AI overview--what is a terrane?

AI Overview Learn more A "terrane" in geology is a distinct block of Earth's crust with a unique geological history, separated from surrounding areas by faults, and often "accreted" or added to a continental plate through plate tectonic movements, essentially meaning it is a piece of crust that originated somewhere else and became part of a different landmass; sometimes called an "exotic terrane" when it's significantly different from the surrounding rocks. Key points about terranes:

Distinct geology:

A terrane has a different rock sequence and geological history compared to the rocks around it.

Fault boundaries:

Terranes are typically bounded by faults, which are fractures in the Earth's crust where tectonic movement occurs.

Accretion process:

When a terrane collides with a continental plate and becomes attached to it, this is called accretion.

Exotic terranes:

If a terrane originated far away from where it is now located, it is considered an "exotic terrane".