These animations illustrate several key elements of plate tectonics and show examples of how Earth's tectonic plates have moved over time. Watch Pangea split apart and form the modern continents, see mountains form in western North America and watch India collide with Asia. Animations created by Christopher R. Scotese, PALEOMAP Project/Northwestern University, and Ben A. van der Pluijm, University of Michigan. Read more about plate tectonics here: https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/

Mountains are born from the incredible power of geology! Plate Tectonics: Shifting tectonic plates pushing, pulling, and colliding can create massive uplifts, forming mountains. Volcanic Activity: Eruptions spewing lava and ash solidify over time, building volcanic mountain ranges. Erosion: Wind, water, and ice tirelessly sculpt mountains, shaping their peaks and valleys over millennia. These colossal forces, acting over vast stretches of time, have carved our planet's majestic mountain ranges.

Volcanoes are as dangerous as they are majestic. Over 50 eruptions rock our planet every year. This video helps you understand what causes volcanoes to form and erupt—and shows where they are most likely to be found. | National Geographic TV