Tectonic processes refer to the movement and interaction of the Earth's lithospheric plates, which shape the planet's surface and drive phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain building. These processes are primarily driven by the heat from the Earth's interior, causing plates to diverge, converge, or slide past each other at their boundaries.

Tectonic Processes

Tectonic processes

Movement of the Earth's lithospheric plates

interaction of the Earth's lithospheric plates

Earth's lithospheric plates

planet's surface

Earthquakes are sudden, rapid shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. They can lead to significant destruction and are measured using the Richter scale, with their epicenter being the point directly above the origin of the quake on the Earth's surface.

earthquakes

Volcanic activity encompasses the processes and phenomena associated with the eruption of magma, gases, and ash from beneath the Earth's crust to its surface, often forming volcanic landforms. It plays a crucial role in shaping the Earth's landscape, influencing climate, and impacting ecosystems and human societies through both constructive and destructive events.

volcanic activity

Mountain building, or orogeny, is the geological process by which tectonic plate movements and volcanic activity create mountain ranges. This process involves complex interactions between the Earth's crust and mantle, resulting in the uplift, folding, and faulting of rock layers over millions of years.

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