Tectonic forces
Tectonic forces are the powerful movements of the Earth's crust caused by the heat from the Earth's interior. These forces are responsible for the shifting of large sections of the Earth's surface, known as tectonic plates. The interactions between these plates can lead to various geological events, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountains.
The Earth's lithosphere, which includes the crust and the upper mantle, is divided into several tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them. When these plates collide, pull apart, or slide past each other, they create stress that can result in significant geological changes. Understanding tectonic forces is essential for studying the Earth's geology and predicting natural disasters.