a large, rigid section of the Earth's lithosphere that moves, leading to geological activity like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
tectonic plate
the scientific study of the Earth's lithosphere and the processes that shape its structure, including the movement of tectonic plates, earthquakes, and volcanic activity
构造学
(in geology) a narrow break or crack that partially divides a rock or surface without completely separating it
裂缝
a geological process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the Earth's mantle
俯冲
the gravitational balance between Earth's rigid lithosphere and the underlying, semi-fluid asthenosphere, influencing variations in surface elevation
等静压
the Earth's rigid outer layer, made up of the crust and upper mantle, and divided into tectonic plates
岩石圈
a layer of semi-fluid rock beneath the Earth's crust that allows tectonic plates to move
软流层
a landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks, characterized by sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage systems
喀斯特
the geological process of mountain building, usually occurring due to the collision or convergence of tectonic plates
造山作用
a hollow rock with a cavity inside, lined with crystals or mineral material, formed through natural processes and often valued for its aesthetic qualities
晶洞
a volcanic rock that often contains diamonds, formed during explosive eruptions from the Earth's mantle, and is of particular interest in diamond exploration and mining
金伯利岩
the geological process involving the expansion and movement of glaciers, shaping landscapes through erosion, deposition, and the formation of distinctive glacial landforms
冰川作用
a deposit of rocks, sediment, and glacial material left by a moving glacier, forming distinctive landforms along its edges or terminus
冰碛
a streamlined, elongated hill formed by glacial action, with a teardrop shape and the steeper end facing the direction of ice movement
鼓丘
the scientific study of earthquakes and seismic waves, providing insights into Earth's interior, tectonic plate movement, and earthquake hazards
地震学
a large, basin-shaped volcanic crater formed by the collapse of a volcano after a massive eruption
火山口
the physical and chemical changes occurring in sediments between their deposition and their consolidation into sedimentary rock
成岩作用