Seismic upheaval refers to a violent disturbance or a major change, usually associated with earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. Synonyms for this term include seismic activity, tectonic shift, ground shaking, tremor, quake, and seismic disturbance. Other words that are related to seismic upheaval include geological disturbances, earth movements, and natural disasters. These words are often used when describing the effects of major tectonic events and their impact on human populations and the environment. While the term seismic upheaval specifically refers to geological events, its synonyms can also refer to social and political changes that are similarly disruptive and transformative.