Final answer:
The continuous belt that winds more than 70,000 kilometers around the globe refers to Earth's tectonic plates. They are integral to the formation of mountains and other geological features, with the Alps as an example.
Step-by-step explanation:
The answer is a) Tectonic plates. Earth's crust and upper mantle are divided into about a dozen tectonic plates that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. These plates form a continuous belt that winds for more than 70,000 kilometers around the globe. They are involved in various geological activities including the formation of mountain ranges and large-scale geological features. For instance, the Alps are a result of the collision between the African and Eurasian plates. The theory of plate tectonics explains how slow motions within Earth's mantle move large segments of the crust, resulting in the shifting of continents over time.
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