1. the branch of geology dealing with the structure of the earth’s crust and the large-scale processes that affect it
Usage: geological science
2. the process of change in the structure of the earth’s crust
Usage: geological processes

Examples

• Plate tectonics explains how continents drift over geological time.
• The study of tectonics helps scientists understand earthquake patterns.
• Mountain formation is a result of tectonic forces.
• Tectonics involves the movement of large sections of the Earth’s crust.
• The professor specialized in tectonics and seismic activity.
• Global tectonics theory revolutionized our understanding of Earth’s structure.