What does the movement of tectonic plates primarily cause?

The movement of tectonic plates is a fundamental process that shapes the Earth's surface and leads to significant geological activity, including earthquakes and volcanoes. As these plates shift and interact with one another, they create stress along fault lines. When the accumulated stress exceeds the strength of rocks, it is released as seismic energy, resulting in earthquakes. Similarly, when tectonic plates converge, they can force magma from the Earth's mantle to the surface, leading to volcanic eruptions. This dynamic movement is crucial in the continuous reshaping of the Earth’s landscape, making the association between tectonic plate movement and geological activity clear and direct.

The other options relate to different processes. Ocean currents are influenced by wind patterns, temperature, and salinity, rather than directly tied to tectonic movement. Weather changes are primarily driven by atmospheric conditions and climatic systems. Plant evolution, on the other hand, generally occurs over geological timescales and is affected more by environmental adaptations and natural selection than by the immediate movement of tectonic plates.