Here's why:
* Epeirogeny refers to large-scale, vertical movements of Earth's crust, resulting in the uplift or subsidence of continents or broad regions.
* Deformation is a fundamental aspect of epeirogeny. While the uplift may be gradual and widespread, it involves the bending, warping, and stretching of the Earth's crust. This deformation can lead to:
* Folding: The bending of rock layers.
* Faulting: The fracturing and displacement of rock layers.
* Upwarping: The dome-like uplift of a large area.
* Basins: Areas of subsidence, often caused by the downward movement of the crust.
In summary, while epeirogeny involves significant vertical movements, it is not simply an uplift without deformation. The process inherently involves some degree of crustal deformation.