What framework does catastrophic plate tectonics (CPT) operate within?

Catastrophic plate tectonics (CPT) operates within a young-Earth, Flood framework, which is rooted in a specific interpretation of Earth's geological history. This perspective posits that the rapid movements of tectonic plates during a global flood event played a key role in shaping the Earth's geological features in a relatively short time. Supporters of this framework argue that geological formations and fossil distributions are best explained by such catastrophic events rather than by slow, gradual processes that dominate conventional geological thinking.

This framework contrasts with many established geological theories that explore processes over immense timescales, emphasizing a gradual buildup of Earth's features through uniformitarianism. By employing CPT, the proponents of a young-Earth view aim to reconcile the evidence from geology and scripture, suggesting that certain geological events, such as the appearances of mountain ranges or ocean basins, can be attributed to the dramatic shifts and activities during a singular, cataclysmic event, rather than extended periods of geological time.