What causes earthquakes and volcanoes is it convection currents movement of tectonic plates waves under the ocean or tsunamis?

Answer 1

Earthquakes and volcanoes are primarily caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

1. Tectonic Plate Movement: The Earth's lithosphere (the rigid outer layer) is divided into several large and small tectonic plates. These plates are constantly moving due to convection currents in the asthenosphere (a layer of semi-fluid rock beneath the lithosphere). The movement of these plates can cause earthquakes and volcanic activity.

2. Earthquakes: When tectonic plates move, they can sometimes get stuck due to friction. As the plates continue to push against each other, stress builds up along the boundaries. Eventually, the stress becomes greater than the strength holding the plates together, causing them to slip and release energy in the form of seismic waves. This release of energy is what we experience as an earthquake.

3. Volcanoes: Volcanic activity occurs at certain plate boundaries. When two plates are moving apart (divergent boundary) or colliding with each other (convergent boundary), magma (molten rock) is produced beneath the Earth's surface. This magma rises to the surface through fractures or vents, resulting in volcanic eruptions.

Waves under the ocean and tsunamis are not direct causes of earthquakes and volcanoes, but they can be triggered by the energy released during earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. Tsunamis, specifically, are usually generated by large undersea earthquakes, when the seafloor suddenly moves up or down, displacing a significant amount of water.

In summary, the main factors responsible for earthquakes and volcanoes are the movement of tectonic plates and the associated release of energy due to their interactions.