1. The process of large-scale, slow vertical movement of the Earth's crust, resulting in the uplift or subsidence of continental regions without significant folding or faulting.
Usage: geology; technical term

Examples

• Epeirogeny shaped the formation of vast continental plateaus over millions of years.
• The gradual epeirogeny of the region caused the ancient seabed to rise above sea level.
• Geologists study epeirogeny to understand how continents have been uplifted and depressed throughout Earth's history.
• Unlike orogeny, which involves mountain building through folding and faulting, epeirogeny produces broader, gentler vertical movements.
• The epeirogeny of the Colorado Plateau elevated the region without creating the intense deformation seen in mountain ranges.