In practice, a paleostress tensor may be quantified based on the measurement of certain geological structures (e.g. faults), whose specific geometries and spatial organization are theoretically linked to the parameters of the tensor (see paleostress inversion).
The latter are quantified through inversion of the structures measured in the field (or potentially on rock samples in the lab).
[citation needed] Paleostress is a subset of mechanical stress within geology.
Variations in stress fields within the Earth's crust can result in a variety of mechanical responses: Traditionally, deformations (either folding or fracturing—without dissolution) are collectively termed mechanical strain.
A number of regional studies of paleostresses has been undertaken, including Europe;[4] North America;[5][6] and Australia.