tectonics
plate tectonics
plate tectonic theory

For a long time, plate tectonics was the same way.

The question of when plate tectonics began is a major research area.

Plate tectonics as a science is less than 40 years old.

This work was a major step in the development of plate tectonics.

This is because of the process known as plate tectonics.

I would guess it's related to plate tectonics in some way.

They have formed at various times since plate tectonics began on Earth.

As a likely consequence, plate tectonics will come to an end.

"John has some interesting thoughts on plate tectonics that you might like to hear."

The basic cause is likely to be some aspect of plate tectonics.