What effects do plate tectonics cause on the earths surface?
Um, everything. Plate tectonics is the scientific theory describing large rocky plates floating on top of the earth’s molten mantle. These plates have boundaries, and are in constant motion. Where these plates have boundaries, there are all sorts on interesting geological formations, including mountains, earthquake fault zones, mountains, the Mid Atlantic Ridge, thermal vents, and even the Ring of Fire around the Pacific. Mountain ranges like the Himalayas and the Rocky Mountains were created when two plates came together, and the earth’s surface buckled, very much like a car crash. Where two plates are sliding against each other, there are earthquake zones. The San Andreas Fault in southern California is an example. In some cases, one plate is being forced under another plate. This is called a subduction boundary, and it causes mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes, and also deep oceanic trenches. The Pacific Northwest states, around Washington and Oregon are examples. The last boundary i
