The movement of large plates on Earth is primarily caused by the process known as plate tectonics. Plate tectonics is driven by the movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which consists of several large and small plates floating on the semi-fluid layer underneath called the asthenosphere.
Volcanoes, on the other hand, are most commonly formed at plate boundaries. There are primarily two types of plate boundaries where volcanoes are commonly found: convergent boundaries and divergent boundaries.
Convergent boundaries occur when two plates collide, causing one plate to be forced beneath the other in a process known as subduction. This subduction creates a zone of intense heat and pressure, leading to the melting of the subducted plate and the formation of a volcanic belt, often referred to as a "volcanic arc." Examples include the Cascades in the United States, the Andes in South America, and the Ring of Fire around the Pacific Ocean.
Divergent boundaries occur when two plates move away from each other, creating a gap where magma rises from the mantle to fill the void. This process leads to the formation of new oceanic crust and volcanic activity. The most famous example of a divergent boundary is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where new volcanic material continuously forms in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
In summary, the movement of large plates is responsible for plate tectonics, while plate boundaries, particularly convergent and divergent boundaries, are responsible for the formation of volcanoes.
Which is responsible for the movement of large plates, and formation of volcanoes
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