The theory of plate tectonics is used by secular and creationist geoscientists to explain the global distribution of mountain belts and their associated deformational structures. Contrary to secular beliefs, creationist geologists have biblical and geological reasons to suppose that mountain formation (orogeny) began during the time of Noah's Flood. Mountains rose quickly because tectonic processes operated at a greater magnitude and intensity than they do today -- creationists call this catastrophic plate tectonics (CPT) theory.