What is the theory of plate tectonics primarily about?

The theory of plate tectonics is fundamentally about a model that describes the movement of the Earth's lithospheric plates. These plates float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them, and their interactions are responsible for many geological phenomena including earthquakes, the formation of mountains, and the creation of new oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges. This theory revolutionized the geosciences by providing a unified explanation for various geological processes and features that were previously thought to be unrelated.

The movement of these tectonic plates occurs due to the heat generated from the Earth's interior, which causes convection currents in the mantle. The boundaries where these plates interact—such as convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries—are crucial areas of study within the field. This theory has significant implications for understanding not only the geological history of the Earth but also present-day geological activity.

Other options presented, such as the study of ocean currents and waves, climate change, or the mechanisms of volcanic eruptions, focus on specific aspects of Earth science that do not encompass the broader, foundational principles inherent in plate tectonics. While aspects of volcanic eruptions can be influenced by plate tectonics, the theory itself is centered on the movement and interaction of tectonic plates rather than these other processes