Tectonics is the study of the Earth's crust and the large-scale processes that deform it, such as the movement of tectonic plates, earthquakes, and mountain building. Researchers in this field use a combination of geophysical, geological, and geodetic techniques to understand how and why the Earth's tectonic plates move and interact with each other. Tectonics plays a crucial role in shaping the Earth's surface and controlling the distribution of natural resources, as well as influencing earthquake and volcanic activity.