How do plate tectonics contribute to the formation of earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain ranges by driving the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates, causing collisions, subduction, and crustal deformation along plate boundaries, and releasing energy through seismic activity and volcanic eruptions?

Plate tectonics theory explains the dynamic movement of Earth’s lithospheric plates, which float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them. These plates interact along plate boundaries, where they can converge, diverge, or slide past each other. Collisions between plates result in the formation of mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas, while subduction zones produce deep-sea trenches and volcanic arcs. Plate movements also generate earthquakes as accumulated stress is released along faults.