Final answer:
Plate tectonics is the theory that Earth's crust is divided into plates that slowly move on top of the asthenosphere. These plates are responsible for earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plate tectonics is the theory that Earth's crust is divided into plates that slowly move on top of the asthenosphere. These plates are in constant motion due to the movement of the underlying semi-fluid layer. Plate boundaries can result in various geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges. For example, the movement of the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate has resulted in the creation of the Cascade Mountain Range in the western United States.
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