terrane
/təˈreɪn/
noun
- A large block of the Earth's crust that has a distinct geological history and is often moved and attached to another continent by tectonic forces.
- This terrane contains fossils that are different from those in the surrounding area.
- Geologists study terranes to understand how continents have grown over time.
- The Wrangellia terrane in Alaska was originally formed far from North America.