Craton

//ˈkɹeɪtɒn// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A part of the Earth’s crust that has survived the splitting and merging of continents.

    "1988, L. L. Sloss, Chapter 1: Introduction, L. L. Sloss (editor), Sedimentary Cover—North American Craton: U.S., Geological Society of America, The Geology of North America, Volume D-2, page 2, Application of the concept of a craton circumscribed by surrounding miogeosynclines was particularly vexing to stratigraphers whose study areas extended across the line theoretically delineating distinct tectonic terranes."

  2. 2
    the part of a continent that is stable and forms the central mass of the continent; typically Precambrian wordnet

Etymology

From Ancient Greek κράτος (krátos, “strength, might”). Shortened from original cratogen which was analogical to orogen.

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