In geology and materials science, a deformation mechanism is a process occurring at a microscopic scale that is responsible for deformation: changes in a material's internal structure, shape and volume.[1][2] The process involves planar discontinuity and/or displacement of atoms from their original position within a crystal lattice structure.[1][3] These small changes are preserved in various microstructures of materials such as rocks, metals and plastics, and can be studied in depth using optical or digital microscopy.[1]
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