Answer:Plate movements have significant effects on the Earth's upper layer, known as the lithosphere. These movements, driven by the convection currents in the mantle, shape the Earth's surface in several ways:1. Formation of LandformsMountains – When tectonic plates collide (convergent boundary), they can push land upward, forming mountains (e.g., the Himalayas).Rift Valleys – When plates move apart (divergent boundary), they create rift valleys (e.g., the East African Rift).2. EarthquakesWhen plates grind against each other at transform boundaries (e.g., the San Andreas Fault), stress builds up and is suddenly released, causing earthquakes.3. Volcanic ActivitySubduction zones (where an oceanic plate sinks beneath a continental plate) create magma, leading to volcanic eruptions (e.g., the Pacific Ring of Fire).4. Formation of Ocean Basins and TrenchesAt divergent boundaries in the ocean, magma rises to form mid-ocean ridges (e.g., the Mid-Atlantic Ridge).At subduction zones, deep trenches form (e.g., the Mariana Trench).5. Continental Drift and Climate ChangeOver millions of years, plate movements cause continents to shift (continental drift), altering ocean currents and climate patterns.In summary, plate movements constantly reshape the Earth's surface, causing natural disasters, forming landscapes, and influencing long-term environmental changes.