Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with one another. These plates float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them, and their movements can cause earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges. The Earth's surface is divided into several major and minor tectonic plates, including the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. The interactions between tectonic plates occur at their boundaries, which can be classified as divergent, convergent, or transform. For example, at divergent boundaries, plates move apart, creating new crust, while at convergent boundaries, plates collide, leading to subduction and mountain building. Understanding tectonic plates is crucial for comprehending geological processes and the Earth's dynamic nature.