Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Practice Test

What do we call a geological unit that consists of terranes joined along a fault zone?

1. Tectonic collage

2. Orogenic complex

3. Tectonostratigraphic terrane

4. Metamorphic zone

The correct answer is: Tectonostratigraphic terrane

The term used to describe a geological unit composed of terranes that are joined together along a fault zone is "tectonostratigraphic terrane." This classification emphasizes both the tectonic and stratigraphic characteristics of the individual terranes that have been combined through geological processes such as faulting. In this context, "terrane" refers to a fragment of the Earth's crust that has a geologic history distinct from that of neighboring fragments. The presence of a fault zone indicates that these terranes have been displaced and are adjacent to each other due to tectonic activity, such as the movement of tectonic plates. The concept of a tectonostratigraphic terrane is crucial for understanding the complex geological history of an area, especially in regions that have undergone significant tectonic events. This term is often used in studies of geology and tectonics to help categorize the diverse and varied geological history represented by different cloths of the crust that may have originated from different locations. Other terms, such as "tectonic collage" and "orogenic complex," may describe similar geological settings but with different implications or focuses. For instance, a tectonic collage may refer to an assortment of different terrains brought together through processes other than faulting,