The lithosphere is broken up into tectonic plates. Choose two things that the theory of plate tectonics helps explain.

The theory of plate tectonics helps explain a wide range of geological phenomena. Here are two examples:

1. Earthquakes: The theory of plate tectonics explains why and where earthquakes occur. According to the theory, the Earth's crust is divided into several large and small pieces, known as tectonic plates. These plates float on the semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the crust. The movement, collision, and interaction of these plates at their boundaries cause earthquakes. For example, the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate interact along the San Andreas Fault in California, a hotspot for seismic activity.

2. Mountain Building: The theory also explains the formation of mountain ranges. When two tectonic plates collide, the pressure forces one or both of them to buckle up, leading to the formation of mountains. This process, known as orogeny, has led to the formation of the world's largest mountain ranges, including the Himalayas (from the collision of the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate) and the Andes (from the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate).