ProLesson 2 of 37 min read

How tectonic plates cause earthquakes and volcanoes

See how moving plates build up stress that is released as earthquakes, and how rock melts at plate boundaries and hotspots to feed volcanoes.

Earthquakes and volcanoes can seem random, but most happen in long, narrow belts around the world. Those belts trace the edges of tectonic plates. Once you understand how plates move, you can predict where these hazards are likely and explain why.

Vidi Pro

Keep going with Pro.

The first lesson of every class is free. Pro opens every lesson in IELTS, Programming, Mathematics, Science and Data and AI, with practice questions.

Already have Pro? Log in to keep reading.

See Vidi Pro Log in

Written with AI help. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.