Which is responsible for the movement of large plates and formation of volcanoes

Answer 1

The movement of large plates and the formation of volcanoes are primarily caused by tectonic activity and the process of plate tectonics. The Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere below. These plates move due to convection currents in the asthenosphere, which are driven by heat from the Earth's interior.

At plate boundaries, different types of interactions occur. Subduction zones are areas where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another into the Earth's mantle. This process can lead to the formation of volcanoes. When the subducting plate sinks deeper into the mantle, increased temperature and pressure cause the release of volatiles, such as water, which rise to the surface and trigger the melting of the mantle rock. The resulting magma then rises and forms volcanoes.

In addition to subduction zones, volcanic activity can also occur at divergent plate boundaries where plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and create new crust. This process can form volcanic rifts and mid-ocean ridges.

Overall, it is the tectonic activity and processes associated with plate boundaries that are responsible for the movement of large plates and the formation of volcanoes.