In
geology, diastrophism refers to movements of the earth's solid
crust (i.e.
plate tectonics) that result in
deformation or
displacement. The origin of these processes probably lies in
seafloor spreading.
The major categories of deformation resulting from diastrophism are
- folds, in which the rock bends but does not break,
- faults, breaks in rock accompanied by displacement, and
- joints, fractures in rock without displacement.