Which statement best describes the function of tectonic plates?

The function of tectonic plates is best described by their involvement in the formation of earthquakes and mountains due to their movement. Tectonic plates are large segments of the Earth's lithosphere that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them. As these plates move, they can collide, pull apart, or slide against each other, which leads to various geological phenomena.

When two tectonic plates converge, for instance, one plate may be forced beneath another in a process known as subduction, often resulting in the formation of mountain ranges. The movement of these plates can also cause stress to build up along faults, and when this stress is released, it results in earthquakes. Therefore, tectonic plate movements are directly responsible for significant geological activity, shaping the Earth's landscape and creating seismic events.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of tectonic plates. Weather patterns are influenced by atmospheric conditions and are not directly caused by tectonic plate activity. The atmosphere around the Earth is created by a combination of factors including the Earth's gravity and its external influences. Tectonic plates do not maintain the Earth's magnetic field; rather, the magnetic field is generated by the movement of molten iron within the Earth’s outer core. Thus, understanding the movement of tect