What does the term compression refer to in geological terms?

The term compression in geological terms specifically refers to the process where tectonic plates are pushed together, resulting in the shortening and thickening of the Earth's crust. This occurs at convergent plate boundaries where two plates collide. The immense pressure generated by this collision leads to various geological phenomena, including the formation of mountain ranges and earthquakes. As the plates converge, the crust bends, folds, and can even be thrust over another plate, resulting in an uplift that characterizes many mountainous regions. This process is crucial in understanding features such as the Himalayas, which were formed as a result of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates.