What is tectonic letdown?

Tectonic letdown refers to the process where the Earth's crust experiences a reduction in tectonic stress, often following the release of accumulated strain during seismic events like earthquakes. This phenomenon can lead to the gradual subsidence or sinking of the terrain, as the crust adjusts to the new stress equilibrium. Tectonic letdown can also influence volcanic activity by changing the pressure conditions in the Earth's crust. Overall, it highlights the dynamic nature of Earth's geological processes.