechanisms such as lithospheric plate movement (see plate tectonics), volcanic loading, or folding. The study of diastrophism, or tectonic processes, is the central unifying principle in modern geology and geophysics.

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diastrophism [dī′as·trə‚fiz·əm]

(geology)

The general process or combination of processes by which the earth's crust is deformed.

The results of this deforming action.

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Diastrophism 

(orogeny, folding), the intensified manifestation of all endogenetic processes, chiefly tectonic movements producing plicate and rupture dislocations, mountain building, and other changes in the structure of the earth’s crust. The term “diastrophism” was introduced at the end of the 19th century by the American geologist G. Gilbert and is widely used abroad.