Continentesmarées

Continentesmarées is a conceptual term that explores the hypothetical phenomenon of continents being significantly influenced by tidal forces on a geological timescale. While the Earth's oceans experience daily tides due to the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun, the concept of "continentesmarées" speculates on a more profound and slow-acting tidal effect on the Earth's crust itself.

This theory suggests that over millions of years, the gravitational forces could cause a measurable deformation or "bulge" in the solid continental masses, analogous to how ocean tides are formed. The immense mass and rigidity of continents, however, mean that such effects would be extremely subtle and likely require vast periods of time to manifest noticeably. Potential consequences, if such forces were strong enough, could include slow, large-scale crustal movements, influencing tectonic plate dynamics or even contributing to the long-term geological evolution of landforms.

It is important to note that "continentesmarées" is largely a theoretical construct within geophysics and does not represent a widely accepted or empirically proven phenomenon in the same way that oceanic tides are. Current scientific understanding of plate tectonics and mantle convection provides more robust explanations for continental movement and geological change. Nevertheless, the idea prompts consideration of the various forces that might shape our planet over eons.