What theory suggests that Earth’s continents were uplifted and ocean basins subsided during a global cataclysm?

The theory that suggests the uplift of Earth’s continents and the subsidence of ocean basins during a global cataclysm is known as Vertical Tectonics. This theory addresses the idea that significant vertical motion in the Earth's crust plays a crucial role in shaping the planet's topographical features, particularly in response to large-scale geological events or cataclysms. Vertical Tectonics posits that rather than lateral movements of tectonic plates being the sole driver of geological changes, vertical movements also significantly impact the architecture of the Earth's surface.

In the context of Earth's geology, the uplift of continents can lead to the formation of mountain ranges, while the subsidence of ocean basins can create deeper oceanic trenches. The notion of a global cataclysm adds an emphasis on how these processes can be influenced by sudden, dramatic changes in geological activity, which contrasts with gradual processes proposed by other theories.

Understanding why Vertical Tectonics stands out among other theories, such as Plate Tectonics, which predominantly focuses on lateral movements of tectonic plates without emphasizing vertical changes in the same manner, helps highlight the unique perspective this theory offers on Earth's geological history.