Platform (geology)

In geology, a platform is a continental area covered by relatively flat or gently tilted, mainly sedimentary strata, which overlie a basement of consolidated igneous or metamorphic rocks of an earlier deformation.

Platforms, shields and the basement rocks together constitute cratons.

The Mesoproterozoic Jotnian sediments of the Baltic area are examples of a "quasiplatform".

[2] The post-Ordovician rocks of the South American Platform are examples of an orthoplatform.

This plate tectonics article is a stub.

Geologic provinces of the world ( USGS )
Idealized cross-section of Earth's lithosphere , including the relationship between cratons, shields and platforms (Abbreviations: cb=cratonic basin , LIP= large igneous province , MOR= mid-ocean ridge )