Final answer:
Geology is the study of Earth's crust and its processes, including plate tectonics. Plate tectonics explains the movement of Earth's crust and its impact on geological activity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Geology is the study of Earth's crust and the processes that have shaped its surface throughout history. It focuses on understanding the formation of mountains, volcanoes, valleys, and other landforms. Plate tectonics is a fundamental concept in geology, explaining how the Earth's crust is composed of separate plates that move, causing earthquakes and volcanic activities. Plate tectonics also contributes to the creation of mountain ranges and the overall geological activity of the planet. It is an essential topic for high school students studying geology.