Definitions

1. noun

A large, stable, and ancient region of the Earth’s lithosphere, typically formed from the Precambrian crust.

“The craton of Africa is one of the oldest and most stable geological regions on the continent.”

2. noun

A region of the Earth’s crust that has been relatively unchanged for billions of years and has a very low rate of tectonic activity.

“The cratons of North America are characterized by their ancient and stable geological features.”