How do tectonic plates shape Earth's surface?

Geography

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Earth's lithosphere is divided into ~15 major tectonic plates floating on the asthenosphere. Plate interactions create landforms: Convergent (collision): oceanic-continental → volcanic mountains (Andes), subduction trenches. Continental-continental → mountain ranges (Himalayas). Divergent (separation): mid-ocean ridges (Mid-Atlantic Ridge), rift valleys (East African Rift). Transform (sliding): earthquakes (San Andreas Fault). Hotspots: volcanic islands from mantle plumes (Hawaii). Plate movement: 2-10 cm/year, driven by mantle convection currents.

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Earth's lithosphere is divided into ~15 major tectonic plates floating on the asthenosphere.

How do tectonic plates shape Earth's surface?
Geography

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ScanSolve AI Answer
Earth's lithosphere is divided into ~15 major tectonic plates floating on the asthenosphere. Plate interactions create landforms: Convergent (collision): oceanic-continental → volcanic mountains (Andes), subduction trenches. Continental-continental → mountain ranges (Himalayas). Divergent (separation): mid-ocean ridges (Mid-Atlantic Ridge), rift valleys (East African Rift). Transform (sliding): earthquakes (San Andreas Fault). Hotspots: volcanic islands from mantle plumes (Hawaii). Plate movement: 2-10 cm/year, driven by mantle convection currents.