Question

Why might most of the world's volcanic belts be located in the same places as the Earth's earthquake belts? Which of the following options provides evidence for the theory of plate tectonics?

A) The movement of tectonic plates causes both volcanic activity and earthquakes.
B) Volcanic belts and earthquake belts are unrelated phenomena.
C) The Earth's core is responsible for both volcanic activity and earthquakes.
D) The distribution of volcanic belts is random and not related to plate tectonics.

Answer 1

Most of the world's volcanic belts are located in the same places as the Earth's earthquake belts because they are both related to the movement of tectonic plates. Plate tectonics explains the distribution of volcanoes and earthquakes, with different types of plate boundaries leading to different geological activity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reason why most of the world's volcanic belts are located in the same places as the Earth's earthquake belts is because they are both related to the movement of tectonic plates. Plate tectonics is the theory that explains the movement of the Earth's crust, and it helps us understand the distribution of volcanoes and earthquakes. Divergent plate boundaries, where plates move away from each other, are characterized by shallow earthquakes and some volcanism. Convergent plate boundaries, where plates collide, have a range of earthquake depths and often result in volcanic activity due to subduction. Transform plate boundaries, where plates slide past each other, typically have shallow earthquakes and no volcanoes.