Tektonics

The term "tektonics" (more commonly spelled "tectonics") generally refers to the study of Earth's structural features, such as the movement and deformation of its crust, which create mountains, faults, and plate boundaries. It explains how large pieces of Earth's outer layer, called tectonic plates, shift and interact over time, shaping the planet's surface. This field helps us understand geological phenomena like earthquakes, mountain-building, and continental drift by examining how these massive plates move and influence the Earth's structure.