What Causes Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions?

Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are caused by the movement of the Earth's tectonic plates. In areas where tectonic plates meet, known as plate boundaries, the movement can result in significant seismic activity. Earthquakes occur when the plates grind against each other or when one plate is forced under another, releasing built-up energy. Volcanic eruptions, on the other hand, happen when molten rock (magma) from the Earth's mantle is forced to the surface, often at plate boundaries. These natural phenomena play a crucial role in shaping our planet's surface and are important topics in Grade 9 Physical Geography studies, especially in the context of South Africa.