What results from the shifting of tectonic plates and leads to the creation of new features on Earth?

Study for the GED Social Studies Test. Practice with quizzes and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready to excel on your exam!

The correct answer, landforms, refers to the various physical features of the Earth's surface that are shaped by geological processes, including the movement of tectonic plates. When these plates shift, they can cause earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the uplift or subsidence of land, which can create mountains, valleys, and other types of landforms. For instance, the collision of tectonic plates can lead to the formation of mountain ranges, while the separation of plates can create rift valleys. This process is a fundamental aspect of physical geography and is responsible for the dynamic nature of the Earth's surface.

The other choices, while related to Earth and its systems, do not directly result from the shifting of tectonic plates. Ecosystems are formed by the interaction between living organisms and their environment, which can be influenced by landforms but are not created by tectonic activity itself. Weather patterns are driven by atmospheric conditions and the planet's climate systems, rather than by tectonic movements. Cities, on the other hand, are human-made structures and do not emerge from geological processes directly influenced by tectonics. Thus, landforms are the most accurate choice in this context.

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