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What theory explains the movement of continents and changes in the Earth's crust?
Orogeny
Plate Tectonics
Volcanism
Seismology
The correct answer is: Plate Tectonics
Plate tectonics is the theory that explains the movement of the Earth's continents and the dynamic changes occurring in the Earth's crust. This theory posits that the Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large and rigid plates that float on top of the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath. These tectonic plates constantly move and interact at their boundaries, which can result in various geological activities such as the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. The theory encompasses the processes causing the plates to move, including convection currents in the mantle, slab pull, and ridge push. It also explains the historical and ongoing changes in the Earth's crust through continental drift, which describes how continents have shifted position over geological time. In contrast, orogeny specifically refers to the processes involved in the formation of mountains, while volcanism pertains to volcanic activity and the phenomena associated with it. Seismology is the study of earthquakes and the propagation of elastic waves through the Earth, focusing more on the effects of tectonic movements rather than the overarching theory explaining those movements.