Fine-Scale Creep

Fine-scale creep is a slow, steady deformation of materials or geological features, occurring gradually over time under constant stress. It often happens in structures like rocks or metals when subjected to prolonged pressure or heat, causing them to deform very slowly. In nature, this process contributes to the gradual movement of tectonic plates and the shaping of landscapes. Unlike sudden fractures or fractures that happen quickly, fine-scale creep is a continuous, subtle change that can influence stability and long-term behavior of materials or geological formations.