noun
plate tectonics
Scientific term for the theory describing the large-scale motion of Earth's lithosphere. Used in geology and earth science contexts.
プレートテクトニクスは、地震や火山活動を理解するための基本的な理論です。
Plate tectonics is a fundamental theory for understanding earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Variant with interpunct; less common but seen in some texts.
Borrowed from English 'plate tectonics', a term coined in the 1960s.