Answer:
Plate tectonics is the theory that Earth's outer layer is composed of a number of large, rigid plates that move relative to one another. The movement of these plates is responsible for the creation of landforms and the shaping of Earth's surface over time.
There is a lot of evidence for the movement of these plates. For example, the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes around the world is consistent with the movement of plates. In addition, the way that the rocks on the Earth's surface are arranged and the way that they have been deformed over time also provide evidence for the movement of plates.
There are three main types of plate boundaries: convergent boundaries, where two plates are moving toward each other; divergent boundaries, where two plates are moving away from each other; and transform boundaries, where two plates are sliding past each other.
At a convergent boundary, one plate will usually be pushed beneath the other, a process known as subduction. This can lead to the creation of mountain ranges, as well as the formation of volcanoes.
At a divergent boundary, the plates are moving away from each other, which can create gaps in the Earth's crust. This can result in the formation of new crust, as well as the creation of features such as rift valleys and mid-ocean ridges.
At a transform boundary, the plates are moving past each other, which can cause earthquakes and the formation of faults. This type of boundary is often associated with the creation of strike-slip faults, where the ground on either side of the fault is moving in opposite directions.
Overall, the theory of plate tectonics helps us to understand how the Earth's surface has changed over time and how landforms are created. The movement of the plates is a slow process, but it is ultimately responsible for the shaping of Earth's surface and the creation of the landforms that we see today.
Step-by-step explanation: