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tectonics |
Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Medical, Wikipedia, Hutchinson | 0.02 sec. |
tectonicsScientific study of the deformation of the rocks that make up the Earth's crust and the forces that produce such deformation. It deals with the folding and faulting associated with mountain building; the large-scale, gradual, upward and downward movements of the crust; and sudden horizontal displacements along faults. Other phenomena studied include igneous processes and metamorphism. The chief working principle of tectonics is the concept of plate tectonics. See also continental drift; seafloor spreading. tectonics the study of the processes by which the earth's crust has attained its present structure tectonics [tek′tän·iks] (civil engineering) The science and art of construction with regard to use and design. Design relating to crustal deformations of the earth. (geology) A branch of geology that deals with regional structural and deformational features of the earth's crust, including the mutual relations, origin, and historical evolution of the features. Also known as geotectonics. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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| Some crop up along mid-ocean ridges, where Earth's tectonic plates spread apart. Tectonic Engineering & Surveying Consultants P. Geologists have a convincing explanation: major earthquakes occur when tectonic plates beneath large mountains shift and snap. |
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