Tectonic history is the study of the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's lithosphere over millions of years. This field of research focuses on the movements of tectonic plates, the formation of mountain ranges, the opening and closing of ocean basins, and the development of continents. By studying tectonic history, geologists can better understand the Earth's past environments and how they have influenced the evolution of life on the planet. This research area is important for predicting future geological events, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and for understanding the distribution of natural resources.