Tectonic (adjective)

Relating to the structure or movement of the Earth's crust.

Origin:

From greek tēktōnikos, from tēktōn "builder".

Examples:

1. The earthquake was caused by tectonic plates shifting.
2. The geologist studied the tectonic activity of the area.
3. The tectonic plates are constantly moving.
4. The mountain range was formed by tectonic uplift.
5. The tectonic activity caused the volcano to erupt.