Which term describes stress that results from forces acting in opposite directions?

The term that accurately describes stress resulting from forces acting in opposite directions is shear stress. Shear stress occurs when two forces are applied in parallel but opposite directions, causing deformation along a plane where the forces act. This type of stress is critical in understanding geological processes such as faulting and folding, where rocks may slide past one another, typically along a fault or a weakness in the Earth's crust.

In contrast, compressional stress refers to forces that push or squeeze materials together, while tensional stress pulls materials apart. Elastic stress relates to the reversible deformation that occurs when a material returns to its original shape after the stress is removed. Understanding the different types of stress is fundamental in geology as it helps explain how rocks respond to various forces within the Earth.