Final answer:
Tectonic plates are large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. Their movements result in geological events and shape the Earth's surface.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tectonic plates are large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle to form the Earth's surface. There are seven major tectonic plates and several smaller ones that are constantly moving and interacting with each other. These interactions result in various geological events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountain ranges.
For example, the Pacific Plate is the largest tectonic plate and is responsible for the formation of the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area characterized by frequent volcanic eruptions and seismic activity.
Understanding tectonic plates and their movements is important in studying and predicting these geological events, as well as in understanding the distribution of continents, oceans, and mountain ranges on Earth.
Learn more about Tectonic plates