Final answer:
The surface features of a region are influenced by plate tectonics and local geological events like earthquakes and volcanic activity. Tectonic activity leading to the creation of mountains, movement of continents, and the occurrence of earthquakes are examples of this influence. Resources like the US Geological Survey's maps can help one understand these processes better.
Step-by-step explanation:
Surface features of regions vary significantly based on the region's geological history and the ongoing influence of plate tectonics. Plate tectonics comprises the movement of massive rocky plates under the Earth's surface, and this movement influences the creation of different surface features. Plate tectonics can cause earthquakes, the creation of mountains and other large-scale geological features, and even the drifting of continents.
Where two plates interact, various features may form. For instance, when two plates collide, they can form mountain ranges. Alternatively, interactions at tectonic boundaries can lead to volcanic activity, in areas where lava rises to the surface from the mantle. You can utilize resources such as the US Geological Survey's earthquake maps to see how tectonic activity relates to seismic events both locally and globally.
Understanding these processes is crucial in interpreting the surface features of our local region. We can identify whether our location is near tectonic plate boundaries or not and deduce the likely geological events that may have shaped and continue shaping our surroundings.
Learn more about Plate Tectonics