geosyncline
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.geo·syn·cline
noun \-ˈsin-ˌklīn\Definition of GEOSYNCLINE
: a great downward flexure of the earth's crust
— geo·syn·cli·nal \-ˌsin-ˈklī-nəl\ adjective
First Known Use of GEOSYNCLINE
1895
geosyncline
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)Linear trough of subsidence of the Earth's crust, in which vast amounts of sediment accumulate. The filling of a geosyncline with thousands or tens of thousands of feet of sediment is accompanied by folding, crumpling, and faulting of the deposits. Intrusion of crystalline igneous rock and regional uplift complete the transformation into a belt of folded mountains. The concept was introduced by James Hall in 1859 and is basic to the theory of mountain building. See also Andean Geosyncline; Appalachian Geosyncline; Cordilleran Geosyncline.
Learn More About GEOSYNCLINE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: geotactic
Previous Word in the Dictionary: geosynchronous
All Words Near: geosyncline
Previous Word in the Dictionary: geosynchronous
All Words Near: geosyncline
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up geosyncline? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
