How do tectonic plates affect geographical features on Earth?.

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries, resulting in various geographical features. Here’s how they affect the Earth's surface:

Key Facts

• The Earth's lithosphere is divided into approximately 15 major tectonic plates.
• Plate movements can cause earthquakes, which occur about 20,000 times annually worldwide.
• The Himalayas were formed from the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates around 50 million years ago.
• The Pacific Ring of Fire is home to 75% of the world’s active volcanoes, driven by tectonic activity.

Examples or Use Cases

• Mountain ranges like the Andes and Rockies have formed due to tectonic uplift and collision.
• The Great Rift Valley in East Africa is an example of a tectonic plate diverging, creating a rift.

FAQs

What causes tectonic plates to move? Tectonic plates move due to convection currents in the mantle.

How do tectonic plates create earthquakes? Earthquakes occur when stress builds up along fault lines, causing sudden releases of energy.